Berkeley Food Institute

Interested in learning more about the food system? Enrollment is now open!

BFI is sponsoring a new course for the Fall 2024 semester through the Haas School of Business, “Improving Our Food System Through Values-Based Supply Chains.” Taught by Professors William Rosenzweig & Helene York, this new undergrad course will unpack the ongoing challenges within our food systems supply chains, including causes of excess GHG emissions, chronic diet-related diseases, biodiversity loss, declining soil health, and inhumane practices for laborers and animals. Rosenzweig and York, along with leaders in the field as guest speakers, will guide students through dynamic case studies of supply chain innovations that showcase the many career pathways students can take to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable food system.

This course qualifies for the food systems minor.

Learn more here: https://classes.berkeley.edu/content/2024-fall-ugba-192t-006-lec-006

Our last interview for our Storytelling project was very close to home. We sat down with ab banks, BFI’s own Agroecology and Wellness Coordinator as well as a founding member of West Oakland based People’s Programs.

Originally from North Oakland, ab found farming during their time at Berkeley as an undergrad, on an Alternative Breaks service trip to New Orleans. Since then, they have used their farming experience and knowledge of food as wellness to inform their work nourishing communities in the East Bay. Their work at People’s Program is rooted in compassion and a knowledge that houseless and low-income people deserve to have access to the same fresh fruits and vegetables as much as anyone else.

“Having access to food is just one part of the problem. People not having access to land is obviously the biggest problem,” ab says.

This interview is a part of a four part series. Watch the interview here: https://food.berkeley.edu/video/ab-banks-peoples-programs/.

UC Berkeley Students with an interest in food policy and community engagement! We're looking for two more students to join our team for the next academic year.

First, the Policy Assistant will conduct policy analysis research to support BFI's Policy Program, write and edit policy briefs based on affiliated faculty research, and connect with community partners. This application is open to matriculated graduate students at UC Berkeley.

Second, the Student Community Engagement and Administrative Assistant will help run BFI's in-person and online events with affiliated faculty, community partners, alumni, and other stakeholders. This application is open to matriculated students at UC Berkeley.

We look forward to hearing from you! Find more information on our careers page here: https://ow.ly/5PC350SnE1f.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own an operate your own food business? For the third edition of BFI's Pathways Project, we spoke to Dianna Darr, the founder and CEO of CultCrackers.

Dianna speaks on how her farming background led her to value whole food, the process of getting an organic certification, and gives advice for running a business. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this interview gives valuable insight into the running and operating of a local, organic food business.

This interview is a part of a four part series. Read the interview and read more about the Pathways project here: https://food.berkeley.edu/q-and-a/dianna-darr-founder-and-ceo-cult-crackers/.

A big thank you to our wonderful student fellows Melissa Cervantes and Isabel Martin. Your work at BFI and in the local food systems community has been immeasurable.

If you've received the Food Systems Opportunities Newsletter or attended any career programming this year, that's the work of Global Food Initiative Food Systems Career Fellow Isabel. She has dedicated herself to making food systems careers more available to Berkeley students. We are sure to feel her impact for years to come.

Development Assistant Melissa has spent the year supporting BFI from behind the scenes. If you've watched any of our Pathways video interviews — that's Melissa! She's also been an incredible presence helping BFI fundraise, especially for Big Give.

Thank you for all your work!

In 1994, Straus Family Creamery became the first 100% Organic Creamery in North America. Now, the Creamery is pioneering carbon neutrality within the industry.

The second interview of BFI's Pathways project with Ian-Hero Serrano and Joseph Button of Straus Family Creamery is up on our BFI blog and youtube channel.

For science and sustainability lovers, this one is for you. As R&D Product Innovation Director and Vice President of Sustainability, Ian and Joseph share their unique perspectives on the impact of sustainability and organics within the food business sphere.

This video interview is a part of a four part series. Watch the video and read more about the Pathways project here: https://ow.ly/MMVM50Shvwm.
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In case you missed it — BFI's video interview with Berkeley grad Catherine Van D**e is up on our blog and youtube channel!

Program Manager for The SF Market, a local food distributor hub, Catherine speaks on how her experiences at Berkeley led her to her work in the food system and on the knowledge she has gained throughout her career.

Watch the video here: https://ow.ly/NRqn50SeA9p.

