Long View Farm Educational Sanctuary Seeks Board Members!

Long View Farm Educational Sanctuary is a new and innovative non-profit committed to working at the local level.

Our vision is a world of educated and skillful leaders. Long View Farm is "Planting the Next Generation of Leaders" by using experiential education, leadership skill development and arts integration. Long View Farm brings together Food Justice, Youth Leadership and Urban/Rural Farming Partnerships. Many organizations address one issue at a time, but Long View Farm uses education about small scale farming as a method to address the way these issues intersect. Long View Farm sees young people as capable and innovative. Our focus is squarely on leadership skill development and service learning is central to our work. Long View Farm will actively use social media to communicate with youth and we will bring the arts to the farm, weaving together creativity and experiential learning. Picture theater created by youth in the barn!

Vision
Long View Farm’s vision is a community where people are educated to be skillful leaders.

Mission
To accomplish our vision, we engage people in learning about small scale farming at the local level.

Values
In planning and decisions, we hold respect, learning, community, and sustainability
as our guiding values.

This is a wonderful time for the launch of Long View Farm, and we are excited to build partnerships with other committed individuals and organizations. We are currently looking for additional board members, mentors and interested farmers and funders. Please contact Jodi Tharan, M.Ed. at jmtharan@proper.com for further information.

Jodi Tharan, M.Ed., Founder & CEO of Long View Farm grew up with extensive gardens in both the city and the country.Her family's restaurant business was a place where everyone came together to share good food, big ideas and fun. She holds a Masters in Education and has taught everyone from infants to elders. Presently she has a peep of seven hens. Jodi is thrilled to be launching Long View Farm.

Thank you, and here’s to planting seeds!

For Backyard Poultry Operations with Chickens and/or Turkeys:

Dr. Beate Crossly from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab (CAHFS) on Infectious Bursal Disease in Poultry.

Tuesday November 1, 2011
5:30-6:30 pm
University of California Cooperative Extension 
133 Aviation Blvd., Suite 109

Santa Rosa

Register here http://ucanr.org/IBDmeeting.

The Sonoma County area has a unique and virulent strain of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). Veterinarians from UC Davis are trying to work with backyard poultry owners to determine the geographical range of the disease and how it is spread, and how to manage it. The Sonoma County area has a unique virulent strain of the IBD virus.

About IBD: The bursa of Fabricius is an extremely important organ in the bird's immune system that is present at hatching and through the early life of the bird. IBD virus attacks the bursa causing the birds to be susceptible to a range of secondary infections including E. coli, Salmonella, coccidia, and Marek's disease.

Dr Crossly will talk about:

· Infections Bursal Disease in chickens and turkeys

· how to watch for it

· how to manage for it

· how to improve the welfare of your birds

· free diagnostic laboratory resources available to backyard bird owners.

Please register so we know how many people to expect.

Register here http://ucanr.org/IBDmeeting.

Contact: Lisa Bell, 565-2050

UCCE Sonoma County

State of Ag Event Coming to Santa Rosa!

California Ag Secretary is Keynote Speaker at State of Agriculture Address in Santa Rosa

Farm Bureau-Sponsored Forum on Politics of Farming is Nov. 1 

   

California Farm Link and Sonoma County Farm Bureau invite you to attend the first State of Agriculture Address on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building.


The morning's events will begin with a social hour and industry trade show followed by an address by California Farm Bureau President, Paul Wenger and Keynote from California Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross. Both Wenger and Ross are dedicated advocates for agriculture, will discuss the challenges and opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Michael C. Saqui, a leading labor attorney who has represented agriculture in farm labor disputes and strikes, will also speak at the State of Agriculture Address. He is an expert on farm labor and immigration laws.

Tickets for Farm Bureau members are complimentary non-member tickets can be purchased for $25 per person; both can be picked up at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau office. Limited seating is first come first serve.   

To RSVP Please Download: State of Agriculture Address RSVP Form.pdf Please fax completed form to 707.544.7452 or email: info@sonomacountyfarmbureau.com.

