Survey of Organic Research and Extension Activities at the University of California

Authors: Chulgoo Kang, Janet C. Broome, David Chaney, Sean L. Swezey

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Organic farming in California has experienced significant increases in acres, number of farms, and farm gate value over the past decade. This report presents the results of a survey conducted in 2004 on the status of organic farming research and extension at the University of California. The survey was sent to 1,003 academic personnel at the University of California, including personnel from the Davis, Riverside, Berkeley, and Santa Cruz campuses, as well as county-based farm advisors and members of the UC Organic Farming Research Workgroup.

Ninety-five people responded to the survey and of those, 81 reported that they are involved in organic research and extension. This is an encouraging number and shows that some UC researchers and educators see this is an important area of work and are taking the initiative in responding to the needs of clientele in the state. The report provides important detail on percentage of work time dedicated to organic research, location of organic research activities, crops and livestock currently addressed through these activities, subject areas of organic expertise, current and pending organic research and extension grants, and future organic research needs over the next 3 to 5 years. The results of this survey can be used as a baseline for further measurement of progress in personnel and funding dedicated to organic farming research and extension at the University of California.

The report’s primary author is Chulgoo Kang, a visiting scholar from South Korea. He has been an assistant director of the Sustainable Agriculture Division, and head of a Provincial office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry where he has worked for 20 years. Certification and registration of organic farmers and their products in South Korea falls under the auspices of the Ministry. From 1999 to 2001, the number of organic farmers in South Korea almost doubled and production increased from 209,000 to 466,000 tons. “The rise in organic agriculture in Korea reflects the high interest of Korean consumers in health and the quality agricultural products,” says Kang.

Kang’s work on the UC survey has given him a better understanding of organic agriculture in California and the significance of UC resources directed to the development of this industry sector. The project has provided him with information and insights that he can apply in his work with the Ministry of Agriculture as he returns to South Korea this summer.

For questions on this report contact David Chaney.