Center News
Gearing up for Giving Day
October 29, 2024
The ninth annual 24-hour crowdfunding campaign will host more than 175 project teams, 20 challenges and is poised to amplify and support thousands of students.
New podcast covers California agriculture and ways small-scale farmers are building resiliency
October 28, 2024
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture's Southwest Regional Food Business Center, is offering a new podcast series entitled, "The Daily Market Share."
Professor Stacy Philpott leads U.S. delegates for “Agri-Young Hackathon” at G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture
October 08, 2024
Environmental Studies Professor Stacy Philpott led the U.S. delegation for a youth hackathon at the recent G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture in Italy. Philpott was asked by USDA representatives to coordinate and support the country’s team, a reflection of her national leadership role in preparing the next generation of agriculture professionals.
UCSC Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Sustainable Food Fellows Application Open
September 5, 2024
The University of California, Santa Cruz invites applications for a student fellowship opportunity with the University of California. This $4,000 year long fellowship will support the contributions of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to work with campus staff and academic advisors on core objective areas related to Sustainable Food Systems, Food Access & Security, and Social Equity.
The Center for Agroecology is hiring an Agricultural Operations and Programs Manager
August 29, 2024
The Center for Agroecology is hiring an Agricultural Operations and Programs Manager to oversee the coordination, planning, and management of agricultural operations, facilities, and programs.
New grant funding will help UC Santa Cruz build and diversify a climate resilience workforce for the Monterey Bay region
July 26, 2024
UC Santa Cruz will receive more than $2 million in funding to support education and training programs for undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals as part of a larger $71.1 million federal grant to the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation and a host of local partners.
The Center for Agroecology is hiring a Cowell Coffee Shop Lead
July 12, 2024
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a Cowell Coffee Shop Lead to oversee the Cowell Coffee Shop: For the Peoples, a student-engaged basic needs cafe, and work with a team of students to deliver a supportive and nourishing environment for all students.
Field to Fork Change-Maker Spring 2024 Awardees Selected
June 3, 2024
The Southwest Regional Food Business Center’s California Subregion across the North Bay, Bay Area, Central Coast, and South Central Coast is launching our Field to Fork Change-Maker Awards. We have selected 9 qualifying applicants to join us in the award ceremony taking place Friday, June 14, 2024 from 3-4pm.
California State Board of Food and Agriculture visits campus
May 07, 2024
On April 30, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross and members of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture held their April Board meeting at the Hay Barn on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus.
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring an administrative assistant
April 2, 2024
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring an administrative assistant to support Center and Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) administrative operations including information technology and administrative coordination.
Giving Day 2023 breaks records
November 09, 2023
Giving Day, UC Santa Cruz’s biggest fundraising event of the year, wraps up on a high note.
UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring an event and outreach coordinator
November 2, 2023
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring an event and outreach coordinator to coordinate event logistics for facilities renters, plan Center-hosted events, and manage Center outreach activities.
UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a regional food systems specialist
October 27, 2023
We're hiring a regional food systems specialist to support increased access and success of traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged producers and food enterprises in the North Bay and Central Coast of California.
UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a sustainable field production and education manager
October 24, 2023
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a sustainable field production and education manager to support sustainable field production design and implementation for instruction for educational programs.
System-wide leaders visit campus to discuss next steps in Agricultural Experiment Station designation
October 09, 2023
A group from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources visited UC Santa Cruz to discuss implementation for the campus’s official designation as an Agricultural Experiment Station.
Heller Foundation award of $100,000 will support recruitment and retention of underrepresented agroecology students
October 6, 2023
A one year, $100,000 grant from the Clarence E. Heller Foundation will support a University of California, Santa Cruz-led project to recruit and retain underrepresented students in agroecology and sustainable food systems programming at UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley.
US Department of Agriculture visits UC Santa Cruz to learn about research and workforce development projects
September 28, 2023
UC Santa Cruz faculty, staff, and students shared information about USDA-funded research and education projects on campus with special guests from the USDA.
UC Global Food Initiative fellowship opportunities available for students
September 5, 2023
UC Santa Cruz invites applications for a student fellowship opportunity with the University of California Global Food Initiative (UC GFI).
