Our Mission:

CIRS is the only non-profit organization in California with a mission to conduct public interest research that strengthens social justice and increases the sustainability of California's rural communities.

Our work informs public policy and inspires action for social change while providing a fact-based foundation for organizations and individuals working to ameliorate rural injustice. While our commitment to the scientific method is at the foundation of our credibility, we recognize the inescapable role that values play in shaping the fundamental questions that researchers pose. Our philosophy of science is therefore based on the principle that scientific inquiry should consciously serve the long-term public interest.

We Believe:

• Farmers and farmworkers should be able to support their families in a healthy environment and with dignity.
• There is power in independent scientific research.
• Farming is noble and necessary.
• All members of our communities have valuable knowledge.
• Collaboration for the common good is essential.