US (CA): New Environmental Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor joins UC ANR

Carrie Brown joined UC Cooperative Extension in February 2026 as the Environmental Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties. Based in Watsonville, she is developing an applied research and extension program to support the region's environmental horticulture industry, including nursery, greenhouse, and other controlled-environment production systems. Carrie also serves as the academic advisor for the UC Master Gardener program in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.

Carrie's work focuses on helping greenhouse and nursery producers improve crop productivity and sustainability through efficient water and nutrient management, integrated pest management, and the evaluation of emerging technologies that can enhance production efficiency and profitability. A key priority for her program is connecting with growers to better understand current challenges and opportunities facing the industry and to develop research and educational programs that address those needs.

She is currently meeting with producers and industry partners throughout the region and welcomes the opportunity to visit operations, learn about production systems, and discuss potential research collaborations. Greenhouse and nursery producers are encouraged to reach out to introduce themselves, share ideas, or discuss questions related to production. Carrie can be contacted at [email protected] or (831) 228-9393.

Source: University of California