The Center for Agroecology is hiring a facilities lead
July 11, 2023
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a facilities lead to support the functioning of the UCSC Farm, gardens, and facilities project planning and implementation by serving as a lead on facilities maintenance, rodent control, and project prioritization.
New research trial will explore no-till organic agriculture as a climate-smart strategy for small-scale growers
June 29, 2023
A grant of $100,000 from the UC Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) Pilot Funding Initiative will support a Center for Agroecology research trial on bio-intensive no-till practices for micro farms and urban gardens.
UC Santa Cruz receives $10 million grant to cultivate diverse food and agriculture professionals
June 22, 2023
The United States Department of Agriculture awarded the University of California, Santa Cruz a $10 million grant to lead a transformative five-year project. The funding will be leveraged to serve and uplift a broad range of students and community members, ensuring a lasting impact on the food and agriculture sector.
Interdisciplinary team wins Small Farm prize in first-ever Farm Robotics Challenge
June 15, 2023
An interdisciplinary team of students and researchers created an autonomous weeder which was recently recognized with the Small Farm prize at the inaugural Farm Robotics Challenge.
Foodways benefit dinner advances food security at UC Santa Cruz
June 15, 2023
Alumni, donors, and friends of UC Santa Cruz gathered at the Hay Barn on June 2 to raise funds for Basic Needs programs at the university.
Crucial organic farming issue addressed by UC workshops, collaborations
May 31, 2023
UC Santa Cruz-based organic production specialist Joji Muramoto collaborated on a UC Cooperative Extension workshop series for organic vegetable and fruit growers on how to manage nitrogen.
Advancing Student Food Security
May 19, 2023
The university’s multi-pronged approach—including field-to-plate food security, expanded access and food pantry resources, holistic CalFresh support, student-centered basic needs research and assessment, and Slug Support program—works to ensure a safety net for UCSC students.
Center for Agroecology will support new USDA Regional Food Business Center
May 04, 2023
The University of California, Santa Cruz will support the establishment of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regional Food Business Center to support resilient food systems.
Join our Market Share Program and get discounted produce from the UCSC Farm
April 17, 2023
Join the 2023 Center for Agroecology Market Share Program and receive discounted organic, UCSC-Farm grown produce all season long.
UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring an agroecology program specialist
March 3, 2023
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring an agroecology program specialist to support the coordination and delivery of the practical education and training programs at the Center, including undergraduate curricular and co-curricular programming, the Apprenticeship Program, short courses, and community workshops and field days.
Scholarships available for Short Courses on citrus, orchard planting
December 22, 2022
Full and partial scholarships are available for upcoming Short Courses offered by the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology.
Frequently asked questions about the Center for Agroecology reorganization
December 9, 2022
In support of an intentional, strategic focus on increasing its programming centered on food equity and security and serving diverse and underserved populations in agriculture, the Center for Agroecology is undergoing a reorganization process that will include adjustments to staff positions.
UC Santa Cruz earns Agricultural Experiment Station designation
November 16, 2022
The designation marks more than 50 years of industry-leading research in organic agriculture and sustainable farming practices at the campus and opens doors to expand community impact.
Down on the farm: Growing sustainable food systems...and students
October 31, 2022
UC Santa Cruz research magazine Inquiry featured a story on the Center for Agroecology and the Center's programming.
UC Santa Cruz Foundation awards $75K to help address student food insecurity
October 18, 2022
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board of Trustees has affirmed its commitment to reducing food and housing insecurity for students.
Organic’s big South County moment: Might school-zone pesticide switch provide momentum for change?
October 13, 2022
Longtime UC Santa Cruz researcher Joji Muramoto is the first organic soil specialist employed by the University of California system. The rich history of the area’s organic movement was largely spawned in the northern half of Santa Cruz County and inspires people like him. But the market-driven realities that prevent more South County farmers from growing organic present an ongoing challenge to sustainability and a reduction in carcinogenic pesticide use.
Partnership across UC campuses will prepare the next generation of leaders in organic agriculture
September 23, 2022
A USDA grant of more than $700,000 will support a collaboration led by UC Santa Cruz to improve and expand undergraduate education in organic agriculture, with an emphasis on supporting underrepresented students.
