UCCE Sonoma County congratulates Lucia Varela, Ph.D., Area-wide Integrated Pest Management Advisor for the North Coast on being awarded Friend of Sonoma County Agriculture by the 20130 Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

Each year, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair recognizes five individuals or businesses for their dedication and support to Sonoma County’s 3 Billion dollar agriculture industry. This year’s Friend of Sonoma County Agriculture is being awarded to Lucia Varela, Ph.D. The award recognizes an individual who works to promote and enhance the agricultural industry through their contribution, operation and community involvement in Sonoma County. This award is given to someone who is not directly involved in agriculture, but has supported and benefitted the industry through their endeavors.

Congratulations Lucia in recognition for your years of support of Sonoma County Agriculture.

Hear how UC Cooperative Extension serves the North Bay on two podcasts by host and Sonoma Valley farmer, Andrea Davis-Cetina on the Sustainable Growing show which aired on KSVY 91.3.

On March 14, the episode featured UC Cooperative Extension Advisors, Monica Cooper, the UCCE Napa Viticulture Advisor, and Julia Van Soelen Kim, the new North Bay Food Systems Advisor. Monica and Julia highlighted the UC Cooperative Extension Centennial, UCCE Master Gardener Program, 4-H, the Agriculture Ombudsman, and how North Bay residents can connect with their local UCCE office to access the wealth of resources available. Listen to the March 14 Podcast.

On March 7, the episode features Linda Peterson, discussing the Agropreneur Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.  UCCE Sonoma is finishing up its three year USDA grant with this year's training. Listen to the March 7 Podcast.

What is now known as Cooperative Extension was established by an Act of Congress - the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Lawmakers sought to boost agricultural productivity and enhance the lives of rural families by creating a service that channels research advances from college campuses to rural Americans.

Today, UC Cooperative Extension continues to serve communities throughout California as part of the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), with 200 locally based Cooperative Extension advisors, 130 campus-based Cooperative Extension specialists, 57 county offices throughout the state, and nine research and extension centers.  

Over a century of service, Cooperative Extension has continued to connect communities with the land grant campus, bringing practical, trusted, science based solutions to Californians.

As UCCE finishes up its three year USDA grant with this year's training, we're pulling out all the stops to spread the word.  Applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program are due April 15! We've been grateful for the publicity received this year through local radio:

• KRCB –North Bay Report Danielle Venton interviewed graduate Vince Trotter and Linda Peterson.  This short piece is a quick way to learn about the program.
• KSVY –March 7 podcast with local farmer/radio host, Andrea Davis Cetina. The podcast provides an in-depth look at the program.
• KBBF interview on “Women's Voices” – Amy Contardi interviewed Linda Peterson, Program Coordinator, and Fabiola Espinosa – Latino Service Providers/partner.

We were fortunate to have funding through our USDA grant to produce a video to help promote the program with Santa Rosa Junior College