Innovation & Impact

For 30 years, the Center for Land-Based Learning has built adaptable people and ecosystems by inspiring and training agricultural leaders to dig into themselves and the land in new ways.

Vital, Impactful Careers

We have set our sights on expanding youth and adult access to vital, impactful careers across the agricultural sector. From biological science and technology-aided farming to land-use management and robotics, more than 60,000 ag jobs are waiting to be filled in California.

We see opportunities to meet a variety of industry needs through:

  • expanded internship options for youth graduates of our FARMS Leadership Program
  • the launch of a new Bilingual Farmworker Upskilling Program in partnership with major statewide agricultural associations and commodities groups
  • scaling our Beginning Farmer and Rancher Apprenticeship Program across the state
  • wrap-around service partnerships to ensure success for veteran participants
  • the creation of a new land access division that serves as a “farmbudsman” between aspiring farmers, land owners and municipalities

Equitable, Resilient Communities

Access and equality are at the heart of our mission, and since our inception, we have worked intentionally to overcome the policies, social barriers and economic challenges that limit minority access to land and meaningful careers in agriculture. By expanding our Community Food Program, more cities can build equitable and resilient food systems.

more cities can build equitable and resilient food systems. To do this, we will:

  • replicate and expand our Mobile Farmer’s Market in additional regions and support other ag-focused nonprofits in following our model
  • pilot a new Healthy Corner Stores project in West Sacramento, supplying neighborhood and ethnic markets with locally grown, culturally relevant produce
  • expand our Produce Rx partnership with CommuniCare to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to health center patients experiencing chronic disease
  • broaden our Community Food Ambassador Program to educate more residents about their local food system, nutrition and outreach tactics

Regenerative, Integrated & Innovative Ecosystems

We know that cross-sector, cross-cultural innovation is critical to build integrated and equitable ag systems. Shared educational opportunities, research, replicable model practices and scalable climate solutions will uplift our communities for generations to come, and the Center for Land-Based Learning is ready to support fieldwide learning.

Invest In Tomorrow

The Center for Land-Based Learning has established a plan to raise $10 million in public funds and private gifts over the next three years and shepherd our vision from concept to reality. On behalf of CLBL’s board of directors and campaign committee, we invite you to support our efforts.

To schedule a tour, learn more, or discuss your giving plan, please contact Christine Calvin, director of advancement, at (530) 207-7122 or christine@landbasedlearning.org.

Seeding A Vision Honorary Committee

Kendra Altnow
Sustainability Manager, LangeTwins | Sand Point Wines

Robert and Don Clark & Grant Guerrieri
Principles, Clark Pacific

Glenda Humiston
Vice President, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Pam Marrone
Co-Founder & Executive Chair, Invasive Species Corp. & Invasive Species Research Institute

Craig McNamara
President & Owner, Sierra Orchards, Founder, Center for Land-Based Learning

Dan Ramos
Vice President, Ramco Enterprises

Karen Ross
Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Carlos Suarez
State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Mai Vang
Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem and FARMS and SLEWS Program Alumnus