Page 2 —October 2017
CARMEL VALLEY
A bountiful harvest Earthbound Farm Stand celebrates the fall season By JOHANNA MILLER In 1984, Drew and Myra Goodman of New York settled onto a two-and-a-half acre plot in Carmel Valley, ready to begin selling their first crop of organic raspberries from a small roadside stand. For more than 30 years, Earthbound Farms has grown to become a leader in fresh organic produce, helping to revolutionize the entire i n d u s t r y. I t w a s t h e f i r s t company to successfully launch a line of pre-washed, packaged salad. To this day the farm remains the largest grower of organic produce in the nation. Yet despite the company’s advancement, it has tried to remain as accessible and engaging to the public as possible. Earthbound’s Farm Stand is open all-year round, offering fresh organic produce and other goods. In 2003 the complex was expanded and a cafe was opened — including a large, varied salad bar, a bakery, a juice bar and more. An exhibition garden is located nearby, where visitors can walk through and learn about the farm’s history. “We really try to keep up a dialogue with those who eat our food,” said farm stand manager Jonathan Bagley. “Coming to the farm stand is way for people to connect directly with what
they eat.” Earthbound also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, and their most popular ones, Fall Fun Days, are coming up soon. “It’s really the major event of the year for us,” Bagley said. “It definitely draws the most crowds.” Fall Fun Days will be held Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 and feature family-friendly games and activities throughout the property. There will also be live music and prepared food offered both days. In Bagley’s own words, the fall season is one of relief and reflection for many in the farm business, which is most likely why harvest celebrations such as theirs are so common. “Farmers work so intensely all year round,” he said. “Autumn is really a time for them to celebrate the results of all their hard work.” According to Bagley, Earthbound has attempted to keep their business model as close to Drew and Myra Goodman’s original vision as possible, not only by remaining nearly 100 percent organic but also by keeping that connection from farmer to customer. “I think that’s what sets us apart,” he said, “We’ve become a destination for locals and visitors because we try to be as genuine and, well, organic as possible.” The Earthbound Farm Stand is located at 7250 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel. To learn more and find out about upcoming events, call (831) 625-6219 or visit the Farm Stand’s Facebook page.
The Earthbound Farm Stand will be hosting their "Fall Fun Days' on Oct. 21 and 28. Contributed Photo
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October 2017 — Page 3
WATSONVILLE
Crystal Bay Farm embraces the autumn rush
Photo by Johanna Miller
The Halloween spirit is alive and well at Crystal Bay Farm. By JOHANNA MILLER WATSONVILLE — With a large group of elementary students from the Watsonville Charter School of the Arts listening closely, farmer Lori Fiorovich began to tell a story about pumpkins and fairies. Kneeling down to the children’s height, she told them that a trickster fairy was causing havoc in her farm’s pumpkin patch, gathering all their Jack Be Littles (mini pumpkins) and throwing them all over their corn field. “It will be your job later to find them,” she explained to the children. “I’m counting on you!” Watsonville Charter School of the Arts is one of many Santa Cruz County schools that will visit Crystal Bay Farm this October. The small organic farm, located just off San Andreas Road in Watsonville, is run by Lori and her husband, Jeff Fiorovich. The Crystal Bay Farm property is owned by Jeff’s mother. About 20 years ago, Jeff and Lori Fiorovich began planting and selling their organic raspberries, strawberries, apples, pumpkins
and squash from the farm. And around 15 years ago they decided to start up what is now their main attraction: a pumpkin patch. While Crystal Bay is open at various times throughout the year for U-Pick days, pumpkin season is when they see the most foot traffic and business. Family, friends and school groups come to see the farm and enjoy the seasonal events. “This is definitely the busiest time of the year,” Jeff Fiorovich said. “Everything happens all at once. It’s a rush. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.” The Fiorovichs are particularly passionate about their heirloom pumpkins and squash, which is the main reason they have put so much emphasis on their autumn crops. In talking with Jeff about the types of pumpkins and squash grown at Crystal Bay, one can easily lose track of the sheer number of species and varieties. His and Lori’s knowledge is reflected in how the pumpkin patch is set up. Instead of simSee FARM, page 7
TOP: Jeff Fiorovich explains the distinctions between various pumpkins and heirloom squash. He and his wife Lori grow around 40 varieties at their farm off of San Andreas Road. RIGHT: Students from the Watsonville Charter School of the Arts load into a tractor wagon for a ride around Crystal Bay Farm. Photos by Johanna Miller
Page 4 —October 2017
SALINAS
Taylor Farms introduces largest solar installation to date
Contributed photo
Taylor Farms’ Tracy, CA facility is shown with its new solar panels.
