Sonoma County Lands for Food Production: Community Stakeholder Meeting April 4th

Come out and support this impressive initiative: the Sonoma County Lands for Food Production! The Community Stakeholder Meeting is next Wednesday, April 4th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Santa Rosa. 


Learn more about the event and RSVP here. 

2-3 Acres For Lease Near Petaluma!

Hey guys! One of the properties in Petaluma has some updates that I wanted to share with you. This seems like a great opportunity for the right farmer(s)! As always, please send me the ID number if you are interested in pursuing this opportunity. 


If you have not yet filled out the aspiring farmer questionnaire on our website, please make sure you do that first before you contact me! 


Here's the listing: 

Sonoma County ID#1341: 2-3 acres available outside of Petaluma. Property is fenced and has a well that is shared with landowner's residence on-site. Landowners are open to any variety of operation, as long as it's organic/sustainable, including multiple farmers using the space. They would love chickens! Landowner lives on the property, and there may be possibilities for farmer housing as well. There is some irrigation infrastructure in place, and landowner will complete the irrigation to the farmer's design. Owners are interested to cash leases and cropshare leases and will consider reduced rent in exchange for landscape maintenance work. Small tractor on site may be used. Property is sloped (10-15%). Ideal for fruit trees or livestock. 

New Property Available in Marin

Check out the new listing we have available in Marin!  If you're interested, please make sure you contact me with the ID number for this listing. 


Marin County #1393: Property available near Lagunitas for market gardener! This 12-acre property is mostly wooded, with three distinct spaces for market gardens: one sloped, 3/4-acre space that is lightly terraced; one flat, 1/3-acre "market garden" area with permanent beds that have been well-amended for over 20 years; and an undeveloped 1/2-acre space that has been terraced but never planted or amended. These spaces are not contiguous but are close to one another. The property is on city water, and irrigation should not be a problem. There is fencing, but it is not adequate to keep out deer. Onsite housing is available: 1BR cottage for $1000/month. Landowners are interested in working with small-scale farmers or livestock operators. Property has been maintained organically but is not certified. Owners are interested in cash lease, work/trade or partnership opportunities and are open for discussions! 


If you have not yet filled out the aspiring farmer questionnaire on our website, please make sure you do that first before you contact me! 

Free Talk by Soil Microbiology Expert at The Seed Bank Thursday, Mar. 29th

Learn about the "universe beneath our feet" this Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at The Seed Bank, 199 Petaluma Blvd. North in downtown Petaluma. This free talk will be presented by Ian Davidson, founder of BioLogic Systems in Sebastopol, and will include a multi-media presentation on new "biologically correct" methods for land management and compost and compost tea technologies and concepts for garden, farm and industrial applications.

     The soil "foodweb" (soil microorganisms) and the functions they perform will also be covered. High-definition video identification of soil microorganisms will accompany the presentation.

EcoFarm Seeks Program Coordinator in Soquel

Start Date: May 2012

Salary: In the $40K's DOE, Full-time 40 hrs/week salaried position includes health benefits, vacation, and paid sick leave.

Location: The job is based at the Ecological Farming Association office, located at the New Brighton State Beach exit off HWY 1 in Soquel, a few miles south of Santa Cruz, CA, close to the freeway and bus line.     

The Ecological Farming Association (EFA) is seeking an experienced Program Coordinator. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience in ecological agriculture and directing programming and events from conceptual and planning stages to execution and evaluation. The Program Coordinator position calls for relevant experience and demonstrated competency in budget, contact, grant, information and project management. This position reports directly to the Ecological Farming Association Executive Director.

