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As we celebrate the return of light this solstice, WFA also celebrates successes in fostering biodiversity and resilient food systems. In this month’s newsletter, we share highlights from a recent WFA field day and the Organic Grower’s Summit as well as information about our upcoming field day in February 2024. We also relay information about funding for designing and implementing pollinator habitat, and an exciting mandate that will impact biodiversity in the viticulture industry. Finally, we give an update on Inflation Reduction Act conservation funding from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and ask for your support in bringing nature back to our farms and ranches. Enjoy this month’s news from the wild. We wish you peace and good health in the New Year! Recent Field Day Showcases A Diverse Apple Orchard Save The Date: King & King Ranch Field Day in Fillmore, CA on February 29, 2024, 8AM - 1PM New Pest Initiative Could Boost Organics Funding Available for California Farmers to Design and Install Pollinator Habitat Napa Green Members Will Phase out Glyphosate Inflation Reduction Act Conservation Dollars Are a Vital Bulwark Against Climate Change |
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Recent Field Day Showcases A Diverse Apple OrchardOn a chilly fall morning, over 35 participants gathered to discuss integrating nature’s services into apple production at Luz del Valle Farm in Corralitos, CA. The operation showcases a diverse farmscape that offers numerous niches for beneficial organisms. Stewardship is front and center on this farm.
Save The Date: King & King Ranch Field Day in Fillmore, CA on February 29, 2024, 8AM - 1PMJoin Wild Farm Alliance at King & King Ranch in Fillmore for an informative morning showcasing practices in avocados and citrus that support natural enemy insects, pollinators and beneficial birds for pest control. The event will feature a bird and habitat walk, a series of talks given by growers, researchers, and professionals, and a tour of a newly planted hedgerow. Registration will open soon for those who are interested in biological means for pest management. This field day is part of an in-person Ventura County gathering, held as part of CAFF’s 36th annual California Small Farm Conference.
New Pest Initiative Could Boost OrganicsWFA’s Jo Ann Baumgartner recently joined a panel discussion about sustainable pest management at the Organic Grower Summit in Monterey, California. The panel examined how a new California “roadmap” for enhanced pest management could create a competitive advantage for organic growers, who are already doing many of the practices. They also discussed how the organic industry needs to continually improve their nature based pest management strategies while better co-existing with food safety. Jo Ann shared the importance of having year-round habitat on farms so that beneficial insects and birds are there and ready to manage pests when needed.
Funding Available for California Farmers to Design and Install Pollinator HabitatWild Farm Alliance is partnering with Pollinator Partnership and Community Alliance With Family Farmers (CAFF) to help California farmers install pollinator habitat. Through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Pollinator Habitat Program, each project will be designed so that regionally appropriate species are chosen to support pollinators and soils. A priority will be given to plant species that have high establishment rates, low cost, drought tolerance, low maintenance, and soil health benefits. Pollinator Partnership, CAFF, WFA are excited to work with growers to design and implement practices that support pollinators such as:
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