The UC ANR Urban Agriculture Workgroup recently became official after years of meeting informally and is welcoming new members.

The workgroup develops resources, training, and materials for the specific needs of California's urban farmers, and conducts applied research to address their needs. 

“We work on projects and share resources related to urban agriculture, which can include everything from small farms in and on the edge of cities, to topics such as backyard livestock and beekeeping,” said Rachel Surls, workgroup co-chair and UCCE sustainable food systems advisor in Los Angeles County. “Much of urban agriculture takes place in nonprofit settings related to community, youth and families, often with a focus on food access and social justice. In addition to these topics, we also discuss and follow policy related to urban agriculture.” 

The next Urban Agriculture Workgroup meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 1 p.m. If you'd like to be added to the group's collaborative tools to receive a meeting invite, or have any questions, contact co-chairs Surls at ramabie@ucanr.edu or Jennifer Sowerwine at jsowerwi@berkeley.edu. Check out the Urban Agriculture website, blog, and social media (Twitter, Facebook).