Team Leader for the Ecological Farming Conference: Planning, Execution, Evaluation

• Develop the EcoFarm Conference agenda and content with the Executive Director and the Conference Planning Committee.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to manage the EcoFarm Conference budget.
• Coordinate time-sensitive communications projects with the EFA Communications Director to meet high standards for accuracy, quality, creativity and timeliness.
• Coordinate event production contractors and EFA staff for questions regarding registration, exhibitors, special events and all conference production details.
• Plan and manage food and logistics for the Conference Food Program with the contracted Chefs' Advisor and Food Donations Coordinator.
• Supervise EFA staff to ensure coordinated scheduling of Conference fellowship, scholarship, work-trade, and volunteer activities.
• Manage Pre-Conference production activities and additional special events.
• Perform other duties that the production of EcoFarm requires.
• Organize EcoFarm Conference wrap-up and review. Document procedures, accomplishments, unresolved issues and lessons learned.  

Program Coordinator and Manager: EFA Activities and Partnerships

• Write grants in close collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Develop and Manage EFA programs and events and collaborations with other organizations and partners.
• Develop content in collaboration with EFA Communications Director for program outreach including publications, website, and media.
• Represent EFA at EFA, partner, and other related events.
• Present written and oral reports to formal and informal audiences.

 Support for EFA Operations

• Participate in Staff, Committee and BOD meetings as assigned.
• Work closely with the Executive Director on financial reports, program budgets and project work plans.  

Qualifications:

• Superior time management/project management skills including the ability to manage production of multiple projects and deadlines with great attention to detail and minimal supervision.
• Excellent written, verbal and visual presentation skills including the ability to manage and present information effectively in a variety of graphic media formats.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with FileMaker or other comparable database software. Experience with additional project management and collaboration tools is desired.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, interpersonal communication skills and creativity.
• Our team requires high personal standards for the quality and timeliness of deliverables and pro-active problem solving.
• Ability to manage projects and staff in a collaborative team environment.
• Maintain professionalism and performance under the pressure of production details and deadlines.
• Commitment to EFA mission in ecological agriculture: developing healthy, safe and just food and farming systems.

EOE: The Ecological Farming Association is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Our policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

To apply: Please submit the following to  jobs@eco-farm.org 

A resume and cover letter that demonstrates your accomplishments as they relate to the job qualifications stated above. Please also include:

1. Two different types of writing samples from your portfolio: The first one demonstrates the promotion of an event, a program or an idea -- marketing materials, grant proposal, editorial articles, a newsletter, etc. The second demonstrates your ability to convey complex data or strategy in a comprehensible way - budget spreadsheet, report with graphic/visual elements, strategic communications plan, donor management document, etc. Please select items for which you were directly responsible or were a lead contributor.
2. Three professional references with contact information.

Process:

No calls please. We will contact applicants selected for interviews. Interviews start in April. May start date for position.

The Ecological Farming Association nurtures healthy and just farms, food systems, communities and environment by bringing people together for education, alliance building and advocacy. To learn more about the mission and programs of the Ecological Farming Association visit our website at  www.eco-farm.org

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Fruit Farm Opportunity in Windsor

Opportunity at Golden Nectar Farm/Micro-Community

A 2.5-acre, organic fruit farm and warm, intentional micro-community near Windsor seeks experienced farmers to take over management and operations of the farm! The farm primarily grows fruit (tree, vine and bush), as well as vegetables, mushrooms, chickens and ducks. Markets are already established. 

Other highlights include:

• PV solar panels
• cobb and strawbale buildings
• plans for an aquaponics system
• an ever-evolving intentional community. 
• There is also room to expand annual vegetable or flower production. 

Owners seek farmers with 2-3 years of fruit-growing experience who have these qualities:

• responsible
• self-motivated
• comfortable working independently, while open to suggestions and collaboration. 

Owners require a minimum two-year commitment and are available to mentor the right people to help ensure success. 

You can live onsite or off the farm, and landowners are interested in either a cash or share lease. They are also looking for short-term farm support in the interim. Please email ana@goldennectar.com if you are interested.

Sale Property Available in Sebastopol

Hey folks! Here is a property for sale in Sebastopol. Please contact the owner directly with any inquiries. 


