By Sam Earnshaw At the 2019 EcoFarm Conference, over 200 attendees signed individual postcards to the attention of Governor Newsom and Jered Blumenfeld, Secretary of CalEPA, to demand changes from our top state officials to eliminate toxic poisons from agriculture. The effort was organized by Margaret Reeves and Mehda Chandra of Pesticide Action Network (PAN), Mark Weller and Sarait Martinez of Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR), and EcoFarm's Steve Sprinkel, Sam Earnshaw, and Amigo Bob Cantisano - a key contributor to this legislative postcard effort. We...Read more
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June 27, 2019 - Soquel, CA – As the organization ramps up for its 40th year anniversary, the Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) is thrilled to announce Andy Fisher as its new Executive Director. The selection was made after an extensive national candidate search process. Andy Fisher has been a leading force in the food security and food justice movement in the US for the past 25 years. He co-founded and led the primary American food systems alliance, the Community Food Security Coalition, for 17 years. During that time, he led campaigns to gain passage of...Read more
The Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee features fruit tasting and buying of fresh produce from local small farms that specialize in growing delicious varieties of nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots, and other specialty stone fruits. Enjoy a bus tour of nearby farms prior to the event including a pick-your-own experience. There are kid-friendly activities as well as food and beverage booths. Educational talks on Essential Oil Safety and Pollinators as well as Farmer Talks in the Tent Area ensure there is something for everybody. This event not only treats the taste buds, but...Read more
“Integrating Cannabis into Your Farming System” was a well attended workshop presented at EcoFarm Conference that featured cannabis growers Daniel Stein of Briceland Forest Farm and Josh and Sandra Khankhanian of Moon Gazer Farms. Both presenters shared insights and tips on incorporating cannabis into a farming operation including growing methods, seed sourcing, soil fertility, and regulations. Photo credit: Moon Gazer Farms Daniel Stein grows cannabis and diversified vegetables on his Briceland Forest Farm in Humboldt County. He has three separate zones on his farm,...Read more
“Grazing Sheep in Perennial Crop Systems” was a popular workshop at EcoFarm 2019 that featured Paicines Ranch vineyard manager Kelly Mulville and Nathan Stuart, shepherd at Tablas Creek Vineyard, who both touted the benefits of sheep grazing for managing ecosystem health and increasing profitability in perennial systems. Some of the benefits of sheep grazing that Stuart described include eradicating unwanted weeds like mustards to leave room for clover and other desired vegetation, and the creation of manure that sequesters carbon into the soil, increasing soil health...Read more
We would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to EcoFarm's 2019 Scholarship Campaign. Together we raised $34,000 dollars, - surpassing our goal and making it possible for 113 scholars to attend EcoFarm Conference! Special appreciation to all who gave in memory of Tom Mello, Debby Zygielbaum, and to the Dusty Farmer Memorial Scholarship Fund. EcoFarm Conference provides farmers and ranchers a strong foundation and vibrant network of community, mentors and co-conspirators, supporting their future in food, fiber, and farming year-round. Learn more...Read more
Audibly attend EcoFarm all year long. Stream or download 130+ audio recordings from both EcoFarm Conference 2019 and 2018 for only $70. Audio subscribers will be notified by email with instructions to listen in the next couple of weeks when the recordings are ready.Read more
Watch now - Videos of Keynotes from the 39th EcoFarm Conference! Empowering our Communities to Transform the Food System Malaika Bishop, Denisa Livingston, and Karen Washington Diversity is Key - What 40 Years of Science tell us about Organic Agriculture Dr. Kris Nichols, Dr. John Reganold Successful Organic Farmers Marney Blair & Lisa Bjorn, Chanowk & Judith Yisrael, Thomas Broz Soil and Your Inner Power Nikki SilvestriRead more
Female growers and innovators are featured at 2019 EcoFarm Conference. By Amy Wu Even in the 21st century, the image of the modern-day farmer often centers on overalls, pitchforks, and the image of the “farmer” as a man steering the tractor. While the image remains reality to an extent, agriculture is fast extending into a new generation of women growers and innovators, who are carving a path in agtech, science, and research while others are running their own enterprise. As a journalist, who specializes in telling stories about women leaders in farming, I am delighted...Read more
The 39th Ecological Farming Conference will start off with an in-depth look into the foundation of healthy farming systems: soil health and fertility. Vibrant soil is found at the intersection of biological, physical, and chemical parameters that shape the ability of plants to thrive and produce abundant and nutritious crops. Growers can influence the parameters to achieve superior results for plant growth and crop health. The first part of the double session will detail how to interpret soil mineral analyses to target which amendments are the best for specific crops...Read more