Farmers Market Vendors Please Increase your help for the planet!
As certified Organic Farmers you are probably already using many methods to help restore the earth as well as farm wisely. However you may not be aware of some of the resources now available to help. “Climate Smart Ag” also known as “Carbon Farming” or “regenerative Ag.” actually increases the carbon content of the soil and improves water retention, helping deal with Climate Change. Now the county has acknowledged the importance of this:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE DECLARATION OF A CLIMATE EMERGENCY AND REQUESTING REGIONAL COLLABORATION ON A MOBILIZATION EFFORT TO RESTORE A SAFE CLIMATE (passed Jan 27, 2019)
WHEREAS, many scientific studies, such as those published by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Carbon Cycle Institute, and the California Climate & Agriculture Network, have shown that changes in farming methods (Climate Smart Agriculture) can increase fertility, water retention and significantly improve long term carbon sequestration in the soil; and ………….
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County of Santa Cruz shall investigate ways to support transitions to Climate Smart Agriculture, including farm management practices such as cover crop, no-till, reduced-till, mulching, compost application, conservation plantings and active stock rotation by way of education, and by providing information on available State and Federal conservation grants and incentives. …………
Full text at https://scruzclimate.org/santa-cruz-county-climate-emergency-resolution/
Resources for Farmers
- Soil Grant Applications Due March 8,2019 https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/
On farm management practices that include but are not limited to: cover cropping, no-till, reduced-till, mulching, compost application, and conservation plantings.
- Water Grant Applications Due March 8th,2019 https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.
youtube 4min video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAG6hhzyrIQ
- Great information sites with details on many methods for various crops and soils https://www.carboncycle.org/carbon-farming/
- You can also get help from your local resource conservation office http://www.rcdsantacruz.org
Santa Cruz Climate Action Network 