Sonoma County ID #1010: 2.5-acre property with home for sale in Sebastopol! This property includes 1.3 acres of Pinot Noir grapes, some fruit trees, and a fenced garden. The property is fenced as well. Home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a half-finished basement and solar electricity. Owners would like to sell before January 2013. Property includes a well, and there is irrigation infrastructure for the vineyard, garden, and fruit trees. Interested parties should contact Dave at (707) 823-9781 and hanes@sonic.net

5-8 Acres Available for Lease in Petaluma

A great opportunity has opened up near Petaluma! If you're interested, please make sure you contact me with the ID number for this listing. 


Sonoma County ID#1041: 5-8 acres for lease in Petaluma. Gentle sloping for crops, including herbs, vineyard and vegetables. This land has been organically farmed for the past nine years. Drip irrigation in place, and a 9-acre foot dam provides the irrigation water.


If you have not yet filled out the aspiring farmer questionnaire on our website, please make sure you do that first before you contact me! 

New Opportunity in Fort Bragg

Please contact Joanna (email address at end of listing) if you're interested in this posting! 

Mendocino County #1397: Up to Six Acres of Land Available Near Fort Bragg! This is a unique situation that will be perfect for the right farmer(s). Property is located two miles inland, which provides some wind protection and more sun exposure. The 28-acre property is level, with sandy loan soil, some fencing, a 6GPM well, open meadow and woodland.  The property is being established as a community land trust (CLT) for affordable housing to people who are interested in collaborating with the farm and the larger community.  Landowners seek permaculture farmer(s) to take on all or part of a diverse animal and crop operation who have  experience, dedication, and interest in long-term residency with an intentional community. Diversity of crops and livestock is essential. Housing is available onsite, and owners require a six-month trial period. Farmers would be expected to pay a share of property tax, insurance and road maintenance (approx. $200 per month or less) for living on the property and 10% of net produce for use of farmland and water. Landowners have already developed some potential marketing outlets. Anyone interested should contact Joanna at joanna@groundplan.net

EcoFarm 2012 Audio Recordings Now Available

Find the workshops you missed and listen to the parts you loved... all over again!  After much-awaited anticipation, the 2012 EcoFarm Conference audio recordings are now available for purchase on the EcoFarm website.  MP3s are available for download and can then be listened to on your computer, uploaded to your iPod or MP3 player, or burned to CD for listening in the car! Check out all the available sessions online! For a limited time, listen to all the plenary sessions for free!  Click here to listen online.

Buy a bunch, save some money!  To kick off the new audio section of our webstore, we're offering the following discounts when you buy multiple recordings: Buy 10 recordings, receive 1 free!*  Use this code: EFC1210 Spend over $50, receive $20 off!  Use this code: EFC1220 Buy all the sessions and receive 50% off!  Use this code: EFC1250 * If you purchase 10 recordings and use the code you will receive $1.99 off your sub-total.  To receive your free recording, add it to your cart. Click here to make your purchases now!

If you need assistance with on-line downloads, please email Joanna at joanna@eco-farm.org. originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Intern Position at Tunitas Creek Ranch, Half Moon Bay

We are looking for a talented young farmer to join our team at Tunitas Creek Ranch in Half Moon Bay, CA for the next 6-7 months. 

Tunitas Creek Ranch is an organic homestead farm. We grow a wide variety of cool weather vegetables and fruits, irrigated and dry-farmed. We have layer hens, milking goats, llamas and sheep. There are 5 gardens spread around our steep valley. Our food production is mainly for those who live and work here, with the excess preserved in various ways and stored and/or sold at a few restaurants and at the Half Moon Bay Farmers Market. We also have three productive apple orchards. There are scattered plum and pear trees, and we also grow a wide variety of flowers. We produce all our own compost on site from vegetable wastes and animal manures. The rest of the property has many hiking trails through woods, grasslands, riparian zones and scrub. It is essentially a wild land. 

