Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico
An instructor works with two students as they inspect soil

Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS)

The Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) helps farmers, ranchers, and policymakers transition to regenerative practices that restore soil, improve resilience, and support rural economies. Based at Chico State, the Center connects applied research, education, and field-tested solutions.

A Statewide Hub for Regenerative Agriculture

From degraded soils to drought-stressed farms, California faces urgent agricultural challenges. CRARS brings together science, education, and hands-on practice to create real-world solutions. Its programs connect farmers, ranchers, and land managers with tools and training to implement regenerative approaches that are practical, measurable, and ecologically sound.

The Center is housed at Chico State and collaborates closely with the University Farm to support student projects and applied research. CRARS also leads graduate student involvement in research and outreach through the interdisciplinary MS in Regenerative Agriculture program.

Visit the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) website for research and resources.

Core Program Areas

From technical training to regional food systems, CRARS delivers programs that scale regenerative agriculture across Northern California and beyond.

  • Student and teacher examining trees and soil in orchard

    Technical Assistance Provider Training

    Prepares professionals to guide regenerative transitions on farms and ranches through a certified statewide program.

  • A student holding a box of vegetables

    North Valley Food Hub

    Supports regenerative growers with funding, training, and access to a wholesale market platform that connects them with regional buyers.

  • Four students engaged in soil sampling in field

    Soil Health Research

    Conducts field-based studies to evaluate how regenerative practices affect carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and water retention.

  • Two students setting up a carbon capture tower in a field

    University Farm Collaboration

    Partners with Chico State’s University Farm to support student-led regenerative projects and provide hands-on learning opportunities.

  • Two students stand at a display table for the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems

    Policy and Public Engagement

    Hosts events, webinars, and outreach efforts that connect agriculture to broader environmental and community goals.

  • Rows of low growing crops between rows of trees

    Regional Conservation Partnerships

    Works with the USDA and local resource districts to help landowners implement regenerative practices like composting, cover cropping, and hedgerows through funded conservation plans.

Regenerative Work in Action

From student-led research to on-farm collaborations, these examples show how CRARS applies regenerative principles across real landscapes and builds connections between science, practice, and community.

  • A student pouring soil from sample device into teacher's hands

    Soil Sampling at the Farm

    Student researchers collect soil samples at the University Farm as part of long-term trials focused on carbon sequestration and microbial health.

  • Drone view of row crops at the University Farm

    Cover Crops in Almonds

    In partnership with producers like Massa Organics, CRARS supports cover cropping trials that enhance biodiversity, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.

  • Agriculturists attend a two-day interactive Annual California Soil Health Field Days event dedicated to exploring and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, productivity

    Soil Health Field Days

    These hands-on events bring together farmers, advisors, and researchers to learn regenerative techniques through real-world demonstrations.

  • Students work in the CRARS soil lab

    Field to Lab Research

    Students in the MS in Regenerative Agriculture program gain hands-on experience in the soil lab and in the field, contributing to research and lab analysis that supports peer-reviewed studies and applied regenerative practices.

  • Elizabeth Boyd Entomologist, Faculty Affiliate CRARS and Professor presents on the “Importance of Pollinator Habitat to Orchard Productivity: Designing your program to support pollinator habitat”

    Pollinator Habitat Design

    CRARS helps students and landowners incorporate pollinator-friendly plantings into farm systems, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Learn, Collaborate, and Lead

CRARS is more than a research center—it’s a dynamic network of farmers, educators, students, and advisors working together to reshape agriculture from the soil up. Whether you’re a grower looking for support, a student pursuing hands-on learning, or a partner agency interested in collaboration, CRARS offers pathways to get involved.

For the latest news, field days, and research highlights, visit the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) website.

Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems

Dr. Cynthia Daley
Founder, Director

Dr. Timothy LaSalle
Co-Founder

Location: 35 Main Street Suite 204
Phone: 530-898-4335
Email: regenerativeag@csuchico.edu