8,204 solar panel system part of continued dedication to sustainability CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SALINAS — Taylor Farms, North America’s largest producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, announced the completion of the company’s largest solar panel installation to date. Located at
Taylor Farms Pacific in Tracy, the new solar array spans more than 300,000 square feet and will power 67 percent of the facility’s energy needs. “I am thrilled to see yet another one of our sustainability projects come to fruition, and this is one of our most exciting projects to date,” said Nicole Flewell, director of sustainability at Taylor Farms. “With each installation, whether solar, wind or cogeneration, we continue to add clean power to our facilities
nationwide in the most sustainable manner possible.” This 8,204-panel installation spans 7.5 acres of rooftop space, making it the largest private solar panel array in San Joaquin County. The system provides 2.256 megawatts (MW) of direct current (DC) power to the facility. Annually, the panels will produce 3,697,800 kWh and reduce C02 emissions by 2,752 metric tons. Taylor Farms has dedicated sustainability resources to determine the best energy strategy
for each location, and pursue localized incentives to make projects economically viable. Since 2012, Taylor Farms has invested in eight major projects in North America including, solar, wind, fuel cells and cogeneration. The company has installed five solar arrays at facilities in Texas, Tennessee and three facilities in California, which together generate 8.4 Million kWh/year. In conjunction with this announcement, Taylor Farms Pacific will be hosting an Open House
and Launch Party to celebrate the installation. The event, which will be held at the onsite Innovation Center, will celebrate the people of Taylor Farms, their community and share their mission for a sustainable future. Mayor Robert Rickman, of the City of Tracy, will be delivering a keynote speech, alongside Flewell. “This is a wonderful achievement for Taylor Farms’sustainability program,” Rickman said.“We’re excited about not only the innovation that Taylor Farms is bringing
to the City of Tracy, but what’s to come with our partnership.” Taylor Farms Pacific, which employs more than 1,300 team members, serves leading customers in the retail and deli markets with a wide variety of fresh food products, including premade salads and entrees, sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups, snacks and behind the glass kits. Taylor Farms is family owned and based in Salinas, with 12 production facilities throughout North America.
October 2017 — Page 5
GREENFIELD
Greenfield FFA shows well at county fair By IVAN TRUJILLO
Contributed photo
Greenfield FFA members gather with all their ribbons won at the 2017 Monterey County Fair.
