Eric Cárdenas, Alliance Coordinator

Eric joined the AIN team in 2010, and coordinates the Santa Barbara and Ventura Ag Futures Alliances. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1998 with degrees in Political Science and Environmental Studies, and has dedicated his career to supporting environmental and community health and well-being.

Most recently, Eric worked for the Orfalea Foundations, serving as the s’Cool Food Initiative’s Agriculture and Infrastructure Manager responsible for developing farm-to-cafeteria programs in Santa Barbara County schools. Prior to joining the s’Cool Food team, Eric worked for the Environmental Defense Center protecting farmworkers from pesticide exposure while advocating for policies that reduced pesticide use and encouraged safer alternatives.

Eric’s accomplishments include the creation of the Ag Futures Alliance (AFA) in Santa Barbara County; the development of the region’s first Buy Fresh, Buy Local Food Guide for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties; the drafting and passing of statewide legislation addressing pesticide use near schools (A.B. 947- Jackson); the development a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management policy for the City of Santa Barbara. For his unique ability to bring diverse viewpoints together in pursuit of common interests, Eric has been recognized by numerous organizations including the Farm Bureau, Latino Today and a number of civic and environmental groups.

Eric is a former Planning Fellow for the Roots of Change, served on the state of California’s Ag Vision Process under CDFA Secretary AG Kawamura, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Johnson-Ohana Charitable Foundation and the Environmental Defense Center.

Eric can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).