Great New Opportunity Outside of Petaluma!

I just posted this opportunity on our website! Please remember to give me the ID# if you are interested in this property. 

Sonoma County ID #1354: Over one acre of tillable land available for lease near Petaluma, along with a one-bedroom residence, a granny unit, barn, shop/office outbuilding, chicken coop/chicken run, and old fruit trees. The land has been used by a sustainable seed farm for the past 2.5 years, so irrigation infrastructure is in place. The land is on a north slope, has sandy loam soils, and has mostly been hand-tilled. It includes a variety of microclimates, along with lovely views. Landowner is only interested in a cash lease ($2250/month for everything).

Occupy Mendocino Farm-to-Table Dinner & Hoe Down

Friday October 28th, 6pm 

Caspar Community Center (Mendocino, CA)

Enjoy delicious local food prepared by the Spontaneous Cafe Live & edgy bluegrass music by Guns ‘n Rosy, face-painting, apple bobbing & other subversive activities!

Tickets $25 each, kids under 12 free 

Vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options available

Please, please, please RSVP so they know how much food to harvest! RSVP to regenerativedesigncenter@gmail.com or call (707)937-2382

Presented by the Regenerative Design Center in partnership with Occupy Fort Bragg & Mendocino

More Info at: www.facebook.com/mendopendence

* Volunteers Needed * Please email regenerativedesigncenter@gmail.com if you would like to join our kitchen crew or help with set-up/clean-up

P.S. Zepparella is playing at the Caspar Inn that night if you're in the mood for dinner & dancing!

Action Alert: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011!

Tell your member of Congress to sponsor the Beginning Farmer and Ranchers Opportunity Act of 2011!

In partnership with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, the National Young Farmers' Coalition is advocating for the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Opportunity Act of 2011.

This package of legislation fixes, funds and improves USDA programs, as well as adds new programs to help young and beginning farmers succeed.

To build support for the bill, we're asking our network of farmers and supporters to contact their local members of Congress and Senators to ask them to sponsor the bill.

Go here for a sample letter to get you started. All you need to do is edit (or not), fill in your contact info and hit 'send.'

Program Manager Position with WWOOF-USA Opens in San Francisco!

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms - USA (WWOOF-USA®) is hiring a Program Manager at our new office in San Francisco, and is accepting applications now. Please see the job description below.  This is a full-time salaried position.  Applications will be reviewed beginning November 3rd, and accepted until position is filled.    

WWOOF-USA® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is part of a worldwide effort to link volunteers with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming practices.  We produce a directory of organic farms, communities, and garden projects in the USA that host volunteers in exchange for room, board and hands-on experience in sustainable living (www.wooofusa.org). WWOOF-USA is part of an international network of WWOOF groups, found in over 50 countries, each run independently. WWOOF worldwide recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and WWOOF-USA has been operating in the US for the past decade.

Position Description: The Program Manager coordinates WWOOF-USA membership, connects volunteers with organic farmers, and manages the WWOOF-USA organization. To accomplish this goal, the Program Manager will:

• Provide membership services and respond to inquiries by phone or email
• Prepare and mail the WWOOF Host Farm Directories and other mailings
• Manage the website and online database of 1400 host and 12,000 volunteer memberships
• Manage some online registration fees and bookkeeping
• Publish the 200 page hard copy of the Host Farm Directory twice per year
• Improve website capabilities and database functions as needed
• Increase outreach through social media and other outlets
• Work independently on projects, with regular progress reports to executive director and board of directors
• Manage office needs and supplies
• Collaborate with executive director and board of directors on projects to further the organization's mission.

