GRAZE at the Fields

San Diego Farm Bureau's Annual Event

GRAZE at the Fields is an amazing opportunity to connect with the San Diego agriculture community and "graze" through products from local farmers, chefs, brewers, winemakers, and more. This event is hosted at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, and with a VIP ticket you can even take an exclusive tour of the Flower Fields!

Several people from the UCCE San Diego and Orange County offices attended to share resources and information about the work they're doing throughout Southern California.

More info about GRAZE

2025 Steakfry

Orange County Farm Bureau's Annual Fundraising Dinner

The Steakfry is the Orange County Farm Bureau's annual fundraising dinner to support student scholarships and agriculture education provided by the 4H Youth Development Program, Orange County FFA, and South Coast REC. Lindsey Pedroncelli, South Coast REC's Interim Director, had the opportunity to present at the Steakfry about the agriculture education and workforce development programming that we do at South Coast REC in collaboration with the Orange County Farm Bureau. This event took place at beautiful Tanaka Farms in Irvine.

More info about the Steakfry

Get to know

Grant Johnson

Urban Agriculture Technology Advisor for Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Hi, I’m Grant Johnson, Urban Agriculture Technology Advisor for Los Angeles and Orange Counties! I’ve been with UC ANR for 8 years — 2 years in my current role and 6 years before that as a Staff Research Associate at SCREC. Time flies by! I left for grad school for a bit, but I always had my sights on becoming an advisor – proof that surrounding yourself with great mentors can make all the difference.

What does a "typical" day look like for you?

No two days are the same, although they all start with a cup of coffee. One day I’m setting up field trials and troubleshooting irrigation systems; the next, I’m keeping tabs on new ag technologies or chasing down funding opportunities nonstop. It’s a mix of tech experiments, fieldwork, grower visits, and a permanent farmer’s tan. Every day brings a new puzzle to solve, and there’s a certain rhythm where everything seems to ramp up all at once.

What part of your work are you most excited about or proud of right now?

Right now, I’m especially excited about projects bringing new technology into urban agriculture, particularly for small urban farms. It’s inspiring to see the excitement and heart that plant people share and propagate to each other. Merging solar power and plant shading is a current highlight, and I’m excited to begin plant trials soon. If you have crops that love shade, why not generate electricity at the same time? Many growers are incredibly crafty, and if there’s a solution that works, I want to help bring that innovation to their attention and make a difference for urban growers.

What’s your favorite fruit/vegetable we grow at SCREC?

You better believe I’m checking the vegetable bins daily! There are some wonderful work perks, and they’re all thanks to the amazing volunteers and programs growing seasonal produce. I’ve discovered that mini avocados are just as delicious as they are adorable. And if you’re ever lucky enough to “beefriend” the OC Bee Team, a jar of their honey is worth its weight in gold.

I like to challenge myself each season to cook with something new. Okra ended up in the vegetable bin and was my biggest surprise — I wasn't sure what to expect, but after learning a few great recipes, it quickly earned a spot on my favorites list. We’ll see what new contenders pop up this year!

To get in contact with Grant, email gejohnson@ucanr.edu or  connect with him on LinkedIn.

Bonus fun fact:

I’m supposed to say I enjoy long walks on the beach but truthfully, I’m happiest walking through a warm greenhouse during a rainstorm.