Specialty Crops
Ellie Andrews
Specialty Crops Advisor
Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties
University of California Cooperative Extension
UCANR Profile
The UCCE North Bay Specialty Crops Extension and research program serves a diverse community of 200+ specialty crop growers of orchard crops, vegetables, berries, and other high-value and niche crops. (Vineyards are served by the UCCE Viticulture Advisors.) Most growers are small to mid-scale in size and use organic, regenerative, and/or agroecological practices. I partner with local technical service providers, organizations, processors, and marketers to promote commercial specialty crop production and the expansion of growers’ contributions as foundational members of our local food system.
This program directly addresses high-priority sustainable production needs through diverse outreach and advising methods, robust science-based educational programming, and applied research. This program advances climate-adaptive strategies, sustainable management of plant health and water and soil resources, and ecologically oriented Integrated Pest Management (IPM). My work furthers UC ANR’s public value statements to build climate-resilient communities and ecosystems, promote economic prosperity, and safeguard abundant and healthy food in California. My program advances UC ANR’s Sustainable Food Systems and Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases Strategic Initiatives. Program activities increase the ecological sustainability of agriculture, preparedness and resilience to extreme weather and climate change, and agricultural efficiency and profitability.
Email: eandrews@ucanr.edu
Instagram: @specialtycrops
Youtube: UCCE North Bay Specialty Crops
(The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this Instagram page and YouTube channel do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of California. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "University of California" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.)
UCCE North Bay Specialty Crops Program
Program Logic Model
Initial Needs Summary
Please see the tabs on the left side of this page for educational events and resources!
Biography & Introduction
Introduction Letter - Specialty Crops Advisor (EN)
Introduction Letter - Specialty Crops Advisor (ES)
Donate to the UCCE North Bay Specialty Crops Program
If you would like to provide a gift donation to support this program, please click this link and find "UCCE Sonoma, Marin, Napa Specialty Crops" in the drop down menu.
What are specialty crops?
USDA definition
UC Small Farms - Specialty Crops
Where can I learn more about local farms?
Sonoma county Farm Trails Map
Farmers' Markets of Sonoma County
Farmers' Markets of Marin County
Farmers' Markets of Napa County
FEED Sonoma's "Get to Know Your Farmers" webpage
Many local farms are on social media!
Backyard Growers
If you are a backyard grower, please learn about our excellent Master Gardener Program and reach out to them with any questions. If you are a backyard grower exploring going commercial, please see "Resources for Backyard Growers Interested in Going Commercial" (one of the sub-tabs to the left side of this webpage).