Qualifications 
Required
Bachelor Degree (BS / BA), preferably in relevant field
Experience with non-profit organization and program management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to manage a highly-trafficked, dynamic website
Excellent organizational skills
Experience with bookkeeping
Experience with desktop publishing
Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, QuickBooks and Apple Mail
Highly motivated to take initiative and see projects through
Ability to work both very independently and as part of a small team
Ability to work well with the public, farmers, volunteers and a board of directors
Willingness to be the 'public face' for WWOOF-USA
Interest in the organic farming movement, sustainable agriculture, and/ or WWOOF

Preferred
Ability to update websites
Experience working on professional print jobs
Experience using Paypal Pro or similar payment program
Media and public relations experience
Experience farming or WWOOFing a plus

Job Details:
This position is full-time and includes a health benefits allowance.  Salary is $37 - $43,000, DOE.  Full time start date is January 3, 2012 with a required training period December 19 - 22, 2011.  The position will be located in our new WWOOF-USA office in San Francisco.  

To Apply: Open until filled, application review will begin November 3, 2011.
Email cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to:
Sarah Potenza
Executive Director
WWOOF-USA    sarahpotenza@wwoofusa.org   www.wwoofusa.org
No phone calls please. Confirmation of receipt of your application and additional questions will be addressed by email.

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Full-Time Organic Farm & Garden Assistant Position Available in Watsonville

This opportunity is outside of the North Coast region but might be appealing to those of you interested in getting some more experience farming before starting out on your own!


Live Earth Farm Discovery Program
Watsonville, CA

The Farm and Garden Assistant will manage a 1/3 acre education garden, a few acres of perennials and annuals within our larger organic farm, as well as some chicken, goat, and animal care. The person in this position will plan collaboratively with education and farm staff, as well as be responsible for daily decision-making. Tasks will require tractor work, irrigation, soil amending, crop rotation, etc.

Qualifications
Prior experience in organic farming and gardening is required, experience on a tractor is desired. This is an opportunity for those intending to pursue farming or farm or garden based education as a career path. It is a chance to hone your organic farming and gardening skills. Speaking Spanish is a plus. We expect you to arrive with a good work ethic and a positive attitude. Please be aware that farming is hard work and we require a full season commitment, with the potential for a multi year position.

Duration
We ask that you arrive on the farm in February. This gives LEFDP's Education Director an opportunity to work with and train you before the busiest part of the season begins. We are most interested in hiring someone willing to make a long term, multi-year commitment. The minimum contract for the position will last through mid November to complete and support the Discovery Program through the busiest season and to be honored at our end of harvest celebration.

Hours
40+ hrs/wk or as long as it takes

Compensation
A private yurt and communal kitchen and bath facility as well as a stipend of $400 per month

Application Procedure
Please download and fill out this application (Word document), and then e-mail it along with a resume and a cover letter describing your interests and why you would like to work for the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program to:
Jessica Ridgeway: LEFeducation@baymoon.com

Questions? Call Jessica at (831) 728-2032


originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Update on ID#1273: Housing Now Available!

I just spoke with the landowner for ID#1273, and there is now housing available on the property (it's a trailer in good condition with a lot of privacy). This could be a great situation for someone interested in starting with a small project on a raw property. Here's the updated listing: 


Sonoma County ID#1273: An old apple orchard near Sebastopol is available for lease. All level ground, easy access, and good water. Two different spots for farm/garden (total of over one acre). Irrigation infrastructure in one spot and not in the other. Gophers and deer (shares border with 1000 open acres). No animal fencing, though landowner is open to helping install the fencing. Housing available for one person or a couple (trailer). There is also an outbuilding set up for small livestock (chickens, goats, etc.). Interested in work/trade.


As always, please contact me with the ID# if you're interested!

Buy Existing Small Pastured Egg Operation!

The owners of a current pastured egg operation would like to sell their business to someone who will run it, expand it, and have more time to devote to it. They have run into time constraints that require them to cut back on their commitment. The “ladies” want to continue to be pasture raised, free range, punk rock chickens.

For more information, check out their website!


If you are interested, please contact us at FarmLink for information on financing options. 

