- Author: Chris M. Webb
SAREP is a statewide program within the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources division. From their site:
“SAREP provides leadership and support for scientific research and education in agricultural and food systems that are economically viable, conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state's communities. SAREP serves farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, researchers, educators, regulators, policy makers, industry professionals, consumers, and community organizations across the state."
Program areas are:
- biologically integrated farming systems
- community food systems
- crop/livestock production
- organic farming information
- methyl bromide alternatives
Related resources, reports, funding opportunities and much more can be easily accessed from this well laid out site.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Gardening is a powerful activity on many levels, and can effective positive change for individuals and communities. It is integral to the solutions for a number of pressing issues. Currently on a national level, multiple federal agencies – including the US Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control - are working towards using gardening as a way to strengthen individuals and communities across the country.
Research has proven that home and community garden efforts may provide benefits across the board: improved academic performance for schools; reduced food costs for families; healthier environments for communities; reduced pollution and oil dependence; reduced health care costs; strengthened local economies (every dollar not spent on food or health care can be spent elsewhere); and improved food-security and nutrition for all.
Good nutrition is vital for the future success of our county. Nutrition is a critical component to a healthy life. Research shows that children in food insecure households are much more at risk of illness and developmental delays. Insufficient nutrition negatively impacts children’s ability to learn and grow. These children are more likely to experience irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, problems with language, motor ability, social interaction and behavior. Research indicates these problems can last a lifetime. There are currently millions of children in the United States who are living in food insecure households, and thousands of food insecure children living in Ventura County.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
On Wednesday, April 13 Rose Hayden-Smith will give a talk at UC Santa Barbara’s Interdisciplinary Humanities Center (IHC). The title of Dr. Hayden-Smith’s lecture is From Victory Gardens to Urban Agriculture: Join the Garden Revolution.
From the IHC site:
“Hayden-Smith will present an in-depth look at the past and present of the Victory Garden movement. This paper will review historical case studies and discuss current national policies and models as well as future work needed to sustain the Victory Garden model as part of the overall local food movement. Hayden-Smith will also discuss urban agriculture and how the local food-systems movement is addressing a wide range of challenges facing Americans today. A graduate of UCSB, Hayden-Smith is the Strategic Initiative Leader for Sustainable Food Systems for UC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Division.”
There is no cost to attend. Further details can be found here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Fresh fruits and vegetables have been shown to improve children’s ability to learn while reducing the likelihood of obesity. When children are provided fresh, quality produce most of them prefer the produce over other foods.
In an effort to increase children’s intake of fresh produce a free, two-day training designed for school personnel and community partners will be traveling in our state this fall. The training will provide tools to support an increase of fresh fruits and vegetables on school campuses.
The training will be held in Ventura on November 9 and 10. While the training is free, registration is required. For further details, other dates or to register, please click here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
We often have people call or stop by our office asking if we have copies of brochures or pamphlets from years gone by. Many of our brochures originate from the USDA. The USDA’s National Agricultural Library Digital Repository is a wonderful place to find an assortment of information – including older brochures and pamphlets.
From their website:
"The National Agricultural Library Digital Repository (NALDR) provides access to primarily historical USDA publications either digitized by NAL or through NAL’s partnerships with other institutions."
The resources go back over 100 years. Newer resources are available too.
The NALDR subjects include:
- Agriculture Handbook
- Agriculture Information Bulletin
- Books, Manuscripts, Miscellaneous Articles, Reports and Images
- Circular
- Farmers’ bulletin
- Home and Garden Bulletin
- Journal of Agricultural Research
- Leaflet
- Miscellaneous Publication
- Technical Bulletin
- USDA Bulletins
- Yearbook of Agriculture
Some of the resources are available in Spanish.