The University of California is looking to discuss with agricultural producers what they are finding challenging in producing and marketing their agricultural commodities, how they are addressing them and what research priorities the University should engage in to address these challenges.  To facilitate these discussions we would like growers, ranchers, etc. to register for one of the focus group meetings by clicking on the link to the appropriate session below.  This study is being led by Dr.

Many of you have by now heard of Don Villarejo’s death on November 19, 2021.  Please feel free to spread the word to the many people who worked with, learned from, respected and loved Don.  Don was a member of SAREP’s Public Advisory Committee in the 1990’s and contributed to the idea of adding a community food systems (economics and public policy) component to what SAREP focused on, in addition to sustainable agriculture and the environment. He was a long-time supporter of SAREP’s work and encouraged us to include farmworker and community wellbeing in our goals, grants and projects.

Western SARE Professional Development Program in California invites proposals for Education Implementation Mini-Grants

Please note:  The application period has now ended.

The University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program — a statewide program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources — announced the recipients of its 2021 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Small Grants Program today (April 12, 2021).

The grants program, which was reinstated this year after a 10-year hiatus, supports pilot projects focusing on strengthening California’s sustainable agriculture and food systems. Together, 11 recipients are receiving $77,000 in funding to support their work.

As part of its mission of sustainability in regional food systems, UC SAREP partners with communities to help ensure fresh, local food is finding its way to consumers through a growing number of channels, including Farm-to-Institution programs.

Penny has spent her time at UC ANR working as a champion of all things that blend agriculture and tourism (“agritourism”).

Penny first brought her creative approach to UC ANR in 2009 when she joined the Small Farm Program, run by Cooperative Extension Specialist Shermain Hardesty.

As the sustainability of agriculture continues to be threatened by changes in climate, pests and loss of biodiversity, the ancient practice of planting hedgerows with edible and medicinal species such as elderberry can help growers generate additional revenue while fostering beneficial insects and improving soil health. 

Bill Liebhardt, who led the University of California’s sustainable agriculture programs, died May 5 of complications of Q fever at his home in Davis. He was 84.

UC SAREP's Agritourism Program is collecting resources to help consumers purchase directly from local farms and ranches. Click for more...

The UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health & Safety has collected a number of resources in English and Spanish for California's agricultural community. Click for more...

Pavlo Ardanov, a research fellow at ASI and the co-founder and leader of Permaculture in Ukraine, an environmental NGO, is a recent recipient of the Fulbright* Scholarship. During his stay, Ardonov is collaborating with Sonja Brodt, Agricultural Sustainability Institute; Robert Hijmans, Department of Environmental Science and Policy.

California elderberries have rich benefits for farms and diets

By Jeannette Wernart, UC ANR
Originally posted Oct 1, 2019: https://ucanr.edu/News/?routeName=newsstory&postnum=31440

Native California elderberries can be found at the intersection of sustainable farming, super nutrition and economic viability. Naturally drought tolerant, flavorful and packed with nutrients, they are capturing the interest of farmers, health-conscious consumers and scientists.