GREENFIELD — Greenfield FFA had a successful year at this year’s Monterey County Fair, with students from the chapter exhibiting sheep, rabbits, floral arrangements and horticulture projects. Congratulations to the following Greenfield FFA students: Norvella Mendoza won champion bred and fed lamb and FFA novice showmanship. Jessica Ramos won FFA champion market lamb and second place in senior showmanship. Sarah Rios won best of show on her succulent display as well as grand champion for her rabbit meat pen and reserve champion
bred and fed. Brandi Zepeda won reserve weight champion for her lamb. Anthony Camacho placed second in vegetable judging. Ivan Trujillo placed third in vegetable judging. Jessica Ramos placed first in vegetable judging. All together, they won first place high team for vegetable crop judging. Aligha Ramey was awarded reserve champion on her meat pen and best of show on her boutonniere still entry. Nathaniel Lopez won best of breed on his New Zealand twice as well as best heavyweight rabbit. Brandi Zepeda was awarded best of breed with her Californian rabbit. Ivan Trujillo’s See FFA, page 9
SALINAS VALLEY
Grant to help reduce agricultural waste in the Salinas Valley Partnership to implement solutions for managing food waste and greenhouse gas CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SALINAS — The Salinas Valley is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” for its prolific agricultural production; much of the leafy greens and other fresh produce consumed in the United States are grown, packaged and shipped from this region. The Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (aka Salinas Valley Recycles) serves businesses and residents located in the heart of the Salinas Valley by providing sustainable, long-
term waste management and resource recovery systems for its member (public) agencies. Salinas Valley Recycles (SVR) has been awarded — and its Board of Directors have accepted — more than $1.34 million in grant funding from the Department of Resource, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to reduce organic materials (including food scraps, yard waste, wood waste, etc.) from entering the landfill, and recover edible food to feed those who are in need, thereby reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The cooperative grant project is estimated to divert more than 22,000 tons of waste from the landfill during the three-year grant term by upgrading current operations and infrastructure
at Johnson Canyon Landfill to include a full-scale food waste composting operation, and depackaging equipment that separates non-marketable organic material from its packaging to be composted. The project also allocates approximately $73,000 toward the purchase of a new fuel-efficient, refrigerated truck for the Food Bank for Monterey County. This truck will rescue edible food that would otherwise end up in the landfill, and distribute it to residents in need within Monterey County. The project is expected to produce approximately 38,000 tons of compost and organic products, resulting in a GHG reduction of 7,085 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalents
(MTC02e) during the grant term. Currently, no full-scale food waste composting facilities exist in the Salinas Valley. The construction of such a facility, together with technology that separates non-marketable organic produce from its packaging, and an edible food rescue program, will allow SVR to significantly increase the diversion of food waste generated by local farmers, businesses and residents from being landfilled. The grant’s food rescue component consists of purchasing a new refrigerated box truck for the Food Bank to increase food rescue opportunities in the Salinas Valley. The Food Bank will use the truck to collect food from existing and new agricultural and retail donors,
and will deliver to people in disadvantaged communities throughout the Salinas Valley. In 2015, the Food Bank experienced a fire and lost its entire fleet of trucks. “Before the incident we were struggling to meet collection demands due to insufficient capacity. The purchase of the refrigerated truck will help us with our capacity needs, as well as allow the recovered food to feed those who need it the most and prevent it from being landfilled,” said Melissa Kendrick, executive director of the Food Bank for Monterey County. The Food Bank estimates that the new truck will enable them to divert an additional 900 tons of edible food from the landfill over the term of the grant.
s t n e m d n e m A l oi S Local
Per SVR’s 2008 Waste Characterization Study, food waste is approximately 18 percent of the overall waste stream at Johnson Canyon Landfill. Based on SVR’s fiscal year 2016-17 solid waste tonnage, approximately 199,457 tons were landfilled, of which more than 35,000 tons is estimated to be food waste. Methane emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills are a significant source of GHG emissions contributing to global climate change. Recent California legislation pertaining to regulations for management of organic waste, Assembly Bill (AB) 1826 (Mandatory Commercial Organics See WASTE, page 9
Page 6 —October 2017
WATSONVILLE
Carrying on the tradition
Photos by Johanna Miller
Jimmy Dutra sets up lines of pumpkins to sell at Jimmy's Pumpkin Patch, located on East Lake Avenue in Watsonville.
