Inspire Food System Innovation: By 2030, the UC Food System Transformation Collaborative will contribute to big-picture, long-term planning that inspires food system innovation. The Collaborative will create at least three system maps and visualizations that reveal pathways into the future, clarify and communicate at least five national and state policy priorities that will leverage food system transformation, and engage stakeholders to identify and implement innovative solutions to food system challenges. The Collaborative will establish at least 10 innovation hubs across California to accelerate food system transformation.
Catalyze Frontier Research: By 2030, the UC Food System Transformation Collaborative will develop a transdisciplinary research agenda that addresses critical issues such as climate change and agriculture, resilient food systems, alternative farming practices, and social and economic factors that influence food access and food security. The Collaborative will connect research with real-world practice and experimentation and communicate research findings through at least five convenings, 10 courses, and 20 extension activities.
Build Multi-stakeholder Collaborative Networks: By 2030, the UC Food System Transformation Collaborative will unite diverse partners and stakeholders around shared food system transformation goals and outcomes. The Collaborative will ensure a coordinated response to critical issues such as food system resilience, sustainability, and equity and deepen coherence and optimize resources across UC Collaborative members and their partners. The Collaborative will establish at least 10 multi-stakeholder collaborations across California to advance food system transformation.
Uplift Equity and Prepare the Next Generation: By 2030, the UC Food System Transformation Collaborative will address the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce in sustainable food systems research, extension, and industry. The Collaborative will educate and connect the next generation of food system and agroecology leaders, with a focus on recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in these fields. The Collaborative will use the food procurement power of the UC system to source at least 25% of food from marginalized growers and invest in at least 10 programs that improve food access in underserved communities.
Accelerate Climate-Smart Agriculture: By 2030, the UC Food System Transformation Collaborative will research and evaluate market-based solutions to accelerate the transition to and adoption of climate-smart agriculture. The Collaborative will support climate-smart growers, particularly Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) farmers and food entrepreneurs, and develop a climate-smart agrifood system workforce for California through at least 20 campus and curricular activities. The Collaborative will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from California agriculture by at least 25%.