Volunteer at the 2012 Gravenstein Apple Fair!

Sonoma County Farm Trails is hard at work to plan this year's Gravenstein Apple Fair and needs your help! This year's Apple Fair will be August 11 & 12 and will be held at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol. Each year, the Apple Fair attracts 12,000 to 14,000 people. We're hoping for an even better turnout for 2012. 

To do so, we're going to need a small army of volunteers to take care of the many tasks associated with putting on a large community event like this. If you're interested, there are many ways to help, from making sure the wine tent runs smoothly, to running the Farmers' Market, to leading children in games or helping Green Mary ensure the on-site trash and recycling goes to the right places (and so much more). 

Recruit your friends! Have a great time! 

Oh, and here's what you get for your time: 

• Free 2-Day Admission

• Free On-Site Parking (depending on availability)

• Volunteer Appreciation BBQ

• Volunteer T-Shirt

There will be a couple of volunteer meetings in July and early August to make sure everyone's on the same page. 

If you're interested, please contact Bruce Shimizu at Sonoma County Farm Trails: 

bruce@farmtrails.org

(707) 837-8896 office

(707) 836-3560 mobile

(707) 837-8610 fax

www.farmtrails.org

Farm Bill 2012 Update!

From CalCAN, June 21st:

CalCAN is one of eleven members of the California Caucus of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.  We are heartened by the passage of several NSAC supported Senate amendments to the farm bill.  Thank you to all of you who made phones, wrote your Senators and made your voice heard.  It made a real difference in strengthening the Senate farm bill. Now the farm bill heads to House of Representatives where it will be crucial to defend key conservation, organic, beginning farmer and research programs.  

 ___

Please see the following blog post courtesy of the hard working advocates at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.  

June 21st, 2012

Today, the Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act by a vote of 64-35.  NSAC supported passage of the bill as amended after three days of Senate debate and voting on amendments.

Ahead of final passage, Chairwoman Stabenow (D-MI) said, “There are 16 million people whose jobs depend on the strength of the agriculture economy in our food system.”  She spoke about the “significant reforms” in the bill, how the process had been a “very important bipartisan effort,” and the “opportunity” through this vote to vote on deficit reduction.

Ranking Member Roberts (R-KS) echoed Chairwoman Stabenow’s statements, and emphasized how the process had managed to “break the logjam of partisanship” that has recently plagued Congress.

Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY) both praised Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts for their bipartisan work on the bill, and both spoke in appreciation for the cooperative and relatively smooth process of the bill through the Senate.

Before voting on final passage of the bill, which had to meet a sixty-vote super majority threshold, Senators debated and voted on a series of non-germane amendments.  All of the amendments voted on today had to meet the sixty-vote threshold.  The vote on the amendment offered by Senator Sanders (I-VT) to allow states to label genetically engineered foods failed 26-73.  An Amendment that would have prohibited aerial inspections of CAFOs by the Environmental Protection Agency also failed to meet the sixty vote threshold.

NSAC supported passage of the final bill because of several amendments passed on day 1 and day 2 of the debate.  Most notably, amendments by Senator Brown (D-OH) on rural development and beginning farmers, Senator Chambliss (R-GA) on soil and water conservation, and Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Coburn (R-OK) on crop insurance subsidy limits made significant improvements to the bill.  Amendments by Senator Merkley (D-OR) on corp insurance for organic farmers, by Senator Grassley (R-IA) on commodity payment limit reform, and Senator Wyden (D-OR) on farm to school pilot programs also greatly improved the bill.

NSAC thanks all of the farmers and grassroots activists who took action in support of reform and a sustainable farming future — these reforms would not have happened without your calls, emails, and meetings!

And in the House…

While the Senate finished its work on the farm bill for the time being, the House delayed committee markup by a few weeks.  House Agriculture Committee Chairman Lucas (R-OK) had been planning to hold markup next week but announced that markup has been pushed back to July 11.  The decision came after discussions with Majority Leader Cantor (R-VA), who says he wants to “push the pause button” on the bill and assess the political situation.