Innovative climate resilience projects supported by 2022 CITRIS Campus Seed Funding awards
September 08, 2022
Four winning projects have been funded through the The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute at UC Santa Cruz’s Campus Seed Funding program to pursue research relating to climate resilience.
UC ANR hiring agroecology cooperative extension specialist based at UCSC
September 7, 2022
The UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is hiring an agroecology assistant cooperative extension specialist to be based at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology.
Envisioning food systems change with new Center for Agroecology Executive Director Darryl Wong
August 11, 2022
The UC Santa Cruz news team interviewed the Center for Agroecology's new executive director, Darryl Wong, to learn more about the center’s goals for the future and the perspective he’ll bring to the role.
With a focus on student success and research impact, UC President Michael V. Drake visits UC Santa Cruz
August 05, 2022
The daylong visit included meetings with faculty, staff, and students to learn more about research, teaching, and learning at UC Santa Cruz—and the important work that supports the university’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving research university centered on student success.
Rare plants attract rare bees and birds in urban gardens
July 27, 2022
Study reveals how biodiversity in community gardens is affected by gardener demographics
Center for Agroecology welcomes Darryl Wong as new executive director
May 2, 2022
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology will welcome Darryl Wong as its new executive director next month. Wong will work alongside Faculty Director Stacy Philpott to lead the center in its work to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, and public service.
UC Global Food Initiative fellowship opportunities available for students
May 2, 2022
UC Santa Cruz invites applications for a student fellowship opportunity with the University of California Global Food Initiative (UC GFI).
2022 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares available
March 15, 2022
Sign up for the 2022 Center for Agroecology CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program and receive a weekly box of organic produce grown at the UCSC Farm and Garden.
UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology accepting applications for 10-week Apprenticeship Program
February 24, 2022
Aspiring organic farmers and gardeners are invited to apply for the 2022 Apprenticeship Program run by the Center for Agroecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a Chadwick Garden assistant manager
January 13, 2022
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring assistant manager for the Alan Chadwick Garden to help maintain the space and support the instruction of students and other program participants.
USDA grant supports increased BIPOC student involvement in food, agriculture, and natural resources education
December 21, 2021
UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) will partner with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to increase degree attainment in food, agriculture, and natural resources education for students from underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students. The Center for Agroecology will support this initiative.
Apprenticeship to resume and short courses to start in 2022
December 20, 2021
In 2022, the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology will resume offering its Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, and will premiere its new short course series for continuing farmers and gardeners.
Measure 43 grants available to UC Santa Cruz undergraduates
December 2, 2021
UCSC undergraduates are encouraged to apply for Measure 43 grants to support sustainable food, health, and wellness projects.
UC Santa Cruz ranked No. 3 green college
November 24, 2021
Princeton Review evaluates schools based on institutional data as well as a 10-question student survey.
Widening the spectrum of gratitude with IndigeThanx
November 16, 2021
IndigeThanx, an annual event sponsored by UC Santa Cruz’s American Indian Resource Center and Cowell Coffee Shop, offers an alternative to Thanksgiving.
UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is seeking a community and residential life coordinator
November 4, 2021
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology is hiring a community and residential life coordinator to facilitate a safe, welcoming, and rich experience for program participants.
CASFS will become the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology
October 19, 2021
The Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) will get a new name, logo, and look and feel through a rebranding project that affirms the center’s commitment to advancing agroecology and equitable food systems.
The 2021-2022 Campus Food & Garden Guide is now available
October 11, 2021
Students can find opportunities to get involved with the campus food system and access healthy, affordable food in the 2021-2022 UC Santa Cruz Campus Food & Garden Guide, now available for free online as an interactive PDF.
CASFS welcomes back UCSC students for in-person programming
September 17, 2021
After a year and a half without interns, volunteers, and apprentices onsite, the UCSC Farm and Chadwick Garden are open and ready to host UC Santa Cruz students for in-person educational programming.
Cowell Coffee Shop Re-Opens September 27
September 16, 2021
The Cowell Coffee Shop: For the Peoples, a non-transactional cafe and student community hub and gathering space at UC Santa Cruz, will reopen on September 27.