Jimmy’s Pumpkin Patch opens for the fifth year By JOHANNA MILLER WATSONVILLE — A bright orange, pumpkin-shaped sign directs drivers on the corner of East Lake Avenue and Holohan Road towards Jimmy’s Pumpkin Patch, an operation started up by Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra. The patch, which first opened to the public five years ago, includes not only a sizable selection of pumpkins to choose from, but plenty of other Halloween and autumn-themed merchandise for sale and activities for guests to enjoy. It offers a bean bag toss, photo stations and a row of tables where visitors can create fall-themed crafts. “It took a lot of hard work to put this project together,” Dutra said. “Before, this was just a field of weeds almost as tall as me. I’m pretty proud to see what we’ve been able to do here.”
The pumpkins sold at Jimmy’s are, according to Dutra, a special kind that are grown to be used for carving jack-olanterns. Many pumpkins sold at grocery stores can be too thick-skinned and have stems that are nearly impossible to cut around, he said. Also for purchase at Jimmy’s are mini pumpkins, which are often used for baking pies and other creations. Dutra says he’s learned a lot about what it takes to manage a plot like this one: everything from dealing with mice and rats to working with the October weather, which for Watsonville can be changeable and inconsistent. “Last October was extremely wet. I lost a lot of days of work because of the rain,” he explained. “I don’t think we’re going to have a problem this year, as long as it doesn’t get too hot, either. Too much water can mold the pumpkins and
the heat can cook them — it’s a balance.” Those interested in purchasing pumpkins at Jimmy’s are encouraged to visit the patch early on in the month, as it gets very busy the final week. Peak times of the day are afternoon, when school lets out, and weekends. Dutra said he hopes the patch will continue being embraced by the local community as well as bring in new people each year. “I just had a family yesterday who’s been coming here for four years now,” he said. “And every time they’ve taken a photo of their child in the same place. They have this tradition now. I love being part of that.” Jimmy’s Pumpkin Patch is located on East Lake Avenue, on the side of the road between Valley Catholic Church and the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. For information, call (831) 2882343.
Wagons are offered to aid visitors in finding their perfect pumpkin at Jimmy's Pumpkin Patch in Watsonville. Photo by Johanna Miller
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October 2017 — Page 7
SALINAS
APTOS
Vegetable Growers Supply launches new logo
Watsonville native and Cabrillo College student wins Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
S A L I N A S — Vegetable Growers Supply Company (VGS), a leading provider of packaging, tools, farming supplies and services to the West Coast produce industry for nearly 70 years, has revealed an updated company logo as part of a comprehensive initiative to modernize its branding. The new graphic identity is intended to better represent the company’s position as an innovator both in its products and the implementation of advanced technology such as a customer web portal. “We’ve been a trusted provider of farming supplies to growers in the Salinas Valley and throughout California and Arizona for nearly seven decades,” said Willy Leon, VGS president. “Since our founding in 1948, VGS has grown and expanded along with the fresh produce industry. We’ve implemented advanced technology and inventory controls, and have built a reputation for providing personalized service that helps our customers manage their operations more efficiently and effectively. However, we let our branding reach a point where it no longer represented our leadership, innovation and technological sophistication. We knew it was time to refresh our visual
STAFF REPORT
Contributed graphic
Vegetable Growers Supply Company’s new logo identity to better represent who we are today.” A leader in agricultural supplies, VGS offers a full spectrum of fresh produce packaging items, including corrugated containers, reusable plastic containers (RPCs), flexible packaging, bags, tags, ties and clamshells. The company also has a large inventory of hardware and harvesting supplies. VGS customers are able to use an advanced Customer Portal to view and print profile information, sales order histories, invoices, real-time inventory information and payment details. “We’re very pleased with the new logo, and how it was designed with a focus on retaining brand equity while also presenting a more modern image,” Leon said. “Not only does it do
a better job of conveying who we are as a company, it signals to our customers and business partners that we are positioning ourselves for future growth and success in a competitive marketplace.” Founded in 1948, Vegetable Growers Supply Company is a leading provider of quality packaging products to West Coast growers and shippers of fresh fruits and vegetables. Headquartered in Salinas, with facilities in El Centro, Oxnard, Huron, Santa Maria, Castroville, Gonzales and Greenfield, as well as Yuma, Ariz., VGS offers a full line of corrugated cartons, flexible packaging, pallets, and reusable plastic cartons (RPCs). The company also carries a large inventory of hardware and harvesting supplies.
