- Author: Linda Peterson
Adding Value
Value-added agriculture usually refers to food processing by a farmer or rancher. Farmers and ranchers who also process their fruits, vegetables, or animal products can create an additional marketing and revenue stream for their business. Read on for details
- Author: Linda Peterson
Here is the first of three articles to appear in the Edible Marin & Wine Country magazine on the activities of our 25 agriculturalists studying farming, ranching & business planning. The second one will be in Fall issue and the third in Winter issue.
Check it out! This is an on-line "flip the page" magazine, so flip to page 7 to see our article.
http://onlinedigeditions.com/publication/?i=111974
They also distribute hard copies of the publication in various locations in the three county area (including at their advertisers' establishments, i.e. The Epicurean Connection in downtown Sonoma).
- Author: Linda Peterson
Message from Ana Stayton of Golden Nectar Farm
Opportunities at Golden Nectar Farm/Micro-Community
Come join a handcrafted, organic farm and, warm, intentional micro-community. We reside on 2.5 acres just outside of Windsor in Sonoma County, California, 60 miles north of San Francisco. We are primarily a fruit farm (tree, vine and bush fruit) and also cultivate vegetables and mushrooms and perennial starts. We raise chickens and ducks for eggs. Other highlights include: PV solar panels, cobb and straw bale buildings, plans for an aquaponics system and an ever-evolving intentional community process. There is room to expand into greater annual vegetable or flower production.
Short Term:
One-two individuals or a couple for 3-6 months, starting immediately. Work trade arrangement for room and board/25 hours week per person. You will have your own on site yome (yurt/dome hybrid), share common space in the main house and an abundance of delicious food. We are seeking individuals who are responsible, self-motivated and comfortable working independently yet who are also open to advice and collaboration. Farm experience is preferable but openness and willingness go a long way.
Long Term:
We are seeking experienced farmer(s) or a farming couple to join us and take over the management and operations of our farm. Because there are over 150 varieties of fruit crops on the farm, the learning curve can be steep. For this reason, we are looking for a minimum commitment of two years. Most farm plantings are mature and markets are already established. We are available to mentor the right people to help ensure your success. We are looking to design a cash or share lease and living on or off site is an option.
We are seeking farmers with 2-3 years of fruit growing experience, who are responsible, self-motivated and comfortable working independently yet who are also open to suggestions and collaboration.
Please send an e-mail to: ana@goldennectar.com if you are interested.
- Author: Linda Peterson
An increasing number of farmers and ranchers are selling their products to nearby restaurants and grocery stores. Those businesses want to satisfy their customer's demand for meals made from products grown close to home.
Producers may have a greater degree of control over quality and price when they sell close to home, rather than to distant wholesalers. This issue of ATTRAnews looks at the pros and cons of direct sales to local grocery stores and restaurants. Read more...
- Author: Linda Peterson
EcoFarm Audio
Take your pick from the EcoFarm 2012 Conference workshops! Don’t miss the free plenary recordings available under EcoFarm Conference under Programs.
You can access a wide variety of workshops for $1.99 or less (depending on how many you purchase, price drops a bit), including "farming on public land", "multi-farm CSAs and collaborative farming", "alternative financing for small farms", "bringing grains back home", and much more!
Click here for Ecofarm store!
