California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: Regenerative Agriculture

  • Ventura County Farmers, Researchers Convene to Explore Regenerative Ag

    Ventura County will host a two-field series about regenerative ag this May, bringing together growers, ag researchers and sustainability leaders to explore the future of the region’s specialty crops.

    The series will be presented in partnership with the Ecological Farming Association, and will allow attendees to examine practical approaches to regenerative farming across avocados, citrus and strawberries — three cornerstone crops in Ventura County.

    The series will begin May 4 at Rancho Dos Hermanas in Fillmore, where participants will explore regenerative strategies in orchard systems, putting a focus on soil health, biodiversity and water management. The second event will take place May 11 at McGrath Family fam in Camarillo. This event, in partnership with the Rodale Institute, will highlight regenerative approaches to strawberry production that support long-term productivity and ecological resilience.

    “Ventura County has long been an agricultural leader, and growers here are increasingly interested in systems that work with nature rather than against it,” Nina Morris Thomson, Co-Fournder of Ranco Dog Hermanas. “This series is designed to bring farmers and scientists together to share knowledge, exchange ideas and strengthen the future of agriculture in our region.”

    People speaking and contributing to the event include:

    • Dr. Jonathan Lundgren, Founder of the Ecdysis Foundation and the 1000 Farm Initiative

    • Tony Serrano, regenerative organic certified farmer, Salinas Valley
    Phil McGrath, McGrath Family Farms

    • Researchers from Cal Poly Pomona studying diversified orchard systems

    • Experts in pest management, irrigation efficiency, biodiversity and organic certification

  • Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative Opens Enrollment for Reimbursable Cover Crop Seed

    Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative is pleased to announce open enrollment for the USDA’s newly expanded Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program—building on last year’s successful Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. This year, the program is expanding direct funding to producers, and the new incentive will reimburse producers for the purchase of up to ten acres worth of seed for any perennial conservation cover.

    One choice for the incentive, Oakville bluegrass, is dormant from April through September and doesn’t compete with cash crops for water or nutrients making it ideal for California permanent crops. This low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years when well managed, significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers.

    As part of the USDA’s AMP initiative, producers can now access:

    • Full seed cost coverage for up to 10 acres of Oakville bluegrass
    • An additional $100/acre incentive for up to 100 acres.
    • Support in the form of a grower’s guide, educational field days, and guidance on carbon removal credits.

    “We’re thrilled to put more money in producers’ hands under the Advancing Markets for Producers program, ” said Jeff Thiel, Director at Oakville Bluegrass Cooeprative. Perennial cover like Oakville bluegrass can reduce operating costs over time while also building soil health and conserving water. We’re especially excited to help producers tap into the growing carbon credit market while establishing a proven, cost-effective cover crop.”

    Interested growers can attend an online informational session on October 21 at 11 am by registering at https://bit.ly/ampobc25 or visit https://www.obc.ag/advancing-markets-for-producersfor more information.

    The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative collaboratively creates solutions to the most pressing challenges facing growers. Members work together to uncover best practices in sustainable agriculture tailored to the needs of specialty crop growers. Learnings are shared so all members can benefit from adopting practices that will ensure the long-term sustainability of profits from their farms.

  • California Olive IPM Workshop, Sept. 18

    You’re invited to the California Olive IPM Workshop on September 18 from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the California Olive Ranch in Artois, CA. This free, hands-on field day is organized by the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems, American Olive Oil Producers Association (AOOPA), and the California Olive Ranch, as part of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pollinator Habitat Program grant to advance pollinator-friendly practices.

    Participants will gain practical knowledge on pollinator habitat establishment, biological pest control, regenerative practices in olive groves, and the latest research on olive knot management.

    This event also offers continuing education opportunities, including 3 hours of American Society of Agronomy (ASA) CEUs (approved) and 1 hour of California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) CEUs (requested).

    Availability is limited—click the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer to register today: Register Here

    Membership Opportunities

    AOOPA advocates for fair trade rules and market access, supports industry growth and promotes quality standards all consumers can trust. As we continue to work on behalf of the American olive oil producers and consumers, we ask that you support our efforts by maintaining your membership and sharing membership opportunities with other industry leaders and affiliate businesses

    For a list of membership opportunities please visit our us at aoopa.org or contact us at info@aoopa.org with any questions you may have about AOOPA. All applications are subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Memberships are paid on an annual basis.