Rooted in the Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, the Center for Agroecology is an organization made up of staff, faculty, and students who work to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, and public service.
58
years of leadership in agroecology and sustainable agriculture
27,400+
pounds of produce grown and distributed each year by students for Basic Needs on campus
3.4 mil+
learners engaged online and at our sites
Expanding our impact through a transformative land stewardship opportunity
UC Santa Cruz and The Conservation Fund are partnering to acquire more than 400 acres of land, including 214 acres of coastal farmland to be managed by the Center for Agroecology.
Building on our legacy as a pioneer of the organic movement, the certified organic land will offer a living laboratory for climate-resilient farming and restoration practices
Our facilities
The Center for Agroecology manages the certified-organic UCSC Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden on the UC Santa Cruz campus, both internationally known sites for training and research in organic horticulture and agriculture. These facilities are available to students, researchers, and community members.
The Center also manages the historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, which serves as office space for staff and a community event space, and the Cowell Coffee Shop, a non-transactional cafe designed to address student food insecurity.
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Support our mission
Support our efforts to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through research, education, extension, and public service by making a gift to the Center for Agroecology.