This video interview is a part of a four part series. More information on the Pathways project can be found on our BFI blog. Read more here: https://ow.ly/vlbA50SeA9q.

In 2008, interdisciplinary researchers from Berkeley joined a roundtable on diversified farming systems, led by BFI’s founding Faculty Co-Director Claire Kremen, where they discussed the barriers and opportunities of adopting ecological diversification practices.

This initial roundtable inspired subsequent work on diversified agriculture, including a landmark global study, published in Science, which found that these diversification strategies achieved an overall greater environmental and social benefit.

Read Claire Kremen's reflection here: https://food.berkeley.edu/from-the-field/joint-environmental-and-social-benefits-from-diversified-farming-systems-the-berkeley-backstory/

Introducing: Pathways: Profiles of Local Food Systems Changemakers!

Over the course of the last academic year, BFI has sought to exhibit traditionally unseen career paths in the food system, with the hope of sharing just how versatile food systems work can be. We have travelled across the Bay to bring to you 4 video interviews of 5 food systems changemakers, who talk about their career and give advice for aspiring food systems workers.

You'll definetly want to check this one out! Our first video with SF Market Program Manager Catherine Van D**e is out now.

Read about the project and watch the video on our BFI blog here: https://ow.ly/P9VR50Sa95t.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, California farmers and researchers are looking to dry farming, a practice where crops are grown during the dry season without external irrigation. This practice is touted as a potential solution for water access problems and long-term drought impacts on California farmers and ranchers.

In a new study, Berkeley Agroecology Lab researcher Yvonne Socolar researched the fungal communities that may help dry-farmed tomatoes access nutrients under increasing levels of water stress.

Read more about this research on our BFI blog here: https://food.berkeley.edu/from-the-field/dry-farmed-tomatoes-are-delicious-and-they-can-teach-us-a-lot-about-agroecological-transitions-to-water-scarcity-2/

At the core of our work at the Berkeley Food Institute, we are dedicated to building our vision of a food and farm system rooted in urban and rural agroecology, good food access, fair and healthy jobs, and racial equity. It has been over a decade since our founding, and in that decade, BFI has grown as a center for food systems research, advocacy, and education across the Berkeley campus and beyond. Want to learn more about BFI's impact on the local and global food system?

Please check out our latest impact report, which summarizes BFI’s work from 2021 to now:
https://ow.ly/XTAH50RZ47A

BFI is proud to announce this year’s 2024 graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Food Systems! We are honored to have awarded 25 certificates to graduate students this year who will no doubt go on to make a lasting impact on our local and global food system.

We celebrated this year's graduates with a sunny ceremony at Berkeley Way West earlier this month, where keynote speakers addressed the importance of continued activism for social change.

Read more about our celebration or join our alumni network on our BFI blog here: https://food.berkeley.edu/from-the-field/dry-farmed-tomatoes-are-delicious-and-they-can-teach-us-a-lot-about-agroecological-transitions-to-water-scarcity/

Calling all Food Systems Minors, Hass Undergrads, and Food Systems Nerds!

BFI is sponsoring a new course for the Fall 2024 semester through the Hass School of Business, entitled “Improving Our Food System Through Values-Based Supply Chains.” Taught by Professors William Rosenzweig & Helene York, this new undergrad course will delve into the ongoing challenges within our food supply chain, including the way that current infrastructure has fueled excess GHG emissions, chronic diet-related diseases, biodiversity loss, declining soil health, and inhumane practices for laborers and animals.

Learn more and register here: https://food.berkeley.edu/improving-our-food-system-through-organic-values-based-supply-chains/

"In its first decade, BFI has made an invaluable impact by creating a community for researchers, staff, and students working on food systems," said Co-Associate Faculty Director Tim Bowles for Rausser College of Natural Resources - UC Berkeley Breakthroughs Magazine's interview feature of BFI leadership.

Alongside Tim Bowles were interviews of Faculty Director Charisma Acey, Co-Associate Faculty Director Susana Matias, and Executive Director Jeanne Merrill, who spoke of BFI's influence over the last 10 years and their visions for BFI's future.

Read the full article here: https://nature.berkeley.edu/breakthroughs/sp24/BFI-ten.