Part of the reason for the delay in the House may also be that next week, the full House is debating the FY 13 Agriculture Appropriations bill.  Chairman Lucas has said that he anticipates the agriculture appropriations floor debate to be preview of the House floor debate on the farm bill.  Most lawmakers anticipate the farm bill floor debate to be the largest unknown in the process, with attempts to reform the bill coming from both the left and right flanks.  Because of the anticipated attacks on agriculture spending, Chairman Lucas wants “all hands on deck” and his committee members focused on the appropriations floor debate.

We will keep readers appraised of what is in the Lucas bill when it is released and of course cover the House Committee markup process very closely.  Assuming passage of a bill out of Committee by July 13, attention will be squarely focused on the House Republican leadership.  To date, they have shown very little interest in taking up the farm bill this year, even though the current farm bill expires on September 30.  With so little time left, and with the House of session the month of August and big chunks of September, floor time for the farm bill will be difficult to come by.  Whether there is a 2012 Farm Bill or not will largely rest in the hands of the top House Republican leadership.

Farmer Wanted at Thomas Farm, Santa Cruz

Established Organic Farm seeks dedicated individual to manage operation in Santa Cruz County, California.

This is a FULL TIME, YEAR ROUND POSITION. 

The job REQUIREMENTS are: 

-willing to work seasonal long hours when needed with flexibility 

-ability to communicate well in English & in Spanish 

-must have leadership & good communication skills 

-must have valid driver's license 

-must be physically fit & able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly 

-must have impeccable attention to detail 

-must have no scheduling conflicts

Desirable qualifications are: 

-experience with farm machinery 

-experience with irrigation--drip & sprinkler

-experience driving trucks & towing 

-mechanical ability in shop repair 

-welding experience 

-fluency in Spanish & English 

Starting/training pay for this position is $12/hour plus one week's paid vacation per year. Pay has room to grow with experience and responsibilities. 

To be considered please email a resume with a cover letter, plus three references to thomasfarm@gmail.com.

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

North Coast CAFF Chapter Event Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Tickets Still Available!

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?

Climate Models of Future Conditions That Will Affect Crop Growing in the North Coast:

·       Lisa Micheli, PhD. North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative (NBCAI) & Pepperwood Foundation

·       Alan Flint, PhD, USGC, both with North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative

Strategies for Adaptation: 

Agroecology and climate resilience in the vineyard.

• Miguel Altieri, PhD. UC Berkeley

Moving towards a true, dry Mediterranean climate - adaptive viticulture, crop diversity, and water conservation methods.

• Glenn McGourty, UC Cooperative Extension, Lake & Mendocino Counties

Soil building for resilience: an overview of new (and old) technologies.

• Rex Dufour, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT/ATTRA)

State and federal legislative efforts to support agricultural adaptation to climate change, including status of “cap and trade.”

• Renata Brillinger, CalCAN

Grower Panel: 

Crop diversity as an adaptive strategy. Diversifying the farm landscape.  

• Preston Vineyards, Bernier Farms, Hopkins River Ranch, and Front Porch Farm

Tour: 

Tour of diverse crops and livestock at Front Porch Farm.

Cost is $40 and includes lunch and wine reception. Register at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/239584 or bring a check. For more information, contact keith@quetzalfarm.com.

2012 Small Business Expo in Santa Rosa 6/23 and 6/30! Free!

This event is not farm-focused but will offer a lot of great business-training skills for any business owner (including farmers)! If anyone ends up going, please let me know what you learned! Thanks!


2012 Small Business Expo

Santa Rosa Plaza and Coddingtown Mall are presenting the 2012 Small Business Expo

The objective is to gather local entrepreneurs and small business owners in one place and provide resources they need to start their own or expand an existing business while showcasing the mall as a potential location for their business.

