50th Anniversary of the UCSC Farm & Garden, Center for Agroecology

Fifty years ago, master gardener Alan Chadwick started the Student Garden Project at the University of California’s newest campus, UC Santa Cruz. Chadwick and his students and volunteers converted a brush-covered hillside into a vibrant organic garden that became the centerpiece of efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable approach to growing food and flowers. From that garden grew the UCSC Farm, inspiring the Agroecology Program, now the Center for Agroecology.

Since 1967 we’ve trained generations of new organic farmers and gardeners, built a model undergraduate experiential education program, and helped shape a more sustainable food system through research and policy efforts. 

In 2017 we celebrated these accomplishments while we looked ahead to the next 50 years of working to grow a healthy, socially just food system. 

First 50 Celebration, July 28–30
The First 50 anniversary event brought hundreds of the Center for Agroecology/Farm & Garden alumni, supporters, community members, and friends to UC Santa Cruz for a joyous gathering to celebrate five decades of education, research, and outreach to create a more sustainable food system. We have posted videos, transcripsts, and more from the celebration on the First 50 Scrapbook page. 

Thanks to our 50th Anniversary business sponsors

Harvester and Visionary

Seed Sower

Cultivator

			Meg Cadoux Hirshberg

Sustainer

Steward

Many thanks to the following restaurants for supporting the Center for Agroecology Farm & Garden through their upcoming benefit days (August–October)