CASFS is hiring an Apprenticeship and Short Course coordinator
September 7, 2021
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) is hiring for an Apprenticeship and Short Course coordinator position to direct and coordinate CASFS practical education programs that provide training in the foundations of organic gardening and farming with an agroecological lens.
The legacy is in the soil
August 18, 2021
Acclaimed chef/farmer and CASFS apprenticeship graduate Matthew Raiford will share his heritage-based approach to food and farming during an August 25 event on campus.
Study suggests combination of organic management techniques can minimize soilborne disease in strawberries
June 18, 2021
To identify the most effective methods to maintain strawberry yields and manage soilborne diseases using organic, economically viable techniques, UC Santa Cruz researchers studied the effects of crop rotation combined with biological alternatives to soil fumigants in strawberry fields at the UCSC Farm.
UC Global Food Initiative fellowship opportunities available for students
June 14, 2021
UC Santa Cruz invites applications for a student fellowship opportunity with the University of California Global Food Initiative (UC GFI).
CASFS Farmstand opens June 15
June 1, 2021
The CASFS Farmstand will offer fresh, organically grown produce from the UCSC Farm & Garden for sale Tuesdays and Fridays until November 2021.
Growing heritage and healing through traditional Asian vegetables
May 25, 2021
Faculty, staff, and alumni are drawing upon and strengthening their cultural heritage and connection to Asian foodways to cultivate traditional vegetables.
CASFS is hiring a basic needs coordinator
May 10, 2021
The Basic Needs Coordinator works under general supervision of the Food Systems Education & Research Program Specialist and the Field Manager, coordinating CASFS site production for the Basic Needs campus outlets, assists in campus-level Basic Needs services coordination, and advises Food Systems Working Group (FSWG) student staff and program activities.
Spring Plant Sale takes place May 1 and 2
April 15, 2021
The UCSC Farm & Garden Spring Plant Sale will feature a variety of organic annual vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This year's sale will take place at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn.
2021 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares available
April 12, 2021
Receive a weekly share of farm-fresh organic produce by becoming a UCSC Farm & Garden CSA member.
UCSC climate change conference focuses on food security issues
April 08, 2021
‘Confronting Climate Change: Food Security in a Changing World’ will be held virtually April 28-29, featuring a panel of experts and a series of short films.
Produce Pop-Up opens for spring quarter 2021
March 30, 2021
Produce Pop-Up, a weekly organic produce distribution service for UC Santa Cruz students, will take place every Friday from April 2 through June 4.
UC Santa Cruz faculty recognized for excellence in ecology
March 25, 2021
The Ecological Society of America announced its 2021 Fellow and Early Career Fellow awards, and UC Santa Cruz’s faculty were the most decorated of any university on this year’s list.
CASFS offers online instruction during pandemic and beyond
March 16, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic caused CASFS to begin offering online instruction in the forms of an internship, public workshops, and how-to videos. As UC Santa Cruz begins planning for some in-person instruction to resume, the Center will continue to create and utilize video and online instruction to make educational materials more accessible to a wider audience.
Cowell Ranch Hay Barn: From vaccinations to celebrations
March 12, 2021
The Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, CASFS headquarters and community event space, is serving as a COVID-19 vaccine center for UC Santa Cruz staff.
Disrupting harmful food systems to prevent future pandemics
March 11, 2021
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Maywa Montenegro de Wit is exploring how lessons from the abolition movement could help agroecology combat the agro-industrial complex to prevent future pandemics.
Study suggests garden management methods may impact insect diversity
March 8, 2021
CASFS Director Stacy Philpott and a team of researchers are studying the effects of "tidy" versus "messy" gardens on insect diversity.
Jones Valley Teaching Farm Changes Lives With Food
February 24, 2021
CASFS alumna Katie Davis is now the director of teaching at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham, AL. The community program is opening a $7.5 million Center for Food Education that will be a hub for people and organizations interested in food as a pathway to good health and true wealth.
UCSC Researchers Win Grant to Develop More Sustainable Aquaculture
February 16, 2021
Anne Kapuscinski, Pallab Sarker, and their research team will take their sustainable aquaculture plans a step further by circulating water through the fish tanks several times before the runoff goes to grow organic vegetables at the UCSC Farm.