We are looking for a full time intern from April 1 to October 31, 2012. The internship is primarily small scale farming and gardening with additional general farm maintenance duties.

Know anyone? Please point them to the full job posting on the ATTRA site

Sustainable Farming Forum and Film Screening in San Francisco 3/29

Join Food & Water Watch and Supervisor Eric Mar for a special forum and film screening of Antonio Roman-Alcala's documentary "In Search of Good Food" and talk on Local Food and the 2012 Farm Bill, in support of passing a Fair Farm Bill for San Francisco!



Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Place:RICHMOND DISTRICT LIBRARY, 351 9th Ave (Community Room)
Info: Susan Kuehn 415.225.5916

PANEL MEMBERS: 

• District 1 Supervisor Eric Mar
• Adam Scow and Susan Kuehn (Food & Water Watch)
• Paula Jones (SF Department of Public Health)
• Author Christopher Cook (Diet for a Dead Planet)

ABOUT THE FILM: "In Search of Good Food" features Antonio Roman-Alcala, an urban farming activist from San Francisco, on his search for a "sustainable" food system in California. The film attempts to answer the question "Does the sustainable food system actually exist?" and if not, "What is preventing it from becoming a reality?"

The 2012 Agriculture Census: It Really Does Matter!

Hey there, farmers! 


Don't forget to participate in the 2012 Agriculture Census. It really does matter! If you aren't sure, check out this guy from Indiana!

Here's a little more information: 

For census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2012).

The census form will be mailed out in December, but right now they’re collecting general info to find out who should be counted.

Message from the National Young Farmers' Coalition

For those of you not already involved with the National Young Farmers' Coalition (NYFC), here are two great ways to become more engaged: 

First, if you are just starting out as a farmer and want to share your story this year, sign up to be a 2012 Bootstraps Blogger!  Bootstraps is a blog series, begun in 2011, written by beginning farmers in their first season of farming.  Due to its popularity last year, we'll be continuing the series with new beginners for the 2012 season.  Share your reflections on troubles, aspirations, and successes over the course of the season with other beginning farmers!

The 2011 featured farmers were Margaret De Bona and Tracy Potter-Fins of County Rail Farm, outside of Missoula, Montana.  You can still read their series on the NYFC website here.  

To learn more about becoming a bootstraps blogger, contact us atinfo@youngfarmers.org.

Not a first-year beginner?  Not interested in being a regular blogger?  You can still get involved in NYFC by joining the Speakers' Bureau and helping to tell the story of the next generation of America's farmers. 

As we lobby for farmers' rights in state and federal capitols, your start-up story, experiences with the USDA, and challenges overcome can help make the difference.  If you would be willing to share your experiences, sign up for the NYFC Speakers' Bureau!

New Property Listing Near Healdsburg: Two Acres!

Hey folks! 


Here's a new property listing near Healdsburg that might interest some of you. The owners require biodynamic farming (just so you know). Please remember to send me the ID number if you're interested! 


Sonoma County ID#1390: Two acres of flat biodynamic property available for lease near Healdsburg! These two acres are located on a vineyard just off 101, fifteen minutes north of Santa Rosa. Landowners seek a biodynamic farmer and are interested in discussing cash or trade leases. The property has a lot of water and existing irrigation infrastructure. There is no housing on site, as well as no current storage facilities for the farmer. Property is not deer fenced but is adequately protected from intruders. 


If you have not yet filled out the aspiring farmer questionnaire on our website, please make sure you do that firstbefore you contact me as well! 

Property Available Near Bodega Bay

Another great opportunity in Sonoma County! This time it's on the coast. Please note that the operator of this property prefers for prospective farmers to contact him directly. Let me know if you have any questions! 


