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From farmstead cheese to organic ice cream to intensely flavored jams and jellies, Marin County farmers and ranchers are setting a new standard for quality and innovation as they develop ways to increase the value of their farms and farm products.
Marin County has a successful past in cut flower production. The cool, coastal climate here is ideal for a variety of specialty cut flowers. High quality cut flower production is an emerging niche market.
On October 22, 2002, the USDA National Organic Program went into effect creating a common organic standard for growers, processors, and handlers nationwide. The organic community worked for a decade on this new rule, and many view it as a major turning point for the movement.
Our hilly terrain with abundant forage is well suited for small specialty animal agriculture. Today, the farmstead specialty cheese market, including high quality goat and sheep cheese products, is rich with opportunities.
What is organic farming? What do I need to set-up my organic row crop operation? What about irrigation and dry farming conditions? These topics as well as the whole field of organic farming principles were covered by UC Cooperative Extension experts and local farmers in this panel discussion.
This workshop explored direct marketing alternatives, with emphasis on adding smaller scale enterprises to an existing farm or ranch operation. Selling direct to your customers can give you a larger share of the food dollar.
Organic Strawberries are a high value specialty crop. This workshop covered cultivation, harvesting and direct marketing of organic strawberries. Marin County is well suited for the growing of high-quality and high-value organic strawberries.
Do I want to diversify in my farming or ranching operation? How do I find out what is the best crop or livestock to add or expand with? How will this new enterprise fit into my existing farm plan? Where is the market for my diversification enterprise today? Where is it tomorrow?
This workshop covered medicinal herbs as a profitable specialty crop. Forty-one percent of Americans use some form of alternative health care and the numbers are growing.
In our temperate, coastal climate a variety of crops are available throughout the year. The chart below shows what you can expect to find fresh through the seasons.