Asst. Farm Manager Position: Pescadero, CA

Jacobs Farm
A national organic farm, based in Pescadero California, is seeking a Assistant Farm Manager to help operate four ranches profitably by producing high quality organic specialty crops while simultaneously providing sustainable employment practices within a healthy environment. The Assistant Farm Manger should embody the core values of the company; Healthy Soils, Healthy Plants, Healthy People; with a focus on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and employee well being. To achieve the companies objective, it is crucial that the Assistant Farm Manager is able to work well with the production management team, create a positive work atmosphere, be on the look out for ways to improve efficiencies, provide clear direction and management, and be supportive of production staff needs.

MANAGEMENT:
* Direct and coordinate all production related operations
* Plan, assign, direct, and facilitate work
* Develop and evaluate production team members
* Compliance with worker safety standards
* Interview, hire, and train employees
* Develop a cohesive production team
* Annual employee performance assessments
* Represent company vision both internally and externally

PRODUCTION:
* Implement farm plan
* Establish priorities and allocate resources
* Direct soil and ground preparation
* Fertility management
* Maintain schedule of successive plantings and seedings
* Weed control
* Irrigation management
* Pest scouting and control

HARVEST OPERATIONS:
* Ensure harvested product meets established specifications
* Complete daily, weekly, and monthly estimates of production
* Advise of harvest shortages and problems
* Knowledge of organic production compliance within NOP guidelines

FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION:
* Maintain high sanitary standards for food handling at all points of production
* Ensure compliance with company GAP standards

RECORD KEEPING:
* Ensure accuracy of farm data tracking system
* NOP and GAP documentation
* State and county permitting requirements

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE:
* Set up maintenance documentation for all farm equipment
* Keep current records on equipment including vehicles, implements, and tools
* Schedule maintenance repairs for all production related items

PRODUCTION SUPPLIES:
* Maintain inventory control
* Coordinate production materials

FACILTIY OVERSIGHT:
* Oversee on farm structures including barns, offices, warehouses, housing, and coolers

Performance will be measured by:
1. Production of organic crops within established quality specifications
2. Weekly production volumes
3. Steadiness of production
4. Cleanliness and organization of facilities including trucks
5. Completion of record keeping

Requirements:
- Bachelors degree in agriculture, ag business, horticulture or related field
- Training and expertise in plant nutrition, plant disease, soil preparation, irrigation, integrated pest management and weed control.
- Valid California Drivers License
- Clean driving record
- Ability to lift heavy objects 40-75 lbs
- Strong organization skills
- Experienced in the use of Excel, Word, etc.
- Spanish speaker
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
- Detail oriented and able to follow through on tasks
- Ability to work 45-50 hours per week (including Saturdays)

Applicant must me motivated, trust worthy, and responsible
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience
401K program
Health insurance

Resume and letter of intent should be sent to: jfdcjobs@hotmail.com


originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Landowners: Trees Need Pruning?

Available to prune fruit trees this winter. Experience pruning apples, European & Asian pears, peaches, plums, pluots, etc. 

$25/hr

Call Sarah Shimizu at (707) 502 9509  

Fair Food From the Field to the Table, Oct. 20

Time:  7pm - 9pm

Location:  Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley.

Cost:  Free

Info:  510-548-2220 x233, beck@ecologycenter.org, www.fairfoodproject.org.

Through the stories and voices of farmworkers, growers, businesses and fair food advocates, come learn about the realities of farmworker conditions and, more importantly, the promise of improved farm labor practices in American agriculture. Join us for a special, interactive evening featuring dialogue with speakers Jose Gutierrez, former farmworker and health advocate, Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety; Tim Mueller, farmer, River Dog Farm; Bob Gerner, grocer, Natural Grocery Company. We'll use the multimedia presentation "Fair Food: Field to Table" to frame the conversation. You'll get a glimpse into the current reality of farmworker conditions in the U.S., meet a farmer who is providing good farm labor conditions and "doing well by doing good", and hear from a local grocer at the forefront of fair practices. The growing movement for "fair food" is tapping into rising consumer demand for food produced in accordance with fair values. Come honor Food Day 2011 by participating in this important and hopeful discussion to make everyday a fair food day! For more Food Day events, click here.

