This 3-acre plot outside of Richmond was covered in weeds and poor soil when Urban Tilth acquired it.

Mission

The Berkeley Food Institute seeks to transform food systems—to expand access to healthy, affordable food and promote sustainable and equitable food production. We empower new leaders with capacities to cultivate diverse, just, resilient, and healthy food systems. We focus on four food system themes and emphasize a holistic approach to address these pressing issues.

Agroecology

Agroecology is defined as “the integration of ecology in agriculture and food systems, encompassing ecological, economic, and social dimensions.”

Fair and Healthy Jobs

Fair and healthy jobs mean that all participants in food systems receive fair compensation and fair treatment, free from exploitation, and have healthy and safe work environments, and conditions that uphold dignity and well-being.

Good Food Access

Good food access means that all people have access to food they can afford that is healthy, sustainably and equitably produced, and culturally appropriate.

Racial Equity

Racial inequities are a central obstacle to achieving a healthy, affordable, equitable and sustainable food system.