Organic Vegetable Project (OVP)

The Organic Vegetable Project (OVP) is a CCOF certified organic three acre farm unit that produces vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers at the Chico State University Farm. Our intention is to foster a strong bond between the university population and the farm with three goals: education, feed the community, and research to grow, evaluate, and identify useful farming practices and promising new vegetables to help local farmers.

The OVP strives to connect the community, students, and staff to local, organic produce. To that end, sell produce to the University dining halls and offer a CSA program mid April through December, with no annual fee, catered to the university community. There are two weekly CSA distributions at the OVP Farmstand at the University Farm on Nicholas C. Schouten Lane. The public can purchase produce at the stand as well on Thursdays from 12-4 pm. We also work closely with the campus Hungry Wildcat Pantry(opens in new window) to bring all students organic local produce regardless of their income. Each week we deliver our excess produce to the pantry, where it is given to students dealing with food insecurity, free of cost. ​

A little more about us...

The OVP began in 2009 as a grant funded project completely operated by the students, faculty, and staff of California State University, Chico. We operate with the help of a student crew including interns and volunteers.  ​

The project was initiated through funding from the Earl Foor Foundation, CSU Chico Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD), AS Sustainability Fund, and the CSU Agricultural Research Initiative (ARI). We have been lucky to receive substantial grant funding to expand the OVP's operations over the years.  Beginning in the summer of 2017 we started operating with the support of our CSA members contributions in exchange for shares each week during the growing season. We plan to improve the quality and consistency of our products and expand the number of available CSA shares in the coming years.  

Our Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) is a model of farming that links consumers directly with the farmer.  Members of our CSA enjoy part of the Organic Vegetable Project (OVP) harvest by receiving a share of fresh seasonal vegetables, flowers, and herbs each week April through December. We also occasionally host workshops and fall/spring field events. 

Find out how to join our CSA!(opens in new window)

Read about us in the news!

Chico News and Review(opens in new window) "Filling the gap and bellies: Pantry programs address problem affecting nearly half the student body: food insecurity"  May 2017

Christian Science Monitor(opens in new window) "California boosts efforts to stamp out hunger on campus" March 2017