Center for Agroecology

In 2018, conversations began at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) to make ag-tech a major priority in programming. Many of the discussions referred to how this programming could build on three distinct campus strengths: agroecology, engineering, and an overarching commitment to social justice, all while being positioned between the tech-heavy Silicon Valley and the agriculturally prolific Salinas Valley. In light of these emphases and UCSC’s unique campus setting, the research detailed in this report sought to identify the synergies and frictions between agroecology and ag-tech, the potential for meaningful collaboration across campus units, and the prospects for incorporating social justice values into campus ag-tech efforts. Based on interviews with 23 UCSC engineers, agroecologists, and social scientists, we found far fewer synergies than anticipated, and indeed hoped for, and some significant barriers to collaboration. Given what we identified as substantial differences in disciplinary approaches, potential uses and beneficiaries of ag-tech, and access to institutional resources among engineers, agroecologists, and social scientists, it is clear that for an ag-tech initiative to move forward and achieve widespread buy-in, sustained, respectful, and more symmetrical dialogue must take place. Otherwise, UCSC risks chipping further away at its reputation as an alternative and socially engaged institution, and thus ironically dispensing with its singular competitive edge in this domain relative to the many other universities in the US with long histories in ag-tech.

A primer is defined as “a book that covers the basic elements of a subject.” In this primer, Alan Chadwick Garden manager Orin Martin discusses the basic steps involved in cultivating a healthy rose plant. Organic pest and disease control options are addressed, but the emphasis here is on selecting, establishing, and caring for your roses in a way that gives them the best chance to thrive in an organic setting — what Martin calls a “plant positive” approach.

Research in the United Kingdom and more recently in the United States has found geographic differences in access to affordable, nutritious food. In some cases more limited access has been associated with a higher proportion of residents in ethnic minority groups. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we explored the potential existence of “food deserts” and their relationship with ethnicity in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. Relative to the region as a whole, there were few clusters of census blocks with less access to retail food outlets with fresh produce (grocery stores, supermarkets and fruiterias) after adjusting for population density. In addition, access to these retail food outlets was not associated with the percentage of the population that was Latino. However, we identified some areas that would benefit from further investigation, and that may be suitable locations for locating new fruit and vegetable markets. Such markets may benefit local residents, as well as new, limited-resource, and minority farmers who often have inadequate access to distribution networks for their produce.

Information is lacking on what consumers want to know about food production, processing, transportation, and retailing. Focus groups and a random-sample mail survey of consumers in the Central Coast region indicate that food safety and nutrition generate the most interest. However, ethical concerns such as the humane treatment of animals, the environmental impacts of food production, and social justice for farmworkers also have strong support. The results suggest that voluntary food labels on these issues may be a promising way to meet consumer needs for more information.

The 2001-2003 Activity Report/Research Summary reports on the research, education, and public outreach work of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2003.

The 1999–2001 Activity Report/Research Summary reports on the research, education, and public outreach work of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001.