Wheelchair accessible.

A Town-Hall Meeting for Small-Scale Agriculture in San Francisco, Oct. 18th!

Tuesday, October 18 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Location:   Internet Archive (300 Funston St, San Francisco)


Seeding the Future

• Fall Harvest Potluck
• Meet and mingle with both green and seasoned farmers. Bring your thinking cap and favorite dish. 

• Screening of "The Greenhorns" Film

• Panel and Roundtable Discussion
• Debate and collaborate on 2012 Farm Bill action strategies, decentralized food production, and new strategies for urban farming.

• Panelists: 
• Severine Von Tscharner Fleming, Director, The Greenhorns 
• Rick Prelinger, Founder, Prelinger Archives
• Ned Conwell, Farmer, Pescadero, CA
• Ed Garrett, Founder of Fresh Spin Farms, Davis, CA

Music: Ed Masuga and Friends

Generously sponsored by:

• Thirsty Bear Brewing Co. (www.thirstybear.com)
• Four Barrel Coffee (www.fourbarrelcoffee.com)
• *NEW* Tartine Bakery (www.tartinebakery.com)

Poster Design: Andrew Nimmo (andrewnimmo.com)

---

Next Steps for Small Businesses Workshop Set for Oct. 18th in Santa Rosa

Next Steps for Small Business is a no-cost event presented by the California SBDC Network October 18, 2011 at the Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club. A complimentary lunch is included.

The event will feature high profile speakers from Yelp, Union Bank, Vertical Response, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. General Services Administration discussinggrowth strategies as they pertain to social media marketing, access to capital, selling to the government and international sales.

For those interested in attending, space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Where:           Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club
                        333 Country Club Drive, Santa Rosa

When:             October 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.)

Read more and reserve your seat now

Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) Announces New Certificate of Int'l Training in Agroecology (CITA) Programs

 Two exciting one-month Pilot programs this winter (December 19th- January 16^th) will take place in

Moshi, Tanzania and in the Sacred Valley, Peru

The Certificate of International Training in Agroecology (CITA) is an integrated program that offers project-oriented education and community work experience in agriculture to equip beginning farmers and agrarians with the insight and experience needed to repair our global food system.


Please take a look at MESA's updated CITA website and read more about the program offerings, community projects, our international partners and how you can become a CITA Steward.


 Not ready to participate this December? Check out MESA's future programs for Summer 2012 in Peru, Tanzania and Ecuador! Applications are available.


 Join MESA's global network of sustainable farmers and advocates!


Applications for the Winter 2011 programs are due November 6^th. MESA will offer limited scholarships based on need.

Kenwood Press Article Highlights Small Farmers in Sonoma Valley

The Kenwood Press published an article few weeks ago titled "Small Farmers: A Growing Presence," and I completely forgot to post it at that time! It's a well-written piece highlighting some of the farmers growing food in the midst of a wine-producing region. Enjoy!

Learning Garden Manager Position

Noyo Food Forest

Fort Bragg, CA

This is a year round position, requiring dedication to our local food system and a passionate determination to produce organic fruits and vegetables for our Farm to School program and other outlets.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in achieving our production goals.  He/She will have a proven history of organic vegetable production for market. The salary for this part-time position is $20,800. per year. This position will start on February 1, 2012. For a full job description go to CLICK HERE or call (707) 964-0218.

The application deadline is November 30, 2011 at 5pm. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Linda Pack, Executive Director, at linda@noyofoodforest.org.

Job Description:

The Noyo Food Forest Learning Garden Manager is a year round, part time position, requiring dedication to our local food system and passionate determination to produce organic fruits and vegetables for our Farm to School program and other outlets. He/she supervises the Learning Garden Interns and volunteers and represents the organization and its efforts to our community in a knowledgeable, proud and positive way. The Learning Garden Manager receives direction from the Executive Director of the Noyo Food Forest.

