resources

The latest addition to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) series of crop cost and return studies describes the practices and associated costs of producing organic processing apples grown on the Central Coast, including land preparation, fertility and pest management, irrigation, labor, and harvest. The reports also include tables reporting potential profits under various price and yield scenarios. Processing apples grown in the Central Coast are typically used to make juice and sparkling cider.

If you’re transitioning to organic production, you don’t have to do it alone. 

Producers interested in implementing organic practices and achieving organic certification can now be connected with an experienced organic producer mentor for on-the-ground learning, real-time support, and guidance. Learn more and apply at www.organictransition.org.

Organic Rising, the new feature-length film directed by Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winner Anthony Suau, is now available to watch online. It aims to demystify organic agriculture, and provides thoughtful, well-researched insights even for consumers who are already well-versed in the merits of organic.

This webinar presents information on the GoGreen Business Energy Financing program, which offers support for small and medium-sized businesses in California to invest in energy-saving building retrofits and installations. 

Watch the webinar for more details, and use these links to dig deeper:

^{Example of integrated farming methods courtesy of JSM Organics - pollinator flowers growing simultaneously with crop of strawberries.} 

CCOF is offering two 16-hour, virtual-led courses to provide growers of plants with key insights and understandings of the GLOBALG.A.P. requirements for the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) Version 6 SMART and GFS. Come join CCOF to learn about the various certification options and requirements and how to prepare your operation for the transition to GLOBALG.A.P. Version 6 audit in the coming 2024 season.

^{Example of integrated farming methods courtesy of JSM Organics - pollinator flowers growing simultaneously with crop of strawberries.} 

CCOF is offering two 16-hour, virtual-led courses to provide growers of plants with key insights and understandings of the GLOBALG.A.P. requirements for the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) Version 6 SMART and GFS. Come join CCOF to learn about the various certification options and requirements and how to prepare your operation for the transition to GLOBALG.A.P. Version 6 audit in the coming 2024 season.

Photo of Veronica, OTP cohort 2023, courtesy of Brisa Ranch.

Last month, USDA announced that up to $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding is available to support agricultural employers in implementing robust labor standards to promote a safe, healthy work environment for both U.S. workers and workers hired from northern Central American countries under the seasonal H-2A visa program. The program is funded by the Farm Service Agency and will be administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center.

Concerned about increased energy costs on your farm or business? You may benefit from the State of California’s GoGreen Business Energy Financing program, which offers support for small and medium-sized businesses in California to invest in energy-saving building retrofits and installations, including pump motors, refrigeration, and horticultural lighting.

Small to medium-sized food and agricultural businesses who desire to sell into the export market are invited to attend a free online webinar presented by the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) on Monday, October 23 from 1:00–2:00 p.m. Pacific time. Register online today.