Archie Jarman is the Associate Director for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture, responsible for operations and managing the program's research portfolio. As the coordinating liaison between stakeholders in international agricultural development, he works closely with global partners, and is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the community of researchers focused on improving the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities through horticulture. Jarman has been with the Innovation Lab through 2 phases, and always takes into consideration the entire horticulture value chain. He is also committed to ensuring that food is produced safely while minimizing food waste and loss, through education and promoting the adoption of postharvest technologies and innovations. 

Prior to working at UC Davis, Jarman was the manager of three USAID awards at Arcadia Biosciences in Davis, California, focused on staple crops — rice and wheat — and transgenic approaches to addressing abiotic stresses. He also worked as an intern at the Millennium Villages Project at the Earth Institute at Columbia University.  Previously, he started an NGO with a close friend in Quito, Ecuador, that still is promoting access to education to children of pastoral families who recently moved to the city. He also worked with the Foundation For the People of Burma to implement a malaria suppression program, construct a small hydro-electric dam, and develop an English lesson curriculum.  

Archie holds a master's degree in International Social Welfare Policy from Columbia University where Archie's thesis focused on whether social safety nets have an impact on reducing stunting in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Mexico — three locations where large-scale safety-net programs were recently implemented. Archie also has a master's degree in International Agricultural Development from UC Davis where Archie's thesis focused on agricultural extension with refugee horticulture producers. He also holds a bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz.

When I'm not working, you can find me ... 
Outside

What is your favorite travel tip?
Keep a snack ready for when you wake up in the middle of the night when traveling in other time zones!

Can you tell us about what drew you to this field, and what you love about it?

It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work with experts from around the world who are confronting both unique and shared challenges. This collaborative environment is what drew me to this field and continues to be a motivation to remain in this field.