Geoff Palla
Geoff is responsible for the ongoing planning and maintenance of COPIA’s three and one-half acres of organic Edible Gardens. The gardens are a cornerstone of COPIA’s activities and provide year-round products for Julia’s Kitchen, as well as for wine, food and garden tastings and education programs. Geoff has over ten years of experience working with organic farms and brings a diverse set of skills to his position, which he developed through a range of practices—from observing international food systems to owning and operating his own two-acre market farm.
Geoff grew up in Santa Cruz and was exposed early on to the philosophy behind sustainable techniques in a region that has literally become one of the nation’s hubs for small-scale organic agriculture. After several years of working with various organic farms, Geoff decided to start his own venture, partially using family land inside the city limits of Santa Cruz. There, working with the city, he was able to provide job training for at-risk youth, along with programs for elementary school students that offered a hands-on look at local food systems through an urban market farm selling produce to local stores and restaurants, with the majority of food being sold at farmers markets.
In the summer of 2005, Geoff was lured away from this fulfilling life to become COPIA’s Head Gardener. You can meet Geoff and other garden educators at one of the center’s signature events, including the weekly Taste of COPIA Lunch, annual Edible Gardens Festival, garden and cooking programs, garden tours and, of course, working in the gardens—cultivating, growing and sampling the bounty of the seasons.