Jiff Martin

Associate Educator, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources

Primary Research Theme

Social-Ecological Systems

Secondary Research Themes

Healthy Cities

Research Interests

In her role as Associate Extension Educator in Sustainable Food Systems for the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, Jiff Martin is an active program manager of several extension programs.

Jiff currently leads a team of professionals that assist new farmers in sustainable production and farmland management through the Solid Ground Training Program. She collaborates with CT Dept. of Education on expanding farm to school activities through the CT Farm to School Collaborative as well as the Put Local On Your Tray Program. She is credited with launching two AmeriCorps service learning programs (FoodCorps CT & Connecticut Food Justice VISTA Project). In 2015, Jiff received the White House Champions for Change Award in Sustainable Agriculture.

Jiff is eager to connect emerging leaders in food and farming systems, and looks for efficient solutions to challenges faced by food growers and food entrepreneurs. Guided by Food Solution New England’s values of equity, empowerment, and sustainability, Jiff is also driven to find new ways to ensure local food is a convenient and affordable option for all consumers.

Prior to joining UConn Extension, she was the State Director for American Farmland Trust and the Food Policy Director at Hartford Food System.