Panetta, Dunn lead bipartisan agriculture letter to promote innovative biotech policy Lawmakers Urge Administration to Adopt “Consistent, Science-Based” Regulatory Structure CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SALINAS – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL-02) led a bipartisan group of 79 House members in urging the USDA, FDA, and EPA to work together to promote innovative new technologies, including agricultural gene editing, to increase yields and reduce the cost of production. In the letter to Secretary Sonny Perdue, Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, and Administrator Scott Pruitt, the members seek the agencies’ cooperation in creating consistent regulatory proposals that foster innovation. The Administration’s Interagency Taskforce on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity is currently exploring regulatory improvement opportunities, and the regulatory system for biotechnology products has been under review by the USDA, FDA and EPA for the better part of the year. Given this comprehensive review, the group of lawmakers, which includes a bipartisan majority of the House Agriculture Committee, are urging the Administration to take into consideration the
importance of a consistent, science-based, risk-proportionate regulatory system that enjoys the confidence of trading partners and consumers alike. The letter is signed by the Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) as well as the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research Chairman Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Ranking Member Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM). Last year, Congress provided $3 million in FY17 to FDA and USDA for these purposes. The effort is in response to duplicative or inconsistent regulatory proposals. In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a draft revision to its Part 340 biotechnology regulations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then proposed expanding the scope of its guidance for industry (GFI) #187 to regulate any animal intentionally altered using gene editing techniques as a “new animal drug.” These conflicting proposals do not provide the consistent, appropriate system needed to promote the development of these innovative tools. “Improved coordination
between these government agencies will benefit consumers and producers alike,” said Congressman Panetta. “As the representative of the Salad Bowl of the World, I understand that the competitiveness of our region’s and country’s agriculture industry depends on continued federal investments in transformative tools like biotechnology. That is why I am proud to join Congressman Dunn in a bipartisan effort to ensure that our nation’s biotechnology policies are not only consistent, but continue to foster innovation.” “Once again, the federal government is hindering good science with red tape. As a doctor, I want to ensure that any regulatory decisions we make concerning the agriculture industry are purely science-based. Having the ability to carry out gene editing will reduce the cost of growing food and make wholesome nutritional products abundant and affordable for consumers,” said Dr. Dunn. “The United States is leading the world in agricultural biotechnology, and will continue to lead, if we compliment the research with a modern regulatory system that promotes innovation and enjoys the confidence of trading partners and consumers alike.”
APTOS—It was announced that Rachel Hodder was awarded Agri-Culture’s 2017 Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship. The award is for a student (past or present) who has participated in the California High School Rodeo Association, District 4, or a California 4-H Horse program within the greater Bay Area. Hodder graduated from Aptos High School in 2014, and has been attending Cabrillo College for the past two years. When Rachel earns her Associates Degree from Cabrillo she plans on transferring to California State University Monterey Bay, where she will major in Agricultural Business/ Accounting. Eventually Rachel hopes to have a career in accountant for a local agricultural organization. Hodder participated as an active member in the Corralitos 4-H horse program from 2006-2013. During that time, she held the office of Supplies in 2011, Vice President in 2012 and President in 2013. She was also the Junior Leader for the Sheep and Horse Projects for multiple years. While in 4-H, Hodder received the honors of Master Sheep/Horse Showman and Grand Champion Market Lamb. She has also received multiple sportsmanship awards for other horse clubs, and was given the title of “Miss CSHA, Region 6.” Agri-Culture President Steve Bontadelli stated, “Rachel is an outstanding indi-
Contributed Photo
Rachel Hodder is this year’s recipient of the Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship. vidual. She is a well-rounded person who has participated in several organization including 4-H. She will be a great addition to our agriculture community when she returns from college.”
