Research

With its blend of natural and social sciences staff, faculty partners, and students, the Center supports research in a variety of areas, with an emphasis on projects designed to improve organic farming practices and increase the sustainability of local food systems. Current research projects include exploring organic no-till methods, improving organic pest and disease control methods, studying the effects of landscape management on beneficial insects, and more.

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Food Systems Initiatives

The Center for Agroecology collaborates with organizations at the campus, local, state, and federal levels to advance sustainable, secure food systems, support small farmers, ranchers, and food businesses, and provide opportunities for students to get involved with food and agriculture. Our current food systems initiatives include advancing food security at UC Santa Cruz, working to create a more sustainable University of California food system, and uplifting local farms and food business through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Southwest Food Regional Business Center.