Food is a basic human need, and equitable access to healthy, sustainable food is essential for our collective wellbeing. For more than 55 years, UC Santa Cruz has pioneered organic and sustainable agriculture, advancing agroecological research and training generations of farmers and food system leaders. Today, through the work of the Center for Agroecology, it continues to be a national model—advancing climate-resilient farming, food security, and a diverse agricultural workforce.
The Center for Agroecology’s education programs combine hands-on learning, community engagement, and comprehensive student support. An undergraduate degree in agroecology and USDA-funded collaborations across the UC system expand opportunities for students of all backgrounds in sustainable agriculture and research. Beyond the university, the center’s community training programs serve aspiring and experienced farmers, home gardeners, and food system professionals—creating spaces for knowledge exchange that honor the expertise of farmers and the agricultural community alongside university research.
As home to the first certified organic university farm in the nation, the Center for Agroecology continues to innovate—testing climate-resilient farming practices, developing accessible agricultural technologies, and advancing solutions for small-scale and diversified farms. The center also strengthens local food systems by connecting small farmers and producers to institutional markets, demonstrating how universities can support regional agriculture while providing fresh, sustainably grown food to their communities. UCSC’s model food security program connects organic produce from the campus farm to student food pantries and free meal programs, and engages students in every step from harvest to distribution.
Through education, research, and community partnerships, the Center for Agroecology is building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system—on campus, across California, and beyond.
