Our 2025–2026 student grant recipients recently presented the findings from their research projects, which covered food systems topics from food sovereignty in Mexico’s High Mixtec region to pollinator habitat gardens to hydroponic systems. Each year, BFI is able to provide grants of up to $3,000 to support student-led food and farm systems research in collaboration with faculty and/or cooperative extension specialists at UC Berkeley. 

2025-2026 student grant recipients and their projects:

• Maria Villalpando Paez, Cultivating Food Sovereignty in High Mixtec Region 
• Alana Ballagh, Community Engagement within Fisheries Adaptation
• Isabel Navarro, Habitat Gardens for Bee Pollinators 
• Luz Mercado-Aguayo, Produce RX Program in Yolo County, CA
• Ji Hwan Kim, Algae Inoculation in Hydroponic Systems

Students can apply for research grants during the beginning of the fall academic semester. Congratulations student researchers on completing your projects! The work and dedication of academic researchers is vital for the fight for a just food system.