Presentation Schedule:

10 - 11:30 AM: FranNet presents "Be Your Own Boss"

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: FranNet Franchise Panel Q&A

1 - 2:30 PM: SCORE presents: "ABC's of Business Start-Ups: What Does It Take To Be An Entrepreneur?"

2:30 - 3:30 PM Small Business Development Center presents: "Show Me The Money: Loan Sourcing in Tough Times"

3:30 - 4:30 PM Michael Rice from Circle Bank presents "SBA Financing" (Small Business Administration Financing)

4:30 - 5:30 PM Hilliard Management Group presents "Quickbooks"

The event will be held two (2) consecutive Saturdays at each of the centers.

Attendance is free.

Saturday, June 23, 2012 10am-6pm                                                
Santa Rosa Plaza                                                                      
(707) 575-0115                                                                                


Saturday, June 30, 2012 10am-6pm
Coddingtown Mall
(707) 527-5378

Multiple Positions Available at Blue House Farm, Pescadero

CSA, Farmers Market, and Sales Coordinator

Blue House Farm grows mixed, organic produce and flowers on 30 acres in Pescadero, CA. We grow for a 200 member CSA, 8 farmers markets, restaurants, and stores. We are looking for an individual to join our small, core staff and coordinate our CSA, farmers markets, and sales. This person works closely with the farm manager with administrative work but also has the opportunity to work in the field. This position is ideal for an individual with strong office-related skills, a passion for small scale agriculture, and a desire to spend part of the day outside in the field. 

Specific Responsibilities:
CSA:
Coordinating CSA sign-ups, payment, order and delivery logistics, bookkeeping, and handling general communication with CSA members. Format, edit, and produce content for weekly newsletter. Coordinate box contents with Harvest Coordinator and with other contributing farms and businesses.

Farmers Markets:
Administrative paperwork and communication with farmers market associations, training new vendors, coordinating vendor staff, tracking sales, organizing supplies, and attending 1-2 markets/week.

Sales:
Creating weekly availability and pricing lists, communication with existing and new accounts, finding new store and restaurant accounts, invoicing and payment entry, and balancing product availability with orders, CSA, and markets.

Qualifications:
Excellent people skills are imperative, as this person is the primary contact for CSA members. The ability to be very organized and have excellent attention to detail. Able to communicate well and create a positive working environment under occasionally stressful situations.  Basic proficiency with Excel, Quickbooks, graphic design software, and e-mail newsletters. Familiarity with a broad amount of specialty produce is desired. Valid drivers license, clean driving record, and ability to drive a small box truck is required. Individual must be in good physical condition with the ability to perform certain tasks such as heavy lifting (up to 50lbs). The ability to speak basic conversational Spanish is preferred. Ideal candidates are committed to the farming lifestyle and all that it demands. Interest and ability to do occasional field work.

Housing and Compensation:
This is a residential position and on-farm housing is available for rent. Starting pay commensurate with experience.

To Apply:
Go to: www.bluehouseorganicfarm.com for more details on the position and application procedures.


Farmers Market Vendors

We are looking for energetic individuals to help with farmers' markets in San Francisco and the East Bay. Familiarity with farmers' markets,  produce and flowers, organic agriculture, and sales is preferred, as is a passion for good, local, well-grown food.

Responsibilities for Farmers' Market Vendors include stall set-up, produce and flower sales, and truck packing. We also need vendors who are able to start work at the farm and drive to market.

To Apply:
Please see our www.bluehouseorganicfarm.com, under employment, for specific market times and locations.

