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Sustainable Food Systems

Initiative Themes

SFS Systems Framework

The Sustainable Food (and Ag) Systems Strategic Initiative (SFS SI) supports California by focusing our work on our total food (and intensive ag) systems; bringing good science and outreach to bear on key areas related to:

  • Sustainable production
  • Safe processing
  • Enhanced access

Advancing this work requires new scientific and technological innovations across both agriculture and nutrition.

Public Value: The SFS SI helps build our state economy, protect our natural resources, builds capacity of our people and communities and helps ensure we have safe food.

Our Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate and advocate for the work we do.

Grand Challenges

The SFS SI panel support this work by bringing a broad spectrum of expertise and practice to help identify key emerging issues. SFS emerging issues within each Focal area include:

  • Sustainable Production: Labor scarcity; Dealing with regulatory requirements; Water - quantity and quality; Farm Prices; Climate change; Emerging pests
  • Safe Food Processing: Food safety and Food Preservation
  • Enhanced Food Access: Food deserts and cost; Changing food preferences; Food access and security for aging seniors

An additional concern is maintaining the capacity to develop and deliver the information producers and consumers need to produce, process and enjoy safe food.

Impact

See UC Delivers for examples of impact in SFS. UC ANR members can share the impact of their work - it's easy. Click here to find out how.

Funding

See funding opportunities listed with UC ANR Contracts & Grants.

See Opportunity & Matching grants (small grants to help with urgent time-sensitive needs.)

Upcoming Events

My Favorite Extension Methods
hosted by the Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative Panel

March 27, 2024
11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Learn more and register here

Past Events

View past events recordings

SFS-related Blogs
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