Center News
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
UCSC organic Farmstand opens June 22
June 1, 2022
The Center for Agroecology's Farmstand will offer fresh, organically grown produce from the UCSC Farm & Garden for sale Wednesdays and Fridays until November 2022.
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.