Stacy Philpott named Sustainability Champion of the Month
February 10, 2021
The UCSC Sustainability Office named CASFS Director Stacy Philpott the February 2021 Sustainability Champion of the Month.
Grant funding will advance aquaculture research in UCSC’s new state-of-the-art facility
January 19, 2021
Researchers won a USDA grant in support of their efforts to develop ocean-friendly feed formulas for farm-raised rainbow trout. This work will take place in the team's new aquaculture facility at the UCSC Farm.
Video Project to Bring CASFS Farm & Garden Teaching Online
December 23, 2020
In 2021 CASFS has a unique opportunity to greatly increase the reach and impact of our educational programming by expanding remote and online instruction through video production.
National Academies report on sustainability education features UC Santa Cruz expertise
December 04, 2020
UC Santa Cruz professor Anne Kapuscinski chaired the committee that developed the report, and campus initiatives were highlighted within as examples of innovative sustainability education.
Serve your community at your Thanksgiving table
November 20, 2020
Cowell Coffee Shop Food Supervisor Brooks Schmitt and Apprenticeship alumna Vera L. Chang share ways to support communities this Thanksgiving.
Research breakthrough achieves fish-free aquaculture feed that raises key standards
November 12, 2020
A new aquaculture feed formula eliminates conventional fish meal and fish oil ingredients by combining ingredients derived from two species of marine microalgae.
Measure 43 grants available to UC Santa Cruz undergraduates—Deadline extended
November 12, 2020
UCSC undergraduates are encouraged to apply for Measure 43 grants to support sustainable food, health, and wellness projects.
CASFS staff and leadership share updates after year of strategic planning
November 10, 2020
After a year spent on program review and strategic planning, the UCSC Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) staff presented an overview of its plans for the upcoming year and beyond.
Organic agriculture tops $3 billion in California farm gate sales
October 20, 2020
Organic farming continues to expand in California and now includes more than 360 commodities, according to a new University of California report co-authored by Organic Production Specialist Joji Muramoto.
The 2020-2021 Campus Food & Garden Guide is now available
October 8, 2020
The 15th edition of the Campus Food & Garden Guide is a virtual, interactive guide to the campus food system, with opportunities on how students can get involved and information on food access resources on campus and beyond.
UC explores alternatives to fumigants for strawberries
September 25, 2020
For a biological alternative to manage soilborne diseases in strawberries, Joji Muramoto, UC Cooperative Extension organic production specialist based at CASFS, has received a $411,395 grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study the ability of other crops to suppress strawberry pathogens in the soil.
2020 Fall Harvest Festival features weeklong series of online events for all ages
September 23, 2020
The 2020 Harvest Festival will be a weeklong series of free, interactive online events for all ages.
Integrated Soilborne Disease Management in Organic Strawberries
August 31, 2020
Organic Production Specialist Joji Muramoto gives an overview of soil borne disease management techniques for organic strawberries in an article for Organic Farmer.
Ahora disponible: Guía del agricultor sobre la producción orgánica y sostenible de plántulas
July 30, 2020
Se trata de una nueva guía técnica, pero accesible, describe cómo cultivar, de manera efectiva y eficiente, plántulas de hortalizas y flor de corte para granjas orgánicas, utilizando prácticas ambientales responsables.
New CASFS Grower Guide on organic seedling production available in English and Spanish
July 30, 2020
The new technical but approachable guide describes how to effectively and efficiently grow vegetable and flower seedlings for organic operations using environmentally responsible practices.
UC Global Food Initiative fellowship opportunities available for students
June 18, 2020
UC Santa Cruz invites applications for a student fellowship opportunity with the University of California Global Food Initiative (UC GFI).
Mobile Food Hub Student Design Contest
June 8, 2020
Current UC Santa Cruz students who will be enrolled through the 2020 fall quarter are invited to submit designs for the CASFS Mobile Food Hub Student Design Contest.
These 18 Organizations Are Building a Stronger Food System Through Agroecology
June 5, 2020
CASFS is among those featured in FoodTank's list of 18 world organizations working to advance agroecology.
