Maintain farmland, increase agricultural opportunities, and enhance farm viability
Urban farmers and growers are vital to building a sustainable and equitable food system in Santa Clara County. Access to suitable land and resources enables these growers to cultivate fresh, local produce that nourishes communities and strengthens the regional food economy.
Urban Growers Network (UGN)
Founded in April 2022 by Veggielution with funding from Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, the Urban Growers Network (UGN) connects local urban farmers and growers to advance Santa Clara County food equity goals.
Member organizations include the California Native Garden Foundation, the Forge Garden (Santa Clara University), the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, La Mesa Verde, Our City Forest, Garden to Table, and Valley Verde.
Urban Growers Network Member Locations and Equity Index Scores
This map displays UGN organization site locations over a blue layer representing an Equity Index Score (EIS) by census tract. Areas in darker blue represent higher priority equity investment areas, while light blue represents lower priority investment areas. UGN organizations are located in diverse EIS areas, showing UGN’s reach into communities with the greatest need. Equity Index information came from the San Jose GIS Open Data Portal Equity Index Census Tracts.
Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones (UAIZ)
An Urban Agricultural Incentive Zone Contract is an agreement between a vacant landowner and the city that allows the land to be used for agriculture for 5 years in exchange for property tax benefits. This program originates from the 1965 Williamson Act.
Vacant Land Eligible for Urban Agriculture in Santa Clara County
Some California counties allow properties up to 3 acres (shown in blue) to participate, but San Jose limits participation to parcels of 1 acre or less (orange). Select a parcel on the map to see its zoning designation and last recorded vacant date. Data comes from the San Jose GIS Open Data Vacant Land Inventory.
Grower Support
Kitchen Table Advisors
Kitchen Table Advisors provides business advising to small sustainable farms and ranches
California FarmLink
California FarmLink financially invests in farmers in order to support a healthy food system
Central Coast Farms
Central Coast Farms supports rural and urban farmers with resources, technical assistance, and training opportunities
Locations & Contact Information for Grower Support Organizations
Use this map to explore these organizations’ locations and contact information.
Testimonials
Bluma Farm
Joanna Letz founded Bluma Farm to grow sustainably raised flowers on a rooftop in Berkeley and at the Sunol AgPark, combining urban agriculture with a thriving floral business that serves markets, florists, and events
Oya Organics
Founded by Marsha Habib, Oya Organics is a 20-acre organic farm rooted in agroecology and food justice, known for its diverse vegetables and commitment to small-scale, community-centered farming
Root Down Farm
Dede Boies raises pasture-based poultry and pigs at Root Down Farm, combining animal welfare with environmental stewardship and offering support to other small farm businesses through land-sharing and mentorship
JSM Organics
Founded by Javier Zamora, JSM Organics grows a wide variety of berries, flowers, and vegetables while mentoring beginning farmers and championing equitable access to land, fair wages, and sustainable agriculture
Shun-Fat Nursery
For over two decades, the Li family has grown specialty Asian vegetables in Santa Clara County at Shun-Fat Nursery, expanding steadily thanks to community support and a deep-rooted Asian-American farming tradition
Veggielution
Founded by San Jose State University students, Veggielution offers education, youth programs, and volunteer opportunities rooted in food justice and community building
Pink Barn Farm
Run by Rose Madden, Pink Barn Farm grows high-quality vegetables for chefs and local distributors, building a small but efficient operation grounded in years of urban farming experience
Pisga Organics
Founded by Sofia Colin, Pisga Organics is a small organic farm offering fresh produce, and supported by California Farmlink, ALBA Farmers, and Kitchen Table Advisors
Spade & Plow
Founded by the Thorp family, Spade & Plow is a certified organic farm that supplies fresh produce through a CSA, farmers’ markets, and restaurants, while building community and advocating for a stronger local food system in Santa Clara County
Frantoio Grove
Established by Jeff Martin on preserved open space, Frantoio Grove produces award-winning, single-variety Tuscan olive oil, demonstrating how niche farming can thrive with quality, craftsmanship, and consumer education
Garden to Table
Founded in 2013, Garden to Table Silicon Valley is a nonprofit organization that manages a thriving community farm “Taylor Street Farm” located in downtown San Jose. They offer educational experiences and programs on how people can grow their own food.