The Ideal Candidate has:
    At least 2 years experience in organic vegetable production for market.
    Demonstrated success in coordinating and supervising volunteers.
    Positive attitude and willingness to work with people of all ages and abilities.
    Creative, well-organized, flexible, responsible, and highly-motivated.
    Strong written and verbal communication skills.
    Familiar and comfortable with using email, Internet, and other electronic communication.
    Possess a valid California drivers license.
    Bilingual preferred.

DUTIES:
Activities of the Learning Garden Manager may include, but are not limited to:

    Planning and Design of Garden:
        Research organic growing techniques, tools, and practices.
        Keep a planting log and crop rotations plan.
        Create seeding schedule and production plan for garden and nursery, based on tried and tested varieties.
        Create and maintain up to date map of garden.
        Provide information to the Executive Director for budget preparation

    Planting, Maintaining and Harvesting from the garden:
        Weekly gardening activities including but not limited to: sowing, transplanting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, composting, and pest control.
        Purchase seeds, supplies, tools and equipment within budget constraints.
        Plan & coordinate harvests for FBUSD, Farmers Market, CSAs and commercial accounts.

    Administering and Fulfilling the Farm to School program:
        Coordinate crop selection with FBUSD Nutrition Services Program.
        Plan harvests for weekly deliveries.
        Maintain produce log & provide information to Executive Director for billing purposes.
        Develop and maintain healthy working relationships with FBUSD cafeteria staff and administration.
        Teaching, Training and Supervising Garden Activities:
            Cultivate a friendly, inviting, and engaging learning environment.
            Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator
            Provide training in gardening activities for volunteers, summer youth interns and at workshops
            Maintain an ongoing list of garden activities for staff, students, and volunteers.
            Facilitate community service workers through Mendocino Lake Alternative Service

    Maintaining Learning Garden facilities:
        Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and improvements of infrastructure.
        Maintain a safe work environment and first aid supplies.
        Perform custodial duties as needed.

COMPENSATION
$20,800. per year, based on an average of 25 hours per week

This position will start on February 1, 2012.

The application deadline is November 30, 2011 at 5pm. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Linda Pack, Executive Director, atlinda@noyofoodforest.org.


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Learning Garden is an on-site Farm-to-School program and training center in organic, community -based agriculture at Fort Bragg High School. The garden is a project of the Noyo Food Forest in partnership with the Fort Bragg Unified School District and The Mendocino County Office of Education. The ½ acre garden comprising open air beds, 2 hoop houses and a greenhouse was started in the Fall of 2006 and is cared for by volunteers from the community, students from FBHS, summer youth interns, and Noyo Food Forest staff.

Produce from the garden is purchased by the School District for the schools' cafeterias, nutrition and after school programs and is also brought to the Farmer's Market. Food is also shared with volunteers, the Hospitality House, Redwood Coast Senior Center and Safe Passage Family Resource Center. The garden grows nursery starts for market sales and fundraising events. Proceeds from these sales and generous donations from the community ensure the continuation of the garden and its educational programs. Community volunteers are welcomed daily.

P.O.Box 974
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-0218


originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Update on Property #1275: Established Fruit Farm in Windsor!

Here's the new listing for this opportunity: 


Sonoma County ID#1275: 2.5-acre established, diverse fruit farm in unincorporated Windsor with over 150 varieties of tree, vine, and bush fruits seeks passionate fruit farmers for the following scenario: two individuals or a couple to move into our micro-community as both property caretakers and independent farmers.  Farmers will have an on-site yome (dome/yurt hybrid), share common spaces in main house, and eat plenty of good food in exchange for 20 hours (total for two people) of maintenance work. Farmers will enter into agreement to cultivate and market fruit crops for lease or crop-share to be negotiated. There is also a 1/4 acre for annual or perennial veggie cultivation as well. Landowners have access to markets and are willing to mentor the right two individuals or couple. They seek a 2-5 year commitment.


