UC Field Quarter | Integrated Web Platform

UC Organic Agriculture Institute

Welcome to the UC System-wide Agroecology Field Quarter

Discover Paths to a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Future

The Agroecology Field Quarter is a transformative summer program designed to immerse students in the dynamic world of organic agriculture and equitable food systems. Join us for an unforgettable journey through hands-on learning, professional networking, and real-world application.

Course Overview

The Agroecology Field Quarter Summer 2025 is a full-time, 7-week residential and traveling course running from July 7th to August 22nd. Open to students from UC campuses and beyond, the program accommodates up to 20 participants and offers a unique blend of faculty instruction and experiential learning, with emphasis on site visits and immersive fieldwork experiences.

Key Features Include

Field Study: Engage in hands-on learning on organic farms and community-based projects.
Collaborative Learning: Work closely with a cohort of peers, professionals, and mentors.
Site Visits: Explore academic institutions, farmers, and organizations leading agroecology research and extension efforts in the Central Coast, Central Valley, and San Francisco Bay Area.

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Courses Offered

Participants will enroll in three UC Santa Cruz Summer Session classes and a lab, earning a total of 17 academic units through the Environmental Studies Department:

ENVS 133C: Agroecology Practicum (5 Units)
ENVS 130A: Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture (5 Units)
ENVS 130L: Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Laboratory (2 Units)
ENVS 130C: Field Experiences in Agroecology and Sustainable Food (5 Units)

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

Students passionate about agroecology, organic farming, and equitable food systems.
Underrepresented students seeking an inclusive, hands-on learning environment.
Individuals eager to gain practical experience and connect with professionals in organic agriculture.
Students wanting to complete a high number of unites and upper division courses over the summer, shortening time to graduation.
Students wanting to take advantage of tuition savings with Summer Session limiting tuition expense to the first 10 units, over summer.

Why Choose the Agroecology Field Quarter?

Learn by seeing in real-life, and by doing: Dive into hands-on activities that integrate theory and practice.
Build Your Network: Connect with farmers, researchers, and community leaders.
Gain Confidence: Develop the skills and knowledge to navigate a career in agroecology, organic farming and equitable food systems.
Inclusive Environment: Be part of a supportive cohort that values equity-centered education, diverse backgrounds and critical perspectives.

Program Highlights

Site Visits: Learn directly from farmers and community leaders.
Workshops: Participate in engaging, practical sessions on agroecology practices.
Networking: Build lasting relationships with professionals and peers.

Course Outcomes

Increased confidence in pursuing careers in organic agriculture and extension.
Practical knowledge of equitable farming and food systems.
A supportive community of peers and mentors.
Tools to approach agricultural challenges with innovation and inclusivity.

Application Details

Duration: 7 weeks (July 7 to August 22, 2025)
Locations: Central Coast, including UCSC and regional farms, Central Valley including Fresno, Sacramento and UC Davis, and SF Bay Area, including UC Berkeley.
Eligibility: Open enrollment to undergraduate students of all backgrounds and campuses within the UC and beyond. Requires preparation for upper division coursework.
Application Process: Application will be posted in February. Complete this interest form and you will be contacted once the application is live.