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Consumers are hungry for fresh and local farm products. Traditional avenues like farmers markets, CSAs and subscription programs are maturing. As more producers come on-line to fill the consumer demand, some innovators are looking at how to reach a broader audience.
To help answer questions on organic certification and production, Cooperative Extension, the Marin Agricultural Commissioner's office and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust offered a half-day workshop on "Certifying Your Dairy Organic" on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Marin has a favorable climate for growing caneberries (raspberry and blackberry). These are both high-value crops in the fresh market area, and can yield big profits.
Alternatives to petroleum-based energy sources are moving into the mainstream and onto our farms and ranches. With the increasing costs of using power from the grid, some farmers and ranchers are switching to renewable and sustainable sources of energy.
This short workshop consisted of a discussion about what a land owner needs to know to certify pasture as organic through the USDA National Organic Program. The discussion took place at the Two Rock Social Hall in Two Rock, CA.
The challenge of controlling weeds on organic row crop operations was the subject of this workshop, "The War on Weeds." The presenters provided information and options for organic and sustainable farmers to battle the ongoing struggle of weed control in organic operations.
Farming without irrigation, or "dry farming," was once widely used in Marin County. Today, with specialty agriculture growing in our semi-arid county landscape, the ability and skills needed to dry farm are valuable.
Saving seed can be an integral part of every commercial farm no matter what the scale. Using your own seed and selling excess seed are economically viable alternatives to purchasing commercially produced seed not adapted to your region.
Composting on-farm reduces the need for bringing in outside inputs for crop farmers, and adds another income stream and efficiency to animal agriculture operations.
Cover crops have become a cornerstone for organic farming fertility management. This on-farm workshop will look at the use of common cover crops to increase and maintain fertility. We will also highlight the basics of soil fertility management, nutrient uptake, and soil microbiology.