Delivery Driver

This is a part time (Thurs/Fri) position beginning immediately and will continue through early December. Responsibilities include delivering CSA boxes, store and restaurant orders to various locations throughout the peninsula region. Ideal candidate will live in Santa Cruz and be willing to commute to the farm and do pick-ups and drop-offs in SC on way to/from the farm. This position could be combined with farmers' market vendor positions.
Thurs: 11-6 (Coastside and San Francisco route) (potential pick-up of CSA products in Santa Cruz in AM and SC deliveries in PM).
Fri: 10-5 (San Mateo county route)
Qualifications:
Applicant needs a valid drivers license, clean driving record, and ability to drive a small box truck. Applicant should be self-motivated, hard working,  and be in good physical condition with the ability to perform certain tasks such as heavy lifting (up to 5 lbs). Applicant should be friendly and excited about organic produce.
Applicant must be able to commit through mid-December. Reliable transportation is required, as we are forty minutes from Santa Cruz, and one hour from San Francisco.

To Apply:
Go to: www.bluehouseorganicfarm.com for more details on the position and application procedures.

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Call Your Senators to Support the Brown Amendment for the 2012 Farm Bill!

The Senate Agriculture Committee’s version of the 2012 Farm Bill is up for debate by the full Senate this week. But it looks like they forgot to include a few things in the farm bill – like robust funding for rural development and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmer programs.

That’s right! Programs that boost jobs through rural entrepreneurship, invest in the future of American agriculture, and provide assistance to historically underserved farmers received little-to-no funding in Committee’s bill.

How could these important programs get left behind?

Fortunately, there is still a chance to ensure that these programs are not forgotten. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) along with other interested Senators, are considering offering an amendment that restores funding to crucial rural development and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmer programs including:

• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) which provides public resources to community-based organizations that provide training, education, and other support for beginning farmers and ranchers;
• Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers which supports outreach, training, and coordination with socially disadvantaged producers;
• Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG), providing grants to farmers or groups of farmers and partners to enhance the value of agriculture products; and, 
• Rural Micro-Entrepreneurship Assistance Program (RMAP) – offers resources to groups to do entrepreneurial lending in rural communities 

Will you support their efforts to ensure the 2012 Farm Bill creates jobs in rural America and invests in the next generation of farmers?

Call your Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein TODAY and ask for their support
on the possible amendment that funds rural development and beginning and socially
disadvantaged farmer programs:

Senator Boxer; (202) 224-3553
Senator Feinstein; (202) 224-3841

Your Senators need to hear that you want a farm bill with real reform and real improvements for our rural places and the future of farming. Don’t delay – the Senate is about to start debate on the 2012 Farm Bill, so they need to hear from you TODAY.

Sign Up for Slow Food Farm Fest at Pie Ranch, Pescadero, June 30th!

Slow Money Farm Fest at Pie Ranch!

Will we see you on Saturday, June 30 at Pie Ranch in Pescadero? At this fun-filled, informational event you can find out more about the Slow Money movement, meet and mingle with local food entrepreneurs, and learn more about how to support local, sustainable food systems.

The afternoon of Down-on-the-Ranch Fun will include:

• Tour of this locally operated non-profit farm committed to farming education for urban youth and social change
• Slow Money showcase, featuring local food entrepreneurs and farmers; tastings of their sustainable products
• Presentations from Slow Money movers and shakers
• A community potluck!
• Live music with local band Elm Street

When and where:
Saturday June 30, 3pm - 8pm
Pie Ranch, 2080 Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero CA
Contribution: $20 per person, Students $10.
Please bring a homemade dish and libations to share with 3-5 people

Space is limited so sign up now! The last Farm Fest in February was a sold-out success!  

About Slow Money Northern California: Slow Money Northern California is a network of investors, farmers, and food entrepreneurs and citizen activists who are providing a meaningful alternative to big business finance by developing unique funding opportunities for local food and farming businesses. More info at http://slowmoneynocal.org

About Pie Ranch: Pie Ranch is located inPescadero, 22 miles north of Santa Cruz on the San Mateo coast, and is situated on beautiful pie-shaped farmland. Since 2005, it has been a working farm and educational center teaching and inspiring youth from all over the Bay Area about sustainable farming practices.

