For generations, Fairview Gardens farm, one of the longest continuously operated agricultural operations in the Goleta Valley, has fed the urban populations that now surround it, educated and inspired young people about food and farming, trained numerous successful farmers, and provided a gathering place for music and cultural events.
This one hundred and twenty-five-year-old farm also galvanized an entire community to save it from development and protect it under one of the country’s first active agricultural conservation easements.
Now, Fairview Gardens is re-imagining itself and launching a campaign to re-build its ageing infrastructure.
Looking Ahead (Estimated Timeline)
Planning & Permitting Winter 2024-Spring 2026
Phase 1 Winter 2025-Spring 2027: The first phase is designed to develop several foundational aspects required to rebuild and operate the farm and its programs and to create financial resilience for the organization going forward.
· Multi-Functional Barn Construction
· Climate Resilient Farm Planting
· Staff Housing Construction
Phase 2 Summer 2027-Spring 2028: In the second phase, we will upgrade and improve the infrastructure the farm needs to market its products to the public and to offer updated and expanded educational programming accessible to community members of all ages.
· Retail Store Construction
· Kid’s Garden Installed
· Adults Teaching Garden Installed
· Farmhouse Restoration
The Center for Urban Agriculture is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1996 that owns and operates the nearly 13-acre certified organic farm in the heart of Goleta, California surrounded by a community of residents and businesses. The land is permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement held by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.
The Center’s mission is to preserve the agricultural heritage of Fairview Gardens farm; provide the local community with fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables; demonstrate the economic viability of sustainable agricultural methods for small farm operations; research and interpret the connections between food, land stewardship, and community well-being; and nurture the human spirit through educational programs and public activities.
“Fairview Gardens has been at the forefront, leading the way for five decades. The farm, as a world-class model, is a Santa Barbara County icon, so critical to our future that its latest forward-thinking vision deserves all of our support”
Jeff Bridges — Actor, Campaign Co-Chair
“Fairview Gardens farm is a landmark, a source of comfort to all of us who love good farming and good food.”
Wendell Berry —Author, Farmer, Poet, Essayist
