FARM and GARDEN RESOURCES
- Ag Innovations Network – www.aginnovations.org – Ag Innovations Network (AIN) was founded in 2000 to build a better future for farmers, consumers, and communities. In the years since we have worked across California and across the United States to bring together unusual partners to support change in the food system. We are a 501( c)(3) not-for-profit California corporation. 101 Morris Street, Suite 212, Sebastopol CA 95472-3838 – (707) 823-6111 – Fax: (707) 823-6113
- Animal Welfare Approved -www.animalwelfareapproved.org – Thank you for visiting Animal Welfare Approved! The Animal Welfare Approved program audits and certifies family farms that utilize high-welfare methods of farming. Farmers benefit from having a third-party affirmation of their practices and consumers benefit by knowing that the label means what it says. What Does the AWA Seal Mean for You?
Animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range on true family farms with the “most stringent” welfare standards according to the World Society for the Protection of Animals in both 2008 and 2009 reports. The standards have been developed in collaboration with scientists, veterinarians, researchers and farmers and incorporate best practice and recent research. Annual audits by experts in the field cover birth to slaughter. We encourage you to sign up for the email list to receive monthly announcements about new farms, special events and breaking news.
- California Farm Bureau Federation – http://www.cfbf.com – The California Farm Bureau Federation is a non-governmental, non-profit, voluntary membership California corporation whose purpose is to protect and promote agricultural interests throughout the state of California and to find solutions to the problems of the farm, the farm home and the rural community. Farm Bureau is California’s largest farm organization, comprised of 53 county Farm Bureaus currently representing approximately 85,000 members in 56 counties. Farm Bureau strives to protect and improve the ability of farmers and ranchers engaged in production agriculture to provide a reliable supply of food and fiber through responsible stewardship of California’s resources.
- Carolyn Singer Gardens – Since 1977, on her property in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Grass Valley, California, she has been testing hundreds of perennials for their performance and deer-resistance. Carolyn’s perennial nursery, Foothill Cottage Gardens, and display gardens in Grass Valley were open to the public for 25 years. Her nursery was recognized nationally in several publications: (Organic Gardening, Fine Gardening, Country Gardening, Sunset) and in Taylor’s Guide to Specialty Nurseries.Garden classes have been held every year. She has also taught at Sierra College. Students continue to enjoy her propagation classes, held several times each summer in her garden, to propagate from the huge assortment of plants.Carolyn writes a garden column for her local paper, The Union in Grass Valley, California. She has published garden articles in Fine Gardening, Garden Gate, Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, and Sierra Heritage magazine.
P.O. Box 992, Grass Valley CA 95945 – 530.272.4362 – csinger@stardustweb.net
- The Farmers Almanac – Gardening by the moon calendar - http://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening/ Find the best days of the month for planting, seeding and weeding. It’s free.
- National Young Farmers Coalition – www.youngfarmers.org – The National Young Farmers’ Coalition got its start at the Stone Barns Young Farmer Conference in Tarrytown NY in December 2009. There, a group of young farmers came to the decision that we needed an institution to represent our interests and help young farmers succeed. The structural obstacles faced by aspiring/beginning/ young/ old farmers can be overcome with policy change at the local, state and national levels. The Coalition will bring that change with energy and organizing. In addition, the Coalition will provide practical help for beginning farm entrepreneurs and a stronger network of friends to help young farmers through difficult seasons.
- Non-GMO Project – http://www.nongmoproject.org/ – We are committed to practical solutions and offer North America’s first consensus-based Standard, third-party Product Verification Program, and uniform Seal for products made following best practices of GMO avoidance.
- Peaceful Valley’s Freshman Farmer Program – www.freshmanfarmer.com/ - Six farms are starting from scratch. They are turning the dirt and hoping to be successful enough to turn a profit, and to become a valuable part of their communities as suppliers of organically grown food. Peaceful Valley is giving them a head start by offering them special pricing as part of this Freshman Farmer program. Info about the program and blog’s from the Freshmen Farmers.
- Pesticide Watch – www.pesticidewatch.org – Since 1991, Pesticide Watch and Pesticide Watch Education Fund (“Pesticide Watch”) have helped citizen groups across California develop sustainable solutions for dealing with pests, instead of using toxic pesticides. Our mission is to work side-by-side with Californians to prevent pesticide exposure, promote local farming, and build healthier communities. Using community organizing, expert referrals, conferences and information guides, Pesticide Watch Education Fund helps community groups wage effective campaigns to force stubborn polluters and unresponsive bureaucracies to protect the health and safety of your community.
- Soil Born Farms - http://www.soilborn.org/index.html - The mission of Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture and Education project is to create an urban agriculture and education project that empowers youth and adults to discover and participate in a local food system that encourages healthy living, nurtures the environment and grows a sustainable community.
Local Organic Food Production
Create, manage and support urban organic farms and gardens that are accessible to the public, permanently protected for future generations, and that practice and promote responsible land stewardship.
Community Education
Develop a food and environmental education program focused on service and experiential learning in the natural world and in the kitchen for youth and adults. Activities include classes, hands-on workshops, tours, job training and youth leadership development.
Food Access for All
Address food security needs by developing alternative food distribution and food donation programs that target our under-served communities.
Reconnect with the Land
Bring people together to celebrate cultural diversity and share the simple pleasures of living life in harmony with nature.
- University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Managment Program - http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/index.html – Established in 1979, the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) develops and promotes the use of integrated, ecologically sound pest management programs in California to serve agriculture, urban and community, and natural resources audiences.