For more information about the Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship or other scholarship opportunities, please contact Agri-Culture at 722-6622 or see the website at agri-culture us.
Photo by Johanna Miller
Crystal Bay Farm is located just off of San Andreas Road in Watsonville.
FARM From page 3
ply stacking the pumpkins and squash in random piles, they are deliberately separated by type. Informational signs are posted in the middle of each section.
“Each of these plants are unique,” Jeff said. “Each has its own history and use. We want to share what we know with everyone.” As for the school group visits, Lori expressed how the trips can really have a positive effect on a child’s life and their outlook on food. “It’s about connecting them
with what they eat,” she said. “It’s about planting seeds in these kids’ minds and hearts. We want them to care about their food.” Crystal Bay Farm is located at 40 Zils Road, right off of San Andreas Road in Watsonville. For information, call (831) 7244137 or email crystalbayfarm@ me.com.
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Page 8 —October 2017
HORTICULTURE
Annuals come and annuals go By TONY TOMEO Just like warm season vegetable plants in the vegetable garden, flowering warm season annuals get replaced this time of year. Although the weather is still warm, cool season annuals should be planted now so they can disperse roots before the weather gets too much cooler. Except for a few short term annuals and perennials, most should perform until the weather gets warm next spring. Pansy, viola, Iceland poppy, sweet William, calendula, stock and the various primroses should get down to the business of blooming rather efficiently, and hopefully compensate for the removal of deteriorating warm season annuals. Ornamental cabbage and kale, as well as cyclamen, can be a bit later because they are a bit more sensitive to warmth, but not slowed much by cool weather. Nasturtium and alyssum can work as either or both warm and cool season annuals. Both are annuals, so individual plants do not last more than a few months. In hot spots, they may perform well in winter, but then get roasted in summer. In cold spots, they may do exactly the opposite. In the right situations, they self sow and bloom all year. Tired old plants should be groomed out if unsightly. Chrysanthemums are the most prominent of seasonal color for autumn, and come in all sorts of colors that are ideal for an autumn palette. They are actually perennials that are grown as annuals. Unfortunately, they are usually grown as very short term annuals, that are allowed to bloom only once, and then replaced with something more wintry, like cyclamen or ornamental cabbage or kale. Like cool season vegetable plants, most flowering cool season annuals should be planted as small plants in cell
Contributed Photo
Society garlic blooms later than most. packs. Chrysanthemum, as well as cyclamen and ornamental cabbage and kale that get planted afterward, are the exceptions that should be planted as four inch potted plants, but they are expensive anyway. Primroses can be planted from either cell packs or four inch pots. (Primroses can cause a serious skin allergy, just from contact.) Nasturtium and alyssum should be grown from seed sown early. Highlight: society garlic Some flowers are better left in the garden rather than cut and brought in. Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea, looks like it would be an ideal cut flower, with nice bare stems. The aroma suggests otherwise. It smells something like a strongly aromatic combination of onion and garlic. Even in the garden, it might be a good idea to keep it at a distance. Deer and rabbits do not mess with it. Society garlic is sometimes
known as pink agapanthus because it has similar foliage and flowers, only much smaller. The tiny flowers are really more lavender pink than pink, and bloom in round clusters on stems about a foot and a half tall in late summer or early autumn. The narrow leaves are only about a quarter of an inch wide, almost grassy, but more rubbery like those of agapanthus. Mature plants form dense clumps of foliage at least two feet wide. Variegated plants stay much smaller, but are also very likely to revert to green (nonvariegated) growth, which if not removed, overwhelms and replaced variegated growth. Society garlic is very easy to divide for propagation. It likes full sun or slight shade. Although somewhat drought tolerant, it prefers regular watering. ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo. wordpress.com.
