- Author: Karen Giovannini
From 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair:
Larson is working closely with Sonoma County Tourism, and her efforts are bringing more economic opportunities to local agriculture producers, making their operations more sustainable and economically viable. Her program integrates ecosystem services provided by rangelands and highlights the benefits of using grazing animals as tools to manage local landscapes. As a certified rangeland manager, she works with land managers to help them to make sound ecologic decisions about managing working landscapes for the benefit of all users. Larson is also the current principle investigator for the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher program, which is training “agropreneurs” to increase food production throughout a five county region. Larson is working to develop an incubator farm that will provide opportunities for these beginners to learn their skills and increase local food access. “Programs like this are important to combat the shrinking acreage available for growing crops and the climbing prices of farmland, particularly in Sonoma County,” says Larson."
- Author: Karen Giovannini
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.