Research

Regenerative Agriculture Needs Assessment

A Participatory Action Plan for Advancing Regenerative Agriculture through Research and Extension

About this report

This living document aims to support the development of the UCCE Regenerative Agriculture program. Through a combination of interviews, listening sessions, and on-farm site visits, a regional assessment was conducted to evaluate how farming communities perceive and understand regenerative agriculture, understand the types of regenerative farms and regenerative practices that exist in the regions, and determine different limitations and barriers for successfully transitioning to regenerative practices. Through a community engagement lens, we identify key extension and research topics to focus on, with the aim of supporting successful, farmer-centered, agroecological transitions in Northern San Joaquin Counties and the Central Sierra Foothills. This document is meant to serve as a guide for program development, as well as to provide insight into how farming communities in these regions are experiencing, thinking about, and managing for different agronomic, economic, and ecological priorities.

Authored by Sara Rosenberg, PhD, Regenerative Agriculture Advisor for Stanislaus, Merced, and Mariposa counties, UCCE; and Srabani Das, PhD, Regenerative Agriculture Extension Specialist, UC Merced.

Read the assessment

• Regenerative Agriculture Needs Assessment: Full report (PDF in Google Drive)
• Regenerative Agriculture Needs Assessment: Summary booklet (PDF in Google Drive)

Grower interview sessions

Summaries from the anonymous grower interview sessions conducted for the needs assessment.

Research Publications

Benefits and tradeoffs of diversifying rice-based cropping systems: Impacts on soil health, productivity, and agroecosystem multifunctionality (Link to webpage)

Addressing economic barriers to crop diversification in rice-based cropping systems (Link to webpage)

Crop Rotations in California Rice Systems: Assessment of Barriers and Opportunities (Link to webpage) 

Regenerative Agriculture Research Updates

• Cover Crop Variety Trial Update Mariposa 2024-2025 (PDF in Google Drive)
• Measuring Fecal Pathogens in Almond Orchard Soils Post-Grazing (PDF in Google Drive)
• Stacking of Regenerative Practices in Almond Orchards: Research update, February 2026 (PDF in Google Drive)
• Research on Food Borne Pathogens with Grazing in Orchards (PDF in Google Drive)
• Evaluating Grower Experiences with Water Use in San Joaquin Orchards

Questions about regenerative agriculture

For questions about the needs assessment or the Regenerative Agriculture program, contact the UCCE Mariposa County office at (209) 966-2417.