- Author: Chris M. Webb
As in all industries, there are some activities in farming that can be harmful to the environment. Improper use of chemical inputs, poor water management, monoculture, and reliance on imported pollinators creates an increasingly fragile and unsustainable industry.
Agroecosystems rely on diversified farming systems to create natural biodiversity. This type of farming system is much more sustainable as well as less damaging to the environment.
Ways that biodiversity can be increased on the farm include: growing multiple crops, interspersing natural habitat with crops and livestock, planting cover crops, and minimal soil tillage. These practices work together to provide pollination, pest and disease control, water purification, and erosion control. In addition they build healthy, productive soil and reduce water usage.
To learn more, please visit The Berkeley Center for Diversified Farming Systems.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The USDA People’s Garden Initiative has announced fall webinar garden training. These trainings are free and available to everyone. Once the series is over, the classes will be stored on this website for viewing.
These trainings focus on sustainable gardening practices and will be taught from experts from around the country. Topics are as follows:
- The Basics of Home Canning
- Introduction to Seed Saving
- Pollinators for Your Garden
- Food Stamps Grow Gardens!
- Extending the Growing Season
Register here for any or all of these free online classes.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Pollinators are vital to our food and ecosystems. Many of the pollinators we depend on are in decline.
Five years ago, the U.S. Congress designated the last week in June as National Pollinator Week. The Secretary of the USDA signs a proclamation each year.
The Pollinator Partnership provides much information about pollinators, their importance, as well as the purpose of Pollinator Week.
From their website:
"Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. The growing concern for pollinators is a sign of progress, but it is vital that we continue to maximize our collective effort…Pollinating animals, including bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and others, are vital to our delicate ecosystem, supporting terrestrial wildlife, providing healthy watershed, and more. Therefore, Pollinator Week is a week to get the importance of pollinators’ message out to as many people as possible. It's not too early to start thinking about an event at your school, garden, church, store, etc. Pollinators positively effect all our lives- let's SAVE them and CELEBRATE them!"
The Pollinator Partnership has many free resources designed to help make your celebration powerful and informative. A collection of guides, fast facts and general information are also available to help people, industry and communities support pollinator populations.
National Pollinator Week is observed in June. Now is a great time to start preparing with your group to celebrate pollinators while educating others!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
There are more than 50 species of mosquitoes in California. Several of them are able to transmit microbial organisms capable of causing human diseases such as encephalitis and malaria. They may also cause disease in livestock and pets. Mosquitoes can travel for miles and can be challenging to control.
In many places around the state local agencies have programs designed to keep populations in check. There are several ways we can help minimize the number of mosquitoes in our communities.
UC’s Mosquitoes: Intergrated Pest Management Around the Home publication provides much information about mosquitoes and how to best manage them.
Topics include:
- Identification
- Life cycle
- Public healthy and veterinary importance
- West Nile virus
- Management
Additional information and local resources can be found in these previous posts.
I will be out of the office next week, but will post a new article for you when I return on Monday, July 25!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish, who suffered certain losses in 2010 may be eligible for disaster assistance. In all $8 million in disaster assistance will be available through the USDA’s ELAP program.
A recent quote from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack:
“ELAP is an important tool to help producers of America’s livestock, honeybees and farm-raided fish stay in business after they experience significant losses because of natural disasters. A healthy livestock, honeybee and fish industry is vital to America’s food supply and economy.”
More information can be found in English here and in Spanish here. In addition to the online resource, you may visit your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for assistance.