Sonja Brodt

Sonja Brodt leads work in the Agriculture and Environment theme. She coordinates research, extension, and communications work across the UC system to support transitions to more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable farming practices across California. As part of this role, she is currently co-leading a multi-institutional collaboration, the California Farm Demonstration Network, to increase the use of conservation farming practices that regenerate the soil, conserve natural resources, harness biodiversity for better agricultural and environmental outcomes, and help producers mitigate and adapt to climate change. Sonja works from an agroecological perspective, integrating social and biophysical sciences into her work. She also spearheads professional development programs geared toward increasing the capacity of extension professionals to engage more diverse and traditionally under-served stakeholders and to incorporate holistic agroecology perspectives into their work. Sonja completed a B.A. in Biology, an M.S. in International Agricultural Development, a Ph.D. in Geography, and a Permaculture Design certificate.