Posts Tagged: local food systems

Food Compass

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass is a valuable resource for food producers, community leaders and consumers.

This online multi-media resource provides seamless access to programs designed to support local food systems under the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative. This effort combines the work of 17 USDA agencies and is producing some powerful results.

From the USDA,

“The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass is a valuable resource documenting the innovation, entrepreneurship and impact of local food systems across the country. It [Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative] is driving job growth, keeping farmers and on the land, and keeping wealth in rural communities. We invite you to dive deep into this new tool, and be inspired by the stories it tells and the ideas it can spur for you and your community.”

Much of the information at the site is shared in a narrative format, providing viewers with an in-depth, inside look into the nation’s local food systems.

Topics include:

• The what and why of local foods
• What is Know Your Farmer?
• Local food infrastructure
• Stewardship and local food
• Local meat and poultry
• Farm to institution
• Healthy food access
• Careers in agriculture
• Local food knowledge
• Local food: Not Just USDA
• Case studies
• Conclusions
• Grants, loans and other resources
  

  Strong local food systems are good for producers, consumers, and communities.

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Learning Center

Dedicated to advancing innovation in sustainable agriculture, SARE has many resources and learning opportunities available. At their Learning Center website you will find links to handbooks, bulletins, online courses, fact sheets, videos, newsletters, and more. Hardcopy resources can be ordered through the SARE WebStore. All online resources are available at no cost.

Topics include:

• Animal Production
• Community Development
• Crop Production
• Economic/Marketing
• Education & Training
• Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy
• For consumers
• Integrated Systems
• Natural Resources/Environment
• Pest Management
• Quality of Life
• Soil Management
• Specialty Crops
• Value Added Products
  

  SARE has a wide assortment of free online resources designed to educate food producers and consumers.

 

Ventura County Agricultural Summit 2012

Presented by the Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance last month’s agricultural summit set out to increase connections and support between the local agricultural industry and the larger community.

Approximately 250 community stakeholders (farmers, ranchers, distributors, buyers, chefs, policy makers, public health advocates, community planners, and others) attended the Making Connections: How the Local Food Movement Can Support Ventura County Agriculture themed event.

Agriculture is an important part of our local economy. Like any other industry, agriculture has its share of challenges and opportunities. Shared dialog between producers and consumers within our area provides a wonderful bridge to reduce and minimize challenges while finding ways to increase awareness and collaboration. Attendees discussed distribution systems, public health, land use, childhood obesity, urban encroachment, pesticides, labor needs, water, and the need for fresh food education and marketing,

Additional information about the summit, and the issues discussed, can be found at the Ag Innovations Network website, this Ventura County Star article, and this radio piece by KCLU.

Support for this program came from many in the community. Sponsors include the UC Thelma Hansen Fund. The purpose of the Hansen Fund is to support and maintain University research and extension activities for the sustainability and benefit of agriculture and natural resources in Ventura County. A complete list of donors can be found here. 

 

Agritourism interest increases

Our office has received an increase in calls from people wishing to visit farms and ranches. As public interest into local food systems and production continues to grow, agritourism is a way for food producers to increase revenue.

Tourism offerings are varied throughout the state.  Local, Ventura County agritourism ventures include: farm and nursery tours; overnight stays; farm stands; petting zoos; picnic and play areas; u-pick produce; lectures and presentations; agriculture-related gifts and crafts; value-added food products; horseback riding and trail rides; camping; nature walks; special events; plants; and cut flowers.

UC’s California Agricultural Tourism Directory allows consumers to search for farms and ranches throughout the state. There is no cost to add a farm or ranch to this statewide directory. Easy to follow instructions for consumers and producers are included on the directory’s home page.

For more information about agritourism, please contact our office.

Calling all Locavores!

Local Ventura and Los Angeles County area fine wines, micro-brews, spirits, locally grown and produced foods, and chefs will join together create an exceptional culinary event on Sunday, March 4.

Open to the public, the California Small Farm Conference Tasting Reception is sure to provide great tasting food and drink. As an added benefit, proceeds from the event benefit will local farmers by raising funds to provide conference scholarships.  Registration information and links to participating food producers and chefs can be found on this page of the Small Farm Conference website.

The California Small Farm Conference is “the state’s premier gathering of small farmers, agricultural students, farmers’ market managers and others involved in the small farm industry. There is still time to register for the conference. To learn more about the conference or to register, please visit this page.

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