Sustainable Systems
Research Foundation
Latinx Family Farmers are About to Lose Their Farms!
The Spanish-speaking operators of small, organic and regenerative farms–many of them women– with whom we have worked with since 2021 have been devastated by the January and March 2023 storms and floods. Many have worked their way up from the fields to successful farmers. Some were just about to buy their land when storms hit and then hit again their dreams may be out of reach. Others could lose everything they have worked for.
SSRF is spearheading an effort to help these farmers get their farms back into operation. We are seeking DONORS, farm equipment and matching funds for them and are reaching out to elected officials, government agencies and community and other foundations to bridge the gap!
Please give by going to our DONATE page or contact us directly at sustainablesystemsresearch@gmail.com. For information about other relief efforts, please go to this page.

The Sustainable Systems Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit green think tank and eco-project incubator in the Monterey Bay Area and Central Coast of California. SSRF seeks to create a sustainable Central California Coast through local, participatory community development of sustainable energy generation, regenerative and organic small farming, urban agriculture, backyard housing and real compostable food and packaging systems. Our philosophy is that the best form of activism is that which benefits the community, is reproducible, scalable and easily adopted and adapted to other places. SSRF works with our communities to help the greater society become more sustainable and just. We develop active collaborations with organizations, public agencies, funders, donors and small private companies that share our interests and goals. Our projects and programs go beyond vision to actual deployment--to function as models that can be replicated in other cities in California, the United States and the World. Click on the project links below to learn more about our work.
Projects and Activities of Current Interest
SUSTAINABLE & REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Learn about growing sustainable organic food on small local farms and gardens through regenerative agriculture.
THE FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY IN CALIFORNIA
Learn how solar + storage microgrids can bring power home and provide everyone with a basic income through solar electricity.
CLOSING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Explore how transforming product chains and product lifecycles can reduce can help create a circular economy.
AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Find out how accessory dwelling units can address Santa Cruz’s housing crisis.
SUSTAINABILITY NOW!
Listen to the radio show every other Sunday on KSQD 90.7 FM & KSQD.ORG
BRINGING THE GREEN ECONOMY TO LIFE
Learn how SSRF is working to create the Green Economy through education, internships and hands on activities
NEW PROJECT: SOLAR SCORECARD 2.0
The Solar Scorecard (formerly Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition) has a new home at the Sustainable Systems Research Foundation
PUBLICATIONS, PAPERS & VIDEOS
Question, read, watch, learn, write
Get in touch! Keep in touch!
- sustainablesystemsresearch@gmail.com
- (831) 708-5836
- 2861 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Room 247)
FOLLOW SSRF ON SOCIAL MEDIA