Wrap: Western Water, Federal Budget, UC Santa Cruz Agroecology
Good morning! It’s going to be a busy week. A few things to highlight: ICYMI – A thoughtful piece about water and public art. Despite a persistent drought, many Californians …
If farm dogs ran the world, we would never have needed to discover coffee. With an adult life spent largely in agriculture and the military, I am no stranger to …
Happy Anniversary Smith-Lever Act
The day of May 8 marks an important anniversary for American agriculture and our nation’s communities: it’s the 103rd anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 created …
Raising Pigs on California’s Small Farms Has Benefits
For small farms in California, there can be real value in raising pigs. The animals need less space than most livestock, such as cattle or sheep. Pigs also have two …
Cinco de Mayo is a popular annual celebration of Mexican-American culture. It’s a day that honors a victorious battle fought during the French-Mexican War. But many people think of it …
The next Napa? Small beetle = big threat. And more.
It’s shaping up to be a busy week, another in a string of busy weeks that’s seen me traveling around the state. Sitting on trains and planes provides an opportunity …
Fair Food Advocate Has UC Roots
Sustainable agriculture is more than about cultivating crops. It is also about creating a healthy and just food system that is equitable, transparent, diverse and accessible. Oran Hesterman, founder of Fair …
Stand up for Science at #UCScienceChat
Potential cuts in critical investments in federal research threaten the ability of our nation’s educational institutions to provide a world-class education to our future workforce. These cuts also hinder the …
Progress in Sustainable Agriculture Must be Supported
Federal Support for Sustainable Agriculture is at Risk Last week, I was in Washington, D.C. for a Farm Bill symposium that the Berkeley Food Institute organized in collaboration with American …
“Clean floors” give way to cover crops
Clean Floors When I was a kid, you could evaluate a lemon grower with a look at his orchard floor. A “clean floor” was a sure sign of good stewardship. …