Mission and Goals

The UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) was created through the grass roots efforts of organizations and individuals concerned about the environmental impacts of agriculture, the health of rural communities, and the profitability of family farming operations in California. As a result of a legislative process and with UC leadership, the program was established by the UC Regents with three mandates: to administer competitive grants for research on sustainable agricultural practices and systems, to develop and distribute information through publications and on-farm demonstrations, and to support long-term research in sustainable farming systems on UC lands.

MISSION STATEMENT

SAREP provides leadership and support for scientific research and education in agricultural and food systems that are sustainable; that is, are economically viable, conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state's communities. SAREP serves farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, researchers, educators, regulators, policy makers, industry professionals, consumers, and community organizations across the state. SAREP is a Statewide Special Program within the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Based on our overall mission and the founding legislation, SAREP has two goals:

• To assist California farmers and ranchers in developing and implementing sustainable production and marketing systems; and
  
  
• To support California's rural and urban communities in understanding the concept and value of sustainable agriculture and participating in sustainable food and agricultural systems.