- Author: Chris M. Webb
On April 20, 2012 California State University, Channel Islands will host a symposium titled, ‘Agriculture in the Golden State: Challenges in Feeding California in the 21st Century.’
Strong and sustainable agricultural production is important to all of us, and to our future. UCCE Ventura County researchers Oleg Daugovish and Ben Faber will speak at the symposium.
From the event organizers:
"California is the nation’s top agricultural producer generating over $30 billion annually. However, the ability of growers to feed California and beyond is continually being challenged by the introductions of new insect pests, drug resistant pathogens, and environmental concerns at the urban-agricultural interface. CI sits within one of the top ten agriculturally important counties in California, which produces much of the States’ strawberries, raspberries, citrus, and avocados. Given our location, it is important that everyone learn about the issues affecting agriculture locally and statewide."
To learn more about this year's symposium, or to register please visit this page of the CSU Channel Islands website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Our UCCE Master Gardeners have several education opportunities scheduled throughout the county. Most classes are offered at no cost. All classes require registration.
There will be a series of free classes held Wednesday evenings at the Camarillo Library from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
- April 4, Growing Vegetables in the Garden
- April 11, Steps to Sustainable Yard & Garden
- April 18, All About Tomatoes
- April 25, Seed Collection
At the ARC-Ojai Enrichment Center you can learn about The Science of Soil on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 to 11:00 am. There is no cost to attend this event.
On Saturday May 19 from 8:15 to noon, join UCCE Master Gardeners at the beautiful UC Hansen Agricultural Center. Scheduled topics are “Growing Terrific Orchids” and “All About Succulents". There is a $25.00 fee to attend this Home Garden Workshop.
The Simi Valley Senior Center will hold a series of free gardening classes. (You do not have to be a senior to attend.) Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
- May 1, Introduction to Gardening
- May 8, California Natives & Waterwise Gardening
- May 15, Mysteries of Gardening
- May 22, Tomatoes
- May 29, Container Gardening
- June 5, All About Roses
- June 12, All About Citrus
The Goebel Senior Center in Thousand Oaks will hold a free All About Roses class on Saturday, June 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. (You do not have to be a senior to attend.)
Please remember all education events, regardless of cost, require registration. Registration is easy and can be completed by following the link for each class. Space is limited, so please register early!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass is a valuable resource for food producers, community leaders and consumers.
This online multi-media resource provides seamless access to programs designed to support local food systems under the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative. This effort combines the work of 17 USDA agencies and is producing some powerful results.
From the USDA,
“The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass is a valuable resource documenting the innovation, entrepreneurship and impact of local food systems across the country. It [Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative] is driving job growth, keeping farmers and on the land, and keeping wealth in rural communities. We invite you to dive deep into this new tool, and be inspired by the stories it tells and the ideas it can spur for you and your community.”
Much of the information at the site is shared in a narrative format, providing viewers with an in-depth, inside look into the nation’s local food systems.
Topics include:
- The what and why of local foods
- What is Know Your Farmer?
- Local food infrastructure
- Stewardship and local food
- Local meat and poultry
- Farm to institution
- Healthy food access
- Careers in agriculture
- Local food knowledge
- Local food: Not Just USDA
- Case studies
- Conclusions
- Grants, loans and other resources
Strong local food systems are good for producers, consumers, and communities.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Dedicated to advancing innovation in sustainable agriculture, SARE has many resources and learning opportunities available. At their Learning Center website you will find links to handbooks, bulletins, online courses, fact sheets, videos, newsletters, and more. Hardcopy resources can be ordered through the SARE WebStore. All online resources are available at no cost.
Topics include:
- Animal Production
- Community Development
- Crop Production
- Economic/Marketing
- Education & Training
- Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy
- For consumers
- Integrated Systems
- Natural Resources/Environment
- Pest Management
- Quality of Life
- Soil Management
- Specialty Crops
- Value Added Products
SARE has a wide assortment of free online resources designed to educate food producers and consumers.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Presented by the Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance last month’s agricultural summit set out to increase connections and support between the local agricultural industry and the larger community.
Approximately 250 community stakeholders (farmers, ranchers, distributors, buyers, chefs, policy makers, public health advocates, community planners, and others) attended the Making Connections: How the Local Food Movement Can Support Ventura County Agriculture themed event.
Agriculture is an important part of our local economy. Like any other industry, agriculture has its share of challenges and opportunities. Shared dialog between producers and consumers within our area provides a wonderful bridge to reduce and minimize challenges while finding ways to increase awareness and collaboration. Attendees discussed distribution systems, public health, land use, childhood obesity, urban encroachment, pesticides, labor needs, water, and the need for fresh food education and marketing,
Additional information about the summit, and the issues discussed, can be found at the Ag Innovations Network website, this Ventura County Star article, and this radio piece by KCLU.
Support for this program came from many in the community. Sponsors include the UC Thelma Hansen Fund. The purpose of the Hansen Fund is to support and maintain University research and extension activities for the sustainability and benefit of agriculture and natural resources in Ventura County. A complete list of donors can be found here.
