About the Center
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Center for Diversified Farming Systems
The Center for Diversified Farming Systems (CDFS) is an interdisciplinary research hub within the Berkeley Food Institute that examines how biological, economic, and cultural diversity affect the productivity, resilience, sustainability, health, and equity of agriculture. With internationally-recognized experts in a broad range of both natural and social sciences, the Center for Diversified Farming Systems is uniquely positioned to rethink agriculture and find solutions to restore ecosystem services, sustain biodiversity, equitably promote farm livelihoods, and ensure food security. Alastair Iles and Claire Kremen serve as the Center faculty directors.
The Center, formed in 2011 from a working group that began in 2010, played a key role in the creation of the Berkeley Food Institute. The Center focuses on the relationships between biotic and cultural diversity, agricultural sustainability, resilience, social justice, environmental and human health, and governance institutions and policies. In 2012, the Center produced an edited volume for the journal Ecology and Society defining the concept of diversified farming systems and their environmental, social, economic and policy ramifications.