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October 2017 — Page 9
CALENDAR Oct. 20-22
Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend Celebrate the wine harvest in Paso Robles. Hosted by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, more than 100 events spanning three days will be held at participating wineries. Download this year’s brochure at pasowine.com. For information, call (805) 239-8463 or email info@pasowine.com. Oct. 21
Harvest Dinner Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. The Agricultural History Project will host its Harvest Dinner at the Harvest Building, with a dinner prepared by Monterey Bay Caterers. Both a silent and live auction will be held, with live music provided by the Sage Brush Band. For information, visit aghistoryproject.org.
Ghost Stories San Lorenzo Park, King City. Hosted by the Monterey
WASTE From page 5
Recycling) and Senate Bill (SB) 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants and Methane Emissions Reduction Act), are driving changes in the way organic waste material is to be handled. Reducing organics being landfilled is a logical solution to
FFA
From page 5
Californian rabbit won best of breed. Aligha Ramey’s Netherland Dwarf rabbit won best of breed.
County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum. Bring a picnic and a blanket and gather around a bonfire in San Lorenzo Park’s Haunted Forest. Stories will be told by Robert Walton and Steve Wilson. A no host beer and wine bar will be offered. For information, visit mcarlm.org. Oct. 21
Heritage Harvest Festival Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. Celebrate the start of harvest with tractor and living history demonstrations, live music, crafts and other harvestthemed activities. This is a free, family-free event held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-use parking is $10. For information, visit parks.ca.gov.
Fall Fun Days Earthbound Farm Stand, 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. Come visit the Earthbound Farm Stand for a day of family-friendly fun. The event will include games and activities, live music, food and more. For information, visit the Farm Stand’s
Facebook page or call (831) 625-6219. Oct. 22
Marina Farmer’s Market 215 Reservation Road, Marina. Operated by the Everyone’s Harvest organization, this farmer’s market is held weekly, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come browse local organic produce and other local food items. For information on this and other area markets, visit everyonesharvest.org.
Farmworker Reality Tour Location details will be sent on receipt. Presented by the Center for Farmworker Families, this monthly tour gives individuals and groups a chance to learn about and meet the farmworkers who put food on our table daily. Visit Crystal Bay Farm, the Buena Vista Migrant Camp and enjoy a traditional, home-cooked Mexican meal. Visit farmworkerfamily.org for information. Oct. 28
Family Farm Day Agriculture and LandBased Training Association, 1700 Old Stage Road, Salinas. ALBA will celebrate fall with its final Family Farm Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come visit the training site and to learn about ALBA. Activities for children such as hay rides, pumpkin decorating and a bouncy house will be offered. For information, visit albafarmers.org.
Fall Fun Days Earthbound Farm Stand, 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. Come visit the Earthbound Farm Stand for a day of family-friendly fun. The event will include games
information on this and other area markets, visit everyonesharvest.org.
Fall Birding Walk on the Farm
Garagiste Wine Festival
Join the UCSC Farm & Garden for a guided walk along the farm’s trails and roads to observe and identify the local birds and their behaviors. The walk will be led by Breck Tyler, who has been teaching the Natural History of Birds class at UCSC for many years. No birding experience necessary. $10 general/$5 Friends, Members and limited income participants. For information, visit casfs.ucsc.edu. Nov. 6
Pacific Grove Certified Farmer’s Market At the corner of Central and Grand avenues, Pacific Grove. Operated by the Everyone’s Harvest organization, this farmer’s market is held weekly, every Monday from 3-7 p.m. Come browse local organic produce and other local food items. For
Nov. 10-12
Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave. The seventh annual Garagiste Wine Festival in Paso Robles returns for three days of wine tasting and meeting with winemakers. The event will benefit a special scholarship fund for the Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture program. For information, visit garagistefestival.com. Nov. 11
Second Saturday on the Farm Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. Join the Agricultural History Project for their monthly Second Saturday on the Farm event. This family-friendly event focuses on a certain area of agriculture each month, and also includes regular activities such as wooden cow milking, a kid-driven tractor and more. For information, visit aghistoryproject.org.
