Cynthia Daley
Dr. Cynthia Daley is a nationally recognized leader in regenerative agriculture and currently serves as Director and Co-founder of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems at California State University, Chico. A dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Daley has spent her career working at the intersection of sustainable farming, education, and environmental resilience. Originally from Illinois, Dr. Daley grew up in a multigenerational farming family with deep roots in Midwestern agriculture. Since joining the College of Agriculture at CSU Chico, Dr. Daley has launched several pioneering initiatives to promote ecological farming systems. In 2006, she established the Regenerative/Organic Dairy Program as one of the first programs of its kind in the western United States. Recognizing the need to scale regenerative solutions, she co-founded the Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems. The Center has become a nationally respected hub for interdisciplinary research, farmer education, technical assistance training, and policy advocacy. The Center brings together faculty, producers, and community partners to promote regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, conserve water, sequester carbon, and support rural resilience. Its core mission is rooted in the belief that agriculture, when practiced regeneratively, offers a vital pathway to reversing soil degradation and addressing climate change.
Publications
Climate Smart Agriculture:
Krach, R., Daley, C.A., & Liles, G. (2025) Climate Smart Management Practices Add Value to Mature Organic Almond Production System.) Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. March 2025. DOI 10.3389/2025.1527898
Daley, C.A., LaSalle, T., Liles, G., Tyson, D. (2025) Improving Soil Carbon Capture and Water Use Efficiency in the Palo Verde Valley. https://www.csuchico.edu/regenerativeagriculture/research/metro-district-water-soil-carbon.shtml.
Daley, C.A., LaSalle, T., Liles, G., Krach, R. (2025) Use of Multispecies Cover Crops in a No-Till Conventional Corn/bean Rotation. (2025). https://www.csuchico.edu/regenerativeagriculture/research/willcox-trial.shtml.
Daley, C.A., Liles, G., Raether, C., Myrick, S., Gilberti, D., Krach, R., Light, S., Mitchell, J.,LaSalle, T. (2023) Effect of No-Till Management on Soil Health Metrics in Organic Vegetable Production Systems. https://www.csuchico.edu/regenerativeagriculture/research/no-till-impact.shtml.
Daley, C. (2013). Amending pasture soils improves forage quality and economic return: An organic dairy case study. Eorganic.info/node/9625.
Daley, C., Abbott, A., Doyle, P.S., Nader, G.A., & Larson, S. (2010). A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Nutritional Journal. 9:10; http://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/10.
Plenary
Driving the Shift: Tools and Stories for Agricultural Adaptation in a Changing Climate
As climate pressures intensify, California’s agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges—and opportunities—for transformation. This session explores how growers are adapting through regenerative practices, innovative partnerships, and targeted support. Drawing on real-world stories from the field, we’ll highlight tools that are making a difference—from technical assistance and incentive programs to flexible educational models designed for working professionals. Participants will gain insight into what’s working on the ground, how systems are evolving to meet growers’ needs, and what it takes to drive meaningful, scalable change in today’s dynamic agricultural landscape.