- Author: Chris M. Webb
The NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project provides “high value information and technical assistance to farmers, rancher, Extension agents, educators, and others” throughout the United States.
Founded in 1976, this nonprofit organization works to “promote self-reliance and sustainable lifestyles through wise use of appropriate technology. Its programs deal with sustainable and renewable energy, energy conservation, resource-efficient housing, sustainable community development, and sustainable agriculture.” These resources are available in Spanish.
Their information is organized under 14 topic areas:
- What is sustainable agriculture?
- Education
- Energy alternatives
- Beginning farmer
- Field crops
- Horticultural crops
- Livestock & pasture
- Local food systems
- Marketing, business & risk management
- Organic farming
- Pest management
- Soils & compost
- Water management
- Other resources
A variety of funding opportunities are available.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Fotonovellas are a style of comic book.
Michael Marzolla and his Fighting for Our Environment Team have designed fotonovellas to help spread environmental awareness. The fotonovellas highlight easy ways that youth can help improve the quality of their immediate environment and how good stewardship of our local environment benefits us all.
It is easy to see that much fun was had during the development of the Fighting for Our Environment fotonovellas. They can be viewed and downloaded on this page of our website. Some are available in Spanish.
This group also won a Green Shorts Award for their Fighting for Our Environment video. It can be viewed here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The World Avocado Congress meets once every four years to discuss the latest research on avocados. This premier event brings together growers, researchers, and others in the avocado industry from around the globe.
The most recent meeting was held earlier this month in Cairns, Australia. Abstracts and articles from the four day conference are available online.
Topics include: new varieties and rootstocks; pruning and planting density; management of irrigation and fertilizers; marketing; post harvesting techniques; and pest and disease management. Some of the articles are available in Spanish.
For non-growers it is interesting to view the site and take a peek into the complexity and dedication required for the production just one food crop in your food web. There is much more to the avocado than what you see in the market.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Nationwide, through the month of September, we are reminded of the importance of being prepared for disasters. Disasters can strike at anytime. Proper preparation and response can literally mean the difference between life and death.
The Extension Disaster Education Network strives to reduce the impact of disasters through education. The topics and resources on this site are extensive. Some of the resources are available in Spanish.
In addition to online resources course materials, including PowerPoint presentations, are available for use at no cost.
Why not spend a few minutes today and take a step towards better disaster preparation at your home or workplace? Odds are it will be time well spent.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Is your household food insecure? While gardening is the best long-term strategy for increasing food security, gardening does not provide immediate benefits. There are several things you can do today to improve food security in your household.
- Visit a food pantry near you. Contact Food Share to find out more.
- Apply for CalFresh benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps and currently known federally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP). These benefits can be used to purchase food as well as seeds and seedlings.
- Follow healthy low-cost recipes to stretch your food dollar. Make the most of what you have. The USDA has two great sites full of recipes and tips for making good, nutritious food on a tight budget.
- USDA’s Recipes and tips for healthy, thrifty meals and the Recipe finder database can be used to make healthy meals at low cost. All recipes are submitted by nutrition and health professionals and organizations. Nutritional quality and low-cost, readily available ingredients are required components for inclusion. Recipes and instructions are easy to follow -- with additional help for those less experienced in the kitchen. The Recipe finder database is available in Spanish.
Are you food secure, but would like to help those who are not? There are many ways to help ease food insecurity in your community. Some suggestions include:
- Volunteer at food banks/pantries/senior nutrition programs
- Plant a row for the hungry and donate excess produce
- Support community efforts and gardens with time and talents.