If you're interested, please contact me with the ID #. I will happily connect you with the landowner!

Great New Resource in Marin Helps Farmers Add Value to Their Businesses!

On Friday, Linda Peterson, our Communications and Marketing Specialist, and I went on a tour of Community Action Marin's FoodWorks kitchen. The Marin Independent-Journal wrote a  great article about what it's all about, so please be sure to read it! 


If you're interested in learning more about value-added production, please let me know. I have a lot of resources to share! 

Advanced Seed Saving Class in Berkeley 10/4

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location:  Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley.

Cost:  Free.

Info:  510-548-2220 x233, register@ecologycenter.org.

 

Learn to grow seed and steward heirlooms at this class for West Coast gardeners and farmers. Although some background in seed saving is recommended, this is a great chance to learn about seed and connect with other seed savers in your region even for beginners. This workshop will cover basic and advanced seed concepts including timing of planting, ideal population sizes, preventing cross-pollination, selecting for improved varieties, seed maturation, seed harvest, and seed cleaning. The workshop will also cover hand-pollination and other specific techniques for saving seed from more difficult crops. About the teacher: Jared Zystro is the California Research and Education Specialist for Organic Seed Alliance (http://seedalliance.org ). He has worked in the organic seed industry for over 7 years and has an M.S. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics. Organic Seed Alliance supports the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed through collaborative education, advisory services, and research programs with organic farmers and other seed professionals. Specify when registering if ASL interpretation is requested, (at least 10 working days in advance). For more Food Day events, click here.

Wheelchair accessible.

UC Cooperative Extension Announces Ties to the Land Succession Planning Workshops!

Forest and agricultural landowners and their families are invited to a workshop to learn simple techniques to help with passing your land and its legacy on to the next generation. Succession planning involves more than just having a will or an estate plan, as those legal tools will only ensure your heirs inherit the property, but not that they will want to carry out the vision for it or even want.  It also need you and your family to ensure that your values and plans are clearly laid out in your own management plans. Succession planning helps you pass on more than just the land. Passing on your passion takes preparation and planning, and can be legally and emotionally challenging. Despite this, many people find working through the challenges to a completed plan rewarding, satisfying and results in peace of mind.

The Ties to the Land workshops are designed to give you a firm understanding of the succession planning process and the tools to get started. 

At the workshop you will:

· Learn the steps to succession planning

· Clarify your values and goals for your family forest or ranch

· Take home tools to determine your heirs' interests

· Gain knowledge of legal and other business considerations

· Understand the financial impacts of ownership transfers across generations.

This is a two-part workshop series with one workshop in the fall before the holidays when family members often come together and a follow-up workshop in early 2012. The follow up workshop will focus on the financial and legal approaches and tools (trusts, limited liability companies, easements, etc) and specific resource management planning approaches.

We encourage multiple members of the family to attend both fall and winter workshops. Even if the family does not all live in the same location, family members are encouraged to attend the workshop location that is nearest to them, as the curriculum will be the same at all locations.

Workshop Locations and Logistics

The location, dates and addresses of the 11 workshops are shown at the links below. Each workshop will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

· Nevada City, Tuesday, October 11

· Placerville, Monday, October 17

· Sonora, Wednesday, October 19

· Redding, Tuesday, October 25

· Yreka, Wednesday, October 26

· Quincy, Thursday, October 27

· Ukiah, Tuesday, November 8

· Garberville, Wednesday, November 9

· Eureka, Thursday, November 10

· Berkeley, Tuesday, November 15

· Rohnert Park, Wednesday, November 16 

Registration

Registration is required. The cost is $25 per family for the workbook and DVD, along with light refreshments. On-line registration and credit card payment is available here.

Registration by mail is accepted too. A mail-in registration form is available at this link.

For more information, call your local Cooperative Extension office, call(510)643-5429, or visit online at: http://ucanr.org/tiestotheland/