Sonoma County ID#1387: 1/2 to five acres are available for lease and/or joint venture at Chanslor Guest Ranch in Bodega Bay! This 378-acre property is operated by Chanslor Wildlife as a guest ranch, wildlife preserve and a working coastal cattle and horse ranch. Operators want to expand agricultural use of the property and seek one to two farmers interested in developing small-scale operations. They would like to sell agricultural products raised on the property as part of a ranch retail program, as well as incorporate the farming endeavor(s) in the ranch's event and education programs. Operator is particularly interested in crops and livestock that thrive in a coastal environment (potato, artichokes, lettuce, poultry, sheep, goats, etc.). Crops or livestock with a historic significance are of particular interest. Grass-fed Belted Galloway cattle are currently raised on the property. The land includes a reliable well and spring water supply with easy access. Property has old fencing (not adequate for keeping livestock in or keeping predators out). Some storage facilities may be possible.  No housing is currently available. All interested farmers should visit the ranch website at ChanslorRanch.com and contact Frank at (707) 875-2721 or by e-mail at chanslor2660@gmail.com. 

Up to Ten Acres Available for Lease Near Healdsburg!

Yet another great land opportunity in Healdsburg! If you're interested, please make sure you include the ID number for the property when you contact me. 


Sonoma County ID#1388: Up to ten acres available for lease near Healdsburg! Property has plenty of water, and current well has a 20 GPM capacity (there is potential for more output with a different well). There is some irrigation infrastructure on parts of the property as well. Land includes some hills and slopes and was planted in a vineyard in the 1970s. Property is entirely fenced. Storage facilities may be available. Housing might also be a possibility. Owners are interested in short-term cash lease agreements at this time (nothing long-term for now). They are specifically interested in annual row crops.


If you have not yet filled out the aspiring farmer questionnaire on our website, please make sure you do that firstbefore you contact me as well! 

North Coast CAFF Chapter Event Tuesday, June 26, 2012

North Coast Chapter Community Alliance with Family Farmers presents:

Adapting to Climate Change on North Coast Vineyards and Farms; Building Resilience and Increasing Crop Diversity

A field day at Front Porch Farm, Healdsburg. 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012,  9:00 am - 4:30 pm

What are likely future conditions that will affect crop growing in the North Coast and how can growers adapt?

How can diversifying the farm landscape function as an adaptive strategy?

Confirmed Speakers on climate change and agricultural adaptation include:

• Lisa Micheli, PhD, Pepperwood Foundation and Alan Flint, PhD, USGC, both with North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative
• Glenn McGourty, UC Coop Extension, Mendocino/Lake County; Renata Brillinger, California Climate and Agriculture Network; Rex DuFour, National Center for Appropriate Technology/ATTRA

Farmer panelists presenting their diversification stories include:

• Matt Taylor, Front Porch Farm
• Robert and Emmet Hopkins, Hopkins River Ranch
• Invited: Lou Preston, Preston Farm & Vineyards; Longmeadow Ranch; Bernier Family Farms 

Front Porch Farm is a fully diversified 50 acre farm growing grains, vegetables, olives, wine grapes and livestock. There will be a farm tour to see each aspect of the farm.

Cost: $40  This includes lunch and a wine reception. Reservations via Brown Paper Tickets coming soon. 

Please consider co-sponsoring this event. 

For more information, contact Keith Abeles, keith@quetzalfarm.com  (707) 318-5275

New Land Opportunity Near Sebastopol!

Hey guys! 


I just posted this new land opportunity on our website. Please remember to provide me with the ID number for the property if you're interested. If you have not yet filled out the aspiring farmer questionnaire on our website, please make sure you do that first before you contact me as well! 


Here's the new property: 


Sonoma County ID#1389: 1.5 acres available for lease or partnership near Sebastopol. This property has two 5000-gallon water tanks that are fed by a well. There is no current irrigation infrastructure, but the landowner is interested in installing some once he finds the right farmer. Property is completely fenced, and fencing can be improved to keep out deer if necessary. Land is mostly flat, with a small slope. Sandy soil and gophers! Landowner is most interested in mixed vegetables, berries, herbs or flower production and would consider a small flock of chickens or ducks. There is some storage available on site. A farmer may bring a trailer onto the property, and there is electricity available. Landowner is interested in a cash lease and/or partnership discussions.

