- Author: Milton E McGiffen
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- Author: Milton E McGiffen
What: The use of biochar in agriculture is a topic that has been generating interest across California. New products are being developed for agricultural applications, and new research on the effects of biochar in cropping systems is underway at many universities.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is teaming up with Department of Land, Air and Water Resources and Agricultural Sustainability Institute of the University of California, Davis, to host a Biochar Field Day. The event will bring together researchers, industry representatives and other interested stakeholders to discuss the feasibility of biochar in agroecosystems. Presentations will highlight research, showcase available resources, and provide up-to-date information on biochar in California agriculture.
When: June 6, 2018, 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Where: Russell Ranch Sustainable Agriculture Facility, 34205 Russell Blvd, Winters, CA 95694
How: Register at https://registration.ucdavis.edu/Item/Details/421
Cost: $15. Price includes a hay-ride tour, in-field presentations, a panel discussion, lunch, and a poster session
For questions, please contact Brooke Elliott at (916) 900-5022 or email FREP@cdfa.ca.gov.
Approved CCA CEUs: 1.5 Nutrient Management, 0.5 Soil and Water Management!
For agenda, https://blogs.cdfa.ca.gov/FREP/?p=723
- Author: Milton E McGiffen
There are many legal issues associated with farming, and University of California is doing an all-day training session in San Diego on March 23 to help you deal with them.
Participants will:
- Explore the challenges and opportunities of urban agriculture with experienced San Diego-area farmers.
- Learn about San Diego's new Urban Agriculture zoning laws.
- Find out what permits and licenses urban farmers need to sell produce, eggs, and other products.
- Learn about important designations including Certified Organic, Cottage Food Producer, Community Food Producer, and more.
- Meet staff from local agencies that are key resources for local farmers, including the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, the Department of Public Health, and the Planning Department.
- Get a preview of what's on the horizon for urban farmers. Find out what's happening with policy in the local urban agriculture movement, and how to get involved.
The cost is $20, which includes a resource packet, refreshments, and lunch. Pre-registration is required.
This is the first in a series of four San Diego County workshops that will be held on 3/23, 4/5, 4/19, and 4/26, covering additional urban agriculture topics.
To register for any of the above, go to: https://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=24019
- Author: Milton E McGiffen
This is interesting: https://carbonlogicus.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CL_datasheet.pdf
A company called Carbon Logic "utilizes a unique process to create crop specic formulations to maximize growth and yield of cannabis crops". They show data from in-house studies with increases in marijuana yield when you add their biochar to a good (Sunshine Mix) growing media. With several states essentially legalizing marijuana, you will be seeing more such studies, and we have had inquires here at UCR.
The University of California is applying for a special Federal exemption to allow us to grow marijuana in controlled experiments.
- Author: Milton E McGiffen
Cool Planet lists their press releases here: http://www.coolplanet.com/media/press/
There is a variety of information, including their latest patent for "enhanced biochar", staff changes, etc. A couple of staff changes:
1) Keith Vodrazka is now Cool Planet's Head of Strategy, Commercial, and Technology Alignment, a position previously held by Brian Buege, who is now with Netflix. Keith was kind enough to visit UCR to check on what our group has been doing.
2) This one actually happened 9 months ago: Golf and turf professional Mike Ewert will work with the golf, turf, and landscape industries here in the western states.
And if any other companies or individuals have information they would like posted, just send me an email.