Food Systems & Permaculture

Real Food Challenge

UMass Amherst participates in the Real Food Challenge, requiring 20% of the university’s food purchases be “real food” — local/community-based, fair, ecologically sound, and humane food sources — by 2020.

UMass Permaculture

UMass Permaculture Initiative is a unique and cutting-edge sustainability program that converts underused grass lawns on the campus into edible, low-maintenance, and easily replicable gardens. 

Local Healthy UMass Food System 

The Local Healthy UMass Food System Initiative is a cutting-edge approach to supporting a healthy and resilient New England food system. 

UMass Student Farm

UMass Student Farming Enterprise program provides hands-on farming experience and education on healthier food systems. 

Student Farmers Market

A collaboration between UMass Permaculture and the UMass Student Farm, the UMass Student Farmers Market is a weekly agriculture community event.

Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment

The center integrates research and outreach education in agriculture, food systems, and the environment. 

Rainbow and swiss chard growing below the Franklin Permaculture Garden sign