June 30th: West (Sonoma) County Seed Exchange Monthly Gathering

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturday June 30, 2012

Location: Seed Garden Site at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Ave, Sebastopol, CA

Cost: This event is free to the community

Agenda: 

• 9:00 - 10:30 Seed Garden Work Party In the Seed Garden - many hands needed to get the seed garden planted! Please join us and tell your friends!

• 9:00 - 12:30 FREE Seed Exchange - a lot of seeds grown in west county backyards are available for planting

• 10:30 - 12:00 Two classes:
• Beginning Seed Saving with Master Gardener Electra de Peyster
• OR Advanced Seed Saving with Yeti

Inviting all interested gardeners to join in cultivating a grassroots

community seed bank that supports Sonoma County gardeners with free, locally

grown, open pollinated, pesticide and GMO free seeds.

Webinar June 21st: "Grass-Based Beef: The Business Case"

Thursday, June 21

12:30 - 1:45pm

Free! Register Now

The Wallace Center has been conducting research into supply chain and policy constraints in the grass-fed beef industry, particularly related to production. It is clear that the domestic production of pastured beef is significantly lower than the domestic demand.

This webinar will make the business case for grass based beef production, including grass fed and finished beef. We will focus on the techniques that have the potential for enhanced profitability, such as the importance of pasture management, animal genetics, aggregation, use of existing infrastructure and brand development in establishing a sustainable grass-fed business. A case study on the Wisconsin Grassfed Beef Cooperative, which we feel is highly replicable, will be featured and discussed.

The Wallace Center and the leaders of this webinar are working with partners in the Upper Midwest to pilot strategies that will increase production, keep vulnerable acres in pasture, inform producers and land owners about market opportunities and provide tools that will aid transition to pasture-based production. Learn how you can be part of these pilots, or start or participate in one in your own region.

Reserve your spot - click here

Roots of Change Action Alert: Support a Healthy Farm Bill!

The Farm Bill – the most important legislation that determines what we grow and what you eat – is about to be voted on in the U.S Senate. Although the bill contains important provisions in support of local and healthy food programs, it gives billions in crop insurance subsidies to commodity growers and insurance companies while doing too little to support local and healthy food.  When the bill comes to the Senate floor, Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) will introduce an amendment that aims to redirect billions of dollars from crop insurance payments to food assistance, conservation, and local, organic and healthy food programs.

Roots of Change and 70 other top food leaders, chefs, health professionals, food justice advocates and organizations have come together to sign a letter urging the Senate to redirect a portion of crop insurance subsidies into programs that support nutrition, healthy food and conservation programs.

 Click here to download the letter

Please support this effort by contacting your representatives demanding a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable Farm Bill! Your senators need to know that you want a healthy food bill right now – before they vote.

Click here to support Sen. Gillibrand’s amendment and healthy food.

Tour of Straus Family Creamery June 19th

Join Marin Organic on this exciting tour and discover how Albert Straus started the first organic dairy west of the Mississippi, why his dairy products are so tasty, and how his operation continues to push the envelope of sustainability. Straus Family Creamery is a model of what happens when one combines old world knowledge of locality and community with the latest technological and ecological advancements. Come see the milking process, the methane digester (these cows make more than just milk!) and, of course, the farm and pastures of beautiful Marshall.    

Price (per person):   

$20 for Friends of Marin Organic** /  $25 for Non-Members

~This tour is restricted to participants 10 years of age or older~   

Click here to register 

**Marin Organic Friend Memberships start at just $40 per family.   

Click here to become a Member!

Ag Innovations Network of Sebastopol Seeks Interns

Ag Innovations Network (AIN) is a Sonoma County-based nonprofit organization that works throughout California in organizing and leading multi-stakeholder collaborations on food system change that will lead to new business models, new ways to grow and distribute food, new community efforts, and new public policy to create a better food system. We organize local and regional Food System Alliances, the statewide California Roundtable on Agriculture and the Environment and California Roundtable on Water and Food Supply, and other issue-specific convenings and initiatives aimed at improving food system outcomes for farmers, consumers, communities and the environment. See www.aginnovations.org

Internship Details

AIN seeks energetic individuals with research and organizational skills and interest in learning more about food systems and multi-stakeholder processes to work with, support, assist, and learn from our team of facilitators and project managers in planning, organizing, communicating, and executing our programs and projects. Ideal candidates will have a passion for food system change, and be eager to learn and contribute in an exciting, cutting-edge work environment, and have a demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. We are looking for candidates of graduate level or working professionals interested in working in the California food system.

