Cultivating Knowledge and Community: A History of the UC Davis Student Farm and Its Programs
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) has long been recognized for its commitment to agricultural education and sustainable practices. A significant embodiment of this dedication is the UC Davis Student Farm, a living laboratory where students engage in hands-on learning, research, and community outreach. This article explores the history of the Student Farm and its various programs, highlighting its evolution and impact on the university and the wider community.
Genesis of the Student Farm
In 1977, a group of motivated students at UC Davis initiated the Student Farm as a practical means of expanding their understanding of agriculture. This student-led initiative reflected the growing environmental consciousness on campus, as noted by Temo Martinez, a first-year political science major, who observed that "environmentalism played a large part in campus culture" at UC Davis. The farm provided a space for students to delve into agricultural practices and gain valuable experience in the field.
Key Programs at the Student Farm
The UC Davis Student Farm encompasses several programs designed to provide diverse learning opportunities and address critical issues related to agriculture and food systems.
Market Garden Program
The Market Garden program is a cornerstone of the Student Farm, focusing on the cultivation of organic fruits and vegetables. Students involved in this program learn about the entire process, from planting and maintenance to harvesting. A distinctive feature of the Market Garden is its contribution to the campus dining halls, where the organically grown produce is utilized, promoting sustainable food sourcing within the university.
Ecological Garden Program
The Ecological Garden program offers a unique space for students to explore permaculture gardening techniques in small spaces. This program emphasizes agroecological practices, providing students with insights into sustainable and environmentally friendly methods of food production.
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Addressing Food Insecurity
Recognizing the pressing issue of food insecurity on college campuses, the Student Farm actively engages in initiatives to support students in need. Claire Chen, a second-year sociology major, highlighted that "food insecurity on college campuses is such an important issue." The farm has organized events like the "U-Pick Organic Spinach" event, operating on a pay-what-you-can basis, to provide students with access to fresh produce while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability.
Community Engagement
Beyond its educational and food security initiatives, the Student Farm serves as a hub for community engagement and dialogue on agricultural topics. The farm hosts events such as "Farm Forums," where individuals can share their ideas and contribute to shaping the future direction of the Student Farm. As noted by Lengyel, the farm is "an amazing space to learn from others who also love being outside and growing food for our community and ourselves," emphasizing the diverse perspectives and shared passion for agriculture within the community.
The Small Farms Program: A Parallel History of Support
While the Student Farm focused on student education and engagement, another significant program at UC Davis, the Small Farms Program, played a vital role in supporting small-scale farmers in California.
Establishment and Early Years
The Small Farm Program was initiated in 1979 with funding from the California State Legislature, aiming to provide assistance to limited-resource farmers. Additional support from UC ANR, USDA Rural Development, and Smith-Lever Funds enabled the hiring of farm advisors dedicated to serving small farm clientele. In 1980, the Small Farm Center was established at UC Davis to bolster the viability of California’s small farms.
Functions of the Small Farm Center
The Small Farm Center played a crucial role in securing and managing extramural funding to support the research and extension activities of small farm advisors. It also facilitated coordination between county-based Cooperative Extension farm advisors and campus-based Cooperative Extension specialists. Serving as a liaison between the University, farmers, and public and private organizations, the Center disseminated extension materials on various topics, including specialty crops and direct marketing. Furthermore, the Center organized conferences and training activities tailored for small farms.
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Restructuring and Integration
In 2009, UC ANR implemented structural changes that led to the closure of the Small Farm Center in 2010. The administrative functions of the Small Farm Program were reassigned to division-wide support units. However, funding for small farm advisors was maintained, ensuring the continuation of their work with small-scale farmers. The former Small Farm Program director remained as the Program Leader until 2017, after which county-based small farms advisors continued to serve California’s small farms through their individual research and extension programs.
Renewed Growth and Integration into UC SAREP
The UC ANR Small Farms Network experienced renewed growth in the early 2020s, expanding its staff and regional reach under the leadership of county-based small farms advisors. In 2023, the Small Farms Network was integrated into the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP), along with the Organic Agriculture Institute and the Master Food Preserver Program. Through this united programming, UC SAREP aims to support agriculture and food systems that are economically viable, conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life and equity in California’s urban, rural, and Tribal communities. In 2025, Carrie Teiken was appointed as the new Associate Director for Small Farms, marking the first dedicated UC ANR small farms leadership position since 2017.
Key Figures in the Small Farms Program
Several individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the Small Farms Program and its impact on California’s agricultural landscape.
Ronald Voss
Ronald Voss, who served as Director from 1983 to 1995, was a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Vegetable Crops. He developed the Small Farm Program’s emphasis on specialty crops and created the Family Farm Series of publications for marketing and vegetable crop production. Voss also expanded the program’s reach to include Southeast Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and organic farmers.
Desmond Jolly
Desmond Jolly, Director from 1995 to 2006, was a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. He developed the Small Farm Program’s focus on agritourism, food safety, women in agriculture, and risk management education.
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Marita Cantwell
Marita Cantwell served as Interim Director from 2006 to 2007. She was a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences.
Shermain Hardesty
Shermain Hardesty, Director from 2007 to 2009 and Program Leader from 2010 to 2017, was a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. She expanded the Small Farm Program’s efforts to support small farms in developing value-added products, complying with food safety regulations, and improving marketing and distribution systems. Hardesty continued to lead the Small Farm Program and address issues affecting small farms even after the closure of the Small Farm Center in 2010.
Historic Reports and Awards
Several reports and awards have documented the Small Farms Program's activities and impact over the years.
Annual Reports
The 2007-2008 Annual Report provides a concise overview of the Small Farms Program’s efforts, while the 2006-2007 Annual Report delves into specific projects in greater detail.
The First Fifteen Years
Published in 1990, "The First Fifteen Years" chronicles the early history of the Small Farm Program.
Pedro Ilic Awards
From 1996 to 2012, the Pedro Ilic Awards recognized an outstanding farmer and an outstanding agricultural educator for their contributions to the field.
Special Reports in California Agriculture Journal
"Small is bountiful: A special report on small farms," published in 1993, was an issue of the California Agriculture journal dedicated to topics related to small farms. In 1999, "Small Farms: Stories of Success and Struggle" was a special section in California Agriculture that celebrated the Small Farm Center's 20-year anniversary.
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