Have you been looking for a food systems-related opportunity for this summer? Want field study experience in Agroecology? Enter: the Agroecology Field Quarter.

The Agroecology Field Quarter is a full-time, 7-week residential and traveling course that will run from July 8th through Aug 23rd. Students will travel between UC campus agroecology programs, with visits to academics, farmers, and community-based organizations that are leading Agroecology research. Enrollment is open to all UC campus students and students from outside the UC as well.

Learn more about this course and apply here: https://food.berkeley.edu/for-students/food-and-agriculture-coursework/

Curious about what's happening in the state legislature around food and agricultural policy? Stay on top the top ten pieces of food systems legislation that we're keeping track of this year via our BFI blog.

Read more here: https://food.berkeley.edu/from-the-field/keeping-track-of-california-food-and-farm-policy/.

The benefits to agroecological farming practices are expansive: Hedgerows and flower strips provide biodiversity. Cover crops and compost improve soil health and increase water efficiency. Crop rotation builds up resilience to climate events and disease.

A new study published this month in Science, which looked at thousands of farms across 11 countries, affirms these environmental benefits and takes a step further: Diversified agriculture benefits people too by potentially increasing crop yields and ensuring food security, food sovereignty, and human wellbeing.

Read about this new research on the BFI blog here: https://ow.ly/Lse650RnA35.

UC Berkeley Students with an interest in the food system! We're looking for two new students to join our team for the next academic year.

First, the Food & Farm Systems Engagement Fellow will conduct outreach for our Food Systems minor and Graduate Certificate in Food Systems, acting as a liaison with RCNR staff and student advisors.

Second, the Food Systems Experiential Learning & Careers Program Fellow will work to develop food systems educational programing, as well as send out our weekly careers and opportunities newsletter.

Applications for both positions are due June 6.

Learn more about these positions here: https://food.berkeley.edu/about-us/careers/.

Interested in learning about food systems? Thinking about a career in the organic food space? Come hear from California Certified Organic Farmers' Education Manager Molly Nakahara tomorrow from 4:30 - 6 pm!

To join, RSVP here: https://ow.ly/XP3u50RnvrL

We’re looking for someone to join the BFI team as our next Policy Director! The Policy Director leads our efforts to inform local, state, and federal food and agriculture policy with UC Berkeley research. This position works closely with BFI staff and UC Berkeley faculty to coordinate policy education and communications, collaborate with community partners, and participate in state and federal hearings and related meetings to advance equitable and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

To learn more, visit https://food.berkeley.edu/about-us/careers/now-hiring-policy-director/.

To apply, visit https://jobs.berkeley.edu/ and search for job ID #67853.

It’s been a big year for BFI’s Food Systems Career Development program. As a part of our mission to support fair and healthy jobs, BFI has organized a series of events focused on deepening students’ understanding of values based supply chains. Global Food Initiative Food Systems Careers Fellow Isabel Martin reflects on her work with BFI to make food systems careers more accessible to students.

Read her reflection on our BFI blog here: https://food.berkeley.edu/bfi-news/cultivating-values-based-relationships/.

First photo by Estefany Gonzalez.

On April 5th and 6th, the Food Institute Graduate Council held its fourth annual food systems conference, titled “Diasporic Foods: An exploration of ongoing food relationships and connections.” Students, scholars, community members, and artists came together to discuss the histories, existence, impacts, and futures of diasporic events and communities through the lens of food.

Interested in attending future food systems events like this one? Sign up for our News & Events and Food Systems Opportunities newsletters on our linktree: https://linktr.ee/berkeleyfoodinstitute.

The historical photo exhibition “The Braceros and the Rubber Soldiers: A History of labor and power in the Americas” depicts daily life within recruitment centers and lodging facilities for two US-sponsored programs that relied on the labor force of Latin American workers. Through the collection of images, Belik explored complex themes of race and its connection to labor and migration patterns, specifically under the influence of U.S. imperialism.

UC Berkeley PhD candidate Laura Belik reflects on the exhibition she curated to complement her doctoral research.

Read her reflection on the BFI Blog here: https://food.berkeley.edu/from-the-field/a-photo-history-of-labor-and-power-in-the-americas/.

Last spring, a group of farmers, policy experts, and food systems advocates — including BFI staff and five UC Berkeley graduate students— convened at the historic Airlie Farm outside of Washington DC. The purpose of the gathering was to discuss the US Farm Bill in the context of racial justice.

Now, with support from BFI, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund and American University's Antiracist Research & Policy Center have published a multimedia guide for engaging with the US Farm Bill through the lens of racial and social justice.

View the toolkit here: https://ow.ly/fFeZ50R68cK

BFI’s latest SB 1000 roadshow, in Gilroy, CA, gathered more than a hundred people to discuss how the senate bill can be mobilized for food security and community health. BFI teamed up with Gilroy-based community group Nueva Vida to host this community meeting, bringing together Gilroy locals and policy representatives, to learn from their experiences with environmental justice and city land use planning.

The night began with tacos, quesadillas and a presentation from BFI Faculty Director Charisma Acey on her SB 1000 research, followed by fruitful breakout discussions from the attendees.

Read more about this event via on our blog here: https://ow.ly/oC5f50R66rP

Thank you to everyone who supported us during Big Give 2024! Your gift goes a long way to supporting research that shapes a just and equitable food and farm system.

If you did not give through our Big Give page, there is still a chance to support our Student Research Grant Program and other projects. Give a gift to BFI to support our efforts toward a food system grounded in urban and rural agroecology, good food access, fair and healthy jobs, and racial equity.

Please donate here: https://ow.ly/pQEC50QTEHT

As a student in the Goldman School of Public Policy, Sakeenah Shabazz assessed the California Great Plates Delivered program, which aimed to bridge the gap between isolated seniors and restaurants during the pandemic lockdown. Sakeenah’s resulting BFI report showed the successes and challenges of this important state food access initiative, outlining the opportunities for state and local level food delivery programs. After earning her Master of Public Policy, Sakeenah continued on as BFI’s Policy Director, until taking up her current appointment with the Biden administration’s USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

BFI is dedicated to supporting research like this because it has an innumerable impact on the lives of real people. When you donate to BFI this Big Give, you are supporting research like this that builds up a food system founded on good food access and equity.

Please donate here: https://givingday.berkeley.edu/giving-day/76721/department/76821

Master of Public Policy graduate Fiona McBride worked with BFI and the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment at Berkeley Law to explore creative ways to scale the transition to regenerative agriculture. Through a roundtable discussion that brought together farmers, researchers, and policy experts, that resulted in BFI report, Fiona outlined critical systemic barriers to regenerative ag and proposed six recommendations to overcome these obstacles. A few of these recommendations have spurred current USDA-funded research reassessing risk and insurance costs for farmers.

Students like Fiona represent the next generation of food systems professionals who are shaping a food system grounded in ecological and economic sustainability. Your gift this Big Give goes directly to more research like this!

Please donate here: https://ow.ly/4U7u50QTCsV

In 2022, Aarij Bashir earned his Master of Public Affairs from the Goldman School of Public Policy by cataloging the experiences of Punjabi farmers in California as they attempted to access support through the California Healthy Soils Program. His report, published by the Berkeley Food Institute, showed equity issues in the program’s application process and offered policy recommendations to improve equity in the state’s agriculture programs.

UC Berkeley students are responsible for much of the research leading to transformational change in our food system. This year, we are launching a Student Research Grant Program, to continue to support students like Aarij conduct groundbreaking research. Through Big Give, your gift goes directly to student research costs. Support our students today!

Please click the link here to donate: https://ow.ly/F4g150QTzaL

Big Give is starting! This Big Give, BFI is launching our 2024-2025 academic year Student Research Grant Program. Our donation goal of $10,000 will enable us to offer research grants of up to $1,000 for individual student researchers.

UC Berkeley students often come to BFI and ask how to get involved or how we can support them in their academic endeavors. With the 2024-2025 Student Research Grant Program, we will be able to sponsor student research and continue to foster a strong food systems research community at UC Berkeley. This grant program is intended to fund student research that falls within one or more of our four focus areas: urban and rural agroecology, fair and healthy jobs, good food access, and racial equity in the food system.

When you give to BFI, you invest in a community dedicated to uplifting a values-based food system backed by scientific and social knowledge from the fields to the plate. This program will propel campus interdisciplinary student research that generates knowledge and informs how we understand and shape food systems.

Please click here to donate: https://ow.ly/Czgi50QSQaK.