Organics Grant Program is to reduce statewide GHG emissions by expanding existing capacity or establishing new composting and anaerobic digestion facilities in California that will reduce the amount of organic materials sent to landfills. This grant program supports the state’s GHG emissions reduction goals, and 75 percent diversion goal by 2020. For the FY 2016-17 competi-
tive grant funding cycle, CalRecycle allocated $24 million for composting and anaerobic digestions projects and received 35 eligible grant applications, totaling over $88 million in funding requests. SVR’s application was one of 10 applications selected for funding, receiving a total of $1.34 million of the available grant funds. The grant project supports
SVR’s Mission, Vision and Values by providing sustainable and cost-effective communitybased waste reduction programs. It also supports SVR’s Three-Year Strategic Plan Goal to Select and Implement Facilities (e.g., Salinas Area Materials Recovery Center) and Programs that Lead to Achievement of at Least 75 percent Waste Diversion. The grant funding will directly help
expand the organics recovery program in the Salinas Valley to divert food and packaged agricultural produce from the landfill. Salinas Valley Recycles is a joint powers agency made up of the following local governments: Monterey County (eastern half of the unincorporated county), and the cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Salinas and Soledad.
Katya Hernandez placed fourth in senior rabbit showmanship, while Anthony Camacho placed sixth in senior rabbit showmanship. Nathaniel Lopez placed seventh in rabbit showmanship, with Aligha Ramey placing fifth in rabbit showmanship. Ivan Trujillo also took home
the sweepstakes award for the best floral arrangement out of the whole fair. Another congratulations to Greenfield FFA for receiving the most volunteer members in their chapter; they were Ivan Trujillo, Sarah Rios, Elyssa Perez, Nathaniel Lopez,
Brandi Zepeda and Jessica Ramos. Greenfield FFA congratulates everyone who entered projects
and wishes to thank all of its supporters who came to the junior livestock auction and showed support.
••• Ivan Trujillo is the chapter reporter for Greenfield FFA.
California students earn over 1,400 agriculture certifications CALIFORNIA — In 2015, the South Coast Region Agricultural Education Consortium was awarded a $5.7 million grant. The grant, given by the California Careers Pathways Trust Program, has helped strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in a number of California schools. More than 1,400 industrybacked certifications have been earned by students so far, in everything from Floral Design to Animal Science. The certifications were created in partnership with organizations such
Downtown Park, Paso Robles. Join the Paso Robles Main Street Association from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day full of honey. Attend seminars to learn about honey and the honey bees that make it. There will be a bee hive hairdo contest, a spelling bee, arts, arts and crafts vendors and food. A wine stroll is also offered for a fee. For information, visit pasorobleschamber.com.
and activities, live music, food and more. For information, visit the Farm Stand’s Facebook page or call (831) 625-6219.
meet these mandates. “The grant funding will provide an organic recovery system, the first of its kind in Salinas Valley, that will help achieve compliance with AB 1826 and SB 1383, as it will provide outlets for all food waste generating sectors — from industrial to residential,” said Patrick Mathews, SVR’s Chief Administrative Officer. The purpose of CalRecycle’s
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Golden Oak Honey Festival
as CropScience and Southwest Airlines, and make use of an online learning platform known as iCEV. Erin Gorter, program director of the South Coast Region Agricultural Education Consortium, explained the importance of these types of certifications being available to high school-aged students. “These kinds of certifications provide students with extra knowledge and skills early on,” she said. “Whether they decide to go directly into college or to find a job, it helps broaden their outlook on the
future.” The iCEV learning platform, which was created by CEV Media, is specifically designed for the type of career and technical education taught for the certifications. In addition, the recent grant funding has also helped pay for classroom equipment to work along with the iCEV technology. “It really makes their learning more enjoyable,” Gorter said. “And any chance we have to give students an opportunity to enjoy education and get further ahead, we need to take it.”
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