Carrie Brown has joined UC Cooperative Extension as the Environmental Horticulture and Controlled Environment Agriculture Advisor for Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Mateo, and San Benito Counties, according to a Mar. 10 announcement. Based in Watsonville since February 2026, Brown is developing an applied research and extension program to support the region’s environmental horticulture industry, which includes nursery, greenhouse, and other controlled-environment production systems.
Brown’s role is important because she will help local greenhouse and nursery producers improve crop productivity and sustainability. Her work focuses on efficient water and nutrient management, integrated pest management, and evaluating new technologies that could enhance production efficiency and profitability. She also serves as the academic advisor for the UC Master Gardener program in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.
A key priority for Brown is connecting with growers to understand their current challenges and opportunities. She is currently meeting with producers and industry partners throughout the region to learn about their operations and discuss potential research collaborations. Greenhouse and nursery producers are encouraged to contact her directly by email or phone to introduce themselves or discuss questions related to production.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources enhances lives statewide by sharing science-based practices according to the official website. The organization maintains nine Research and Extension Centers as living laboratories across diverse ecosystems according to the official website.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is affiliated with the University of California according to the official website and operates offices in all 58 California counties along with its research centers according to the official website. Glenda Humiston serves as vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources according to the official website.
The organization delivers University of California expertise through research initiatives that support communities across California. It builds collaborations in farming, environmental conservation, wildfire protection, nutrition education, food networks, youth programs, while maintaining local offices in every county—a mission it has pursued for more than a century according to the official website.