- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Ranchers, environmentalists, researchers and regulators will come together at UC Davis Jan. 19-20 for the Range Research Symposium and California Rangeland Conservation Coalition Summit to explore new research and share their varied interests and common commitment to preserving California’s rangeland.
“We’ll be looking at the latest rangeland science, practices and collaborations that support the many public benefits we receive from rangelands,” said Ken Tate, UC Cooperative Extension watershed specialist with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, a key organizer of the event. “Participants will see why diverse interests have agreed on the importance of working rangelands and the need to preserve this way of life for the benefit of future generations of all Californians.”
The two-day gathering at Freeborn Hall will feature two events in one – the 1st annual Range Research Symposium and 7th annual California Rangeland Conservation Coalition Summit. The first day will have a very scientific feel, highlighting renowned rangeland research from throughout California. The second day will include ranchers sharing their conservation stories and successful collaborative conservation initiatives, research presentations and plenty of networking opportunities.
The full agenda and registration information are at http://www.carangeland.org/home/2012summit.html. Early registration ends Jan. 6. Student discounts are available.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Hansen Research & Extension Center is soliciting proposals for new and continuing projects for project year 2012-2013. This request for proposals process is different from previous years.
The Thelma Hansen Fund will finance research, education and outreach projects through a competitive grants program aimed to support high priority issues, increase public awareness and contribute policy-relevant outcomes addressing the importance and economic viability of agriculture in Ventura County. An estimated $200,000 is available for project funding through this RFP.
The center provides land, labor, equipment and facilities to researchers for small- to medium-sized plot projects. Additional information including a full facility description can be found at http://ucanr.org/sites/hansenagcenter/Hansen_Agricultural_Center_Programs/Grants/Facility_Description/.
A new process has been developed that invites the submission of Letters of Intent as a first response to the RFP for both competitive grants and on-site projects. Deadline for submitting letters of intent is Jan. 6, 2012. Successful applicants will be notified by, Jan. 24, and will need to submit a full proposal by Feb. 24, 2012.
For details and instructions on submitting letters of intent, please go to the Hansen website at http://ucanr.org/sites/hansenagcenter/Hansen_Agricultural_Center_Programs/Grants/ .
If you have any questions, contact Jose De Soto at (805)525-9293 x208 or jfdesoto@ucdavis.edu or Patti Verdugo Johnson at (805) 525-9293 x202 or plverdugo@ucdavis.edu.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis is calling for nominations for the 2012 Eric Bradford and Charlie Rominger Agricultural Sustainability Leadership Award.
The award is meant to recognize and honor individuals who exhibit the leadership, work ethic and integrity epitomized by the late Eric Bradford, a livestock geneticist who gave 50 years of service to UC Davis, and the late Charlie Rominger, a fifth-generation Yolo County farmer and land preservationist.
Nominations are welcome for UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors and specialists as well as UC Davis graduate students, faculty members, and in special cases, alumni, for their work toward agricultural sustainability.
Award recipients will receive a cash prize and may be invited to give a lecture sponsored by ASI, which manages the award and selection process. Letters of nomination should be submitted to the chair of the selection committee by Jan. 2, 2012.
To nominate someone or for more information, visit http://www.asi.ucdavis.edu/awards/br-award/br-award.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will hold workshops the week of Nov. 15 on the 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). In 2012, CDFA expects to award up to $18 million in SCBGP funds for research, marketing, and nutrition projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.
“These workshops are important for any organization interested in this program, said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
Workshops will be held in Petaluma, Davis, Fresno and Costa Mesa. Two webinars will also be held, one on Nov. 15 and the other on Nov. 17.
For more information, visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-061.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program has funded 14 of the projects submitted for consideration in its 2011 competitive grants program.
The projects range from exploring taco trucks as vehicles to provide healthy food in Central Valley communities with limited food access to a study of a collaboration between the City of Oakland’s Parks and Recreation Department and a local nonprofit that develops urban agriculture parks.
The 14 projects are being funded by UC SAREP for a total of approximately $150,000.
“Seed funding for innovative food systems projects contributes to long-term impacts that are changing the face of food and agriculture in the state,” said Gail Feenstra, SAREP/ASI food systems coordinator.
For details about the projects, please visit http://asi.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/news.