Ag Innovations Network Open House March 29th

Ag Innovations Network is on the move! We've been growing and keeping very busy with projects far and wide. On March 29, 2012, from 5-7pm, we'll open our doors to our home community for an Open House. We invite you to celebrate with us as we settle in to our new offices. 

What: Ag Innovations Network Open House
Where: 101 Morris Street, Suite 212, Sebastopol, CA
When: Thursday, March 29, 2012, 5:00 to 7:00 pm

Join us for beer, wine, refreshments and lively conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please RSVP to info@aginnovations.org. 

Food Craft Institute Opens in Oakland

Any of you interested in creating value-added products who would like some more training? If so, check out this great article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the new Food Craft Institute in Oakland. 

You can also learn more about the Food Craft Institute on their website (http://www.foodcraftinstitute.org). 

Enjoy!

Part-Time Assistant Market Manager Sought in Newark, CA

Part Time Assistant Market Manager 

                Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM)                
Newark, CA      

 

Job Title: PART-TIME ASSISTANT MARKET MANAGER

Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates eight farmers markets in the SF Bay areas as part of its educational mission. AIM seeks a dedicated part-time assistant market manager to assist at our year-round Newark Farmers Market and possibly one other market.

Duties:
* Hours are 7AM -- 2PM, every Sunday, rain-or-shine
* Sets up and breaks down the market, including AIM market equipment, information booth and garbage
* Assists market manager with market operations
* Maintains excellent relations with vendors, customers, staff and local governmental/community organizations
* Takes charge and resolves problems

Qualifications:
* Must have driver's license and transportation to/from market
* Physical capacity to regularly lift up to 50 lbs, load/unload equipment to/from truck
* General understanding and/or sincere interest in food and farming
* Self-starter, takes initiative
* Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented
* Ability to work long hours on market days (Sundays)
* Team player who takes direction well

Compensation: $15/hr

Application Instructions: Reply to info@agriculturalinstitute.org  with a cover letter, resume, and list of references. No phone calls please. Thank you!

Start Date: As soon as we find the right match.

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Spiral Foods Co-op St. Patrick's Day and Spring Equinox Celebration

Saturday March 17th, 5 to 9pm at the Sebastopol Grange 

6000 Sebastopol Rd. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol, CA 95472

Get Directions

They'll provide the main course - corned beef and cabbage, and yes, a veggie dish too.

If you can, please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share.

Most importantly, join us!

Brief presentation at 6pm

Music, Dancing, a Silent Auction and a Crafting Station

Drinks available by donation.

Got kids? Bring em', this is a family friendly event.

As with all Spiral Foods’ potlucks, please bring  your own dishes and utensils. This is a zero-waste event.

Urban Adamah Fellowship in Berkeley

Jewish Urban Farming Fellowship

Urban Adamah, based in Berkeley, CA, is a three-month intensive residential leadership training program for young adults ages 20-29, that integrates urban organic farming, social justice work and progressive Jewish living and learning. Twelve Urban Adamah Fellows are selected each season to operate an organic farm and educational center, intern with community organizations addressing issues at the intersection of poverty, food security and environmental stewardship, and learn an approach to Jewish tradition that opens the heart and builds joyful community. Applicants do not need any farming or Jewish knowledge to participate. Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We are looking for individuals who are most likely to leverage the gifts of the program to make positive change in their own lives and in the world.

Summer Fellowship: June 3 - August 26, 2012

Fall Fellowship: September 2 - November 21, 2012

Admissions to the fellowship are rolling. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are complete. Please visit our website for more information and to fill out an application.

http://urbanadamah.org/

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Occidental Arts and Ecology Center Is Hiring

Communications Manager ($40k) School Garden Program Director ($40k) Development Associate ($35k) Please find information and applications at http://www.oaec.org/ originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve