Live Oak Grange Membership 

The Order of Patrons of Husbandry, generally known as The Grange, was a populist movement that arose in the late 1860's in reaction to the assault being levied on small family farmers by monopolistic corporations, banks, and their governmental agents. For the ensuing decades, the Grange grew in membership and power and was able act powerfully for the benefit of farmers and rural America. 

Since 1998, the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, aka "The Green Grange," has led the call for a revitalization of the Grange's original mission to "support sustainable farming and the small family farmer." Many of the issues of concern to farmers are also of interest to non-farmers. Urban planning and farmland become one issue when the growth of cities covers rich soil with concrete. The safety and quality of our water supply are of vital importance to everyone. So one does not have to be a farmer to be active in the Grange.

The SCLO Grange seeks to be a hub for advocacy, activism, and activity in support of sustainable agriculture and local resilience. We have a demonstration organic garden in which our members can participate. We host and co-host meetings and events on a wide range of topics, and provide free and low-cost meeting space for other organizations who share our mission.

The SCLO Grange supports our members with resources, expertise, and a physical venue to actively pursue their interests in any aspect of sustainable food systems at the local, state, national, or worldwide level. Some members are not able to attend the regular meetings, but can still get involved by volunteering in Grange committees. Some people join simply to support the mission and work of the SCLO Grange.