Elora Bevacqua

Elora Bevacqua is a Research Specialist at the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems. Currently, she is focused on evaluating the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program. This 4-year program supports producers and handlers to achieve USDA organic certification. Elora helps analyze program data, survey farmers, and write reports on program outcomes. 

Elora has also worked in food-systems-focused roles at the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, the Organic Center, and the Maricopa County Food Systems Coalition. These positions taught her the value of viewing food systems from different scales and perspectives. Elora is passionate about urban food systems and has worked with the City of Tempe to write "Grow Local Tempe" and the "City of Tempe Food Action Plan Roadmap" to guide city food policy. She is also an avid farmer and gardener, and participated in World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms in New York, Washington, and Italy. In the future, Elora wants to continue getting involved in food systems, both hands-on through community involvement and in analytical spaces. 

Elora was a 4+1 student at ASU and completed a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability, a Master of Sustainability Solutions, and a graduate certificate in Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership. She was born and raised in rural Arizona on a small farm, which taught her the value of environmental stewardship at an early age. Elora is grateful for the support of her family and colleagues who have kept her motivated and inspired.