Internships are available seasonally and will work primarily in one or more of three program areas:

• California Food System Alliance Network http://aginnovations.org/alliances/
• California Roundtable on Agriculture and the Environment (CRAE) & the California Roundtable on Water and Food Supply http://aginnovations.org/roundtables/
• California Regulatory Coordination Project

Interns will support program staff with tasks including, but not limited to: 

• Research on issues, needs, best practices, funding programs, etc.;
• Conducting stakeholder surveys and interviews;
• Preparation and distribution of meeting materials;
• Organization of meeting logistics;
• Database management and participant communications;
• Note-taking at meetings;
• Report writing; and
• General administrative support.

Requirements

• Excellent communication and research skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Tech- and web-savvy
• Meticulous organizational skills (multi-tasking, tracking multiple moving pieces, meeting deadlines, etc.)

Timing/Compensation

• There will be 2-3 Internship positions available in each of three sessions: Summer (10 weeks, from mid-June through August), Fall (12 weeks, from mid-September to mid-December) and Spring (16 weeks, from February through May). Specific start and end dates will be negotiated with each intern.
• A minimum time commitment of 15 hours per week is required, and 20-25 hours per week is desired.
• Academic credit may be available; interns are encouraged to investigate this possibility with their institution.
• Ideally, interns will work from the AIN office in Sebastopol. If this is not possible, interns may work remotely, but are encouraged to interface with staff and programs whenever and as frequently as possible, and may include occasional travel to or throughout California.
• Training in AIN programs and systems, along with a stipend of $400-600 per session, will be provided.

Please send cover letter and résumé to jobs@aginnovations.org.

Ag Innovations Network is an equal opportunity employer, all interested individuals, including people of color, women, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

The One-Page Business Plan Webinar for Farmers

Hey there, folks! I attended this webinar last week and think it could be useful for some of you who have been reluctant to start writing a business plan. It does not provide you with all of the information you need, but it's a good place to start. You will still need to understand where your money is coming from and where it's going, but it will do a lot toward helping you better understand what your plan is for moving your farm toward a more successful future!


Please let me know if you find this kind of information helpful. I'd like to continue posting good webinars for you in the future. 


Happy farming!

The Seed Bank's 3rd Anniversary Celebration June 10th, Petaluma

Stop by the store, 199 Petaluma Blvd. North in downtown Petaluma, to celebrate The Seed Bank's 3rd Anniversary on Sunday, June 10, during regular Sunday hours (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 

Festivities will be in full swing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including garden- and farm-themed demonstrations, special exhibits, live music, and free sample tastings of locally-made organic goodies: 

• heirloom apple juices, sauces, vinegars and mastarda (a fig-apple spread with a zing of mustard) from Nana Mae's Organics of Sonoma County
• fresh heirloom beans from Rancho Gordo of Napa
• gourmet barbecue sauces from Russian River Fine Foods
• organic Asian pear juices and gourmet spreads from Gabriel Farm of Sebastopol
• grape seed oils and sea salts from Cow Track Ranch in Nicasio
• gourmet cooking spices from Allstar Organics of West Marin
• Italian salsas, stuffed olives and pickling spices from Angelo's of Petaluma
• much more!

Demonstrations will include painting for children (from noon to 4 p.m.) with local artist Ginger Irwin, creator of Baker Creek Heirloom T-shirt, mug and calendar designs, making art with organic materials led by local painted gourd artist Hedda Gold, and more.

Enjoy!