Growers are invited to attend a focus group meeting to discuss conservation agriculture and wildlife friendly farming in the Delta. The meeting is jointly organized by Audubon California, CA Department of Water Resources (DWR), and University of CA Cooperative Extension. Steven Garcia, with DWR, will talk about a pilot project on Twitchell Island, and open discussion will follow the presentation. Grower feedback is highly valued and will provide direction for the project.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 9:00-11:00am at the Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center (2101 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton, CA 95206). Mark your calendars, and please RSVP to Michelle Leinfelder-Miles (209-953-6100 or mmleinfeldermiles@ucanr.edu) by February 22^nd. Light refreshments will be provided.

Agenda and Discussion Topics

1.)    Introduction of meeting participants

2.) Presentation: “Conservation Farming Practices to Minimize Subsidence of Peat Soils in the Delta”: Steven Garcia, DWR

3.) Group Discussion Guiding Questions:

a. Are you incorporating conservation farming/wildlife friendly practices on your land? What practices and why?

b. What are the benefits, drawbacks, or uncertainties of conservation agriculture practices?

c. What conservation agriculture practices would you like to see tested in the Delta? What would be the biggest challenges?

4.) Future project plans