Agriculture and the Environment in Colombia
Xiaofei Zhang

Plant Sciences
Dr. Xiaofei Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis, where he leads the small grains breeding program. As a plant breeder and geneticist, he has spent over a decade developing improved crop varieties that support sustainable farming and global food security.
His research focuses on wheat, barley, oat, and triticale, with an emphasis on boosting resilience to climate change while maintaining productivity and nutrition. Before joining UC Davis in 2024, Dr. Zhang led the global cassava breeding program at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, part of the CGIAR international research network. He has also worked on sweet potato improvement at North Carolina State University and on wheat and perennial grain crops at the University of Minnesota.
His experiences across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the U.S. have shaped his global perspective on agriculture and inspired his passion for mentoring students in sustainable crop innovation.
A Message to Students and Parents
As a plant breeder and faculty member at UC Davis, I care a lot about helping students connect what they learn in classroom to real-world problems, especially when it comes to growing food in a changing world.
Before coming to UC Davis, I led international crop breeding programs across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, working with Cassava, sweet potato, wheat, and other staple crops. These experiences taught me not only about genetics and sustainability but also the power of global collaboration and cultural exchange.
This program in Colombia offers students a unique chance to work at one of the world’s top agricultural research centers, alongside scientists and farmers tackling real-world food and climate issues. It is a safe, supportive environment where students will grow not just academically, but personally. They will come home with hands-on experience, a global perspective, and inspiration for future careers in agriculture, the environment, or international development."