University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) shares UC research and practices in every one of California’s 58 counties, connecting all Californians with its world-renowned university system. UC ANR is the face of the UC, made up of experts established in communities — from farmers markets to forests. Today, the organization launched a unified brand portfolio that ties together UC ANR programs and demonstrates the scope of its impact across many different landscapes.
The new look is the result of months of collaborative work with organizational leaders and CMB Design Partners, who were hired in 2024 to address a 2022 brand audit recommendation to improve and align the sub-brand family. The portfolio also includes logos for several newer statewide programs: Community Nutrition and Health, UC ANR Fire Network, UC ANR Innovate, UC ANR Policy Institute, UC Environmental Stewards and UC Small Farms Network. There are 18 sub-brands in the UC ANR family.
A fresh, simple visual identity
The redesign introduces contemporary logos and a refreshed color palette based on extensive input from stakeholders.
“This unified brand identity reflects the core traits of UC ANR: connected, trusted, helpful, UC research-based, service-minded, community-centered and solution-focused,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
They also align with UC ANR’s mission to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems and economic prosperity in California through development and sharing of equitable and collaborative science-based solutions with national and global impact.
Solving a brand challenge
The transformation of the brand family will help the public understand the collective impact and value of UC ANR.
“A visually aligned brand family is important in engaging the public in our work,” said Linda Forbes, director of UC ANR Strategic Communications. “We want people to connect with as many of our programs as possible — 4-H, UC Master Gardener, UC Master Food Preserver, the Research and Extension Center nearest them, their local UC Cooperative Extension office. A cohesive visual identity enables communicating effectively about our comprehensive programming and ultimately serving more clientele.”
Digital assets are now updated with the new branding; the full rollout will occur over time as budget allows for replacement of physical assets like signage and printed materials. The rollout includes a raffle to win free logo items from the UC ANR custom Lands’ End store that is available to the public. Enter the drawing at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/Bplnvrp.
Learn more about UC ANR at https://ucanr.edu.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.