2009 First Fruits Celebration
The 2009 First Fruits Celebration was hosted by the Yolo Ag Futures Alliance (AFA) at Glide Ranch on May 18th in Davis, CA. Attendees gathered to support the Yolo AFA, learn about the status of agriculture, connect with community members and leaders, and celebrate the bounty of Yolo County.
The historic beauty of Glide Ranch, intermittent breezes, and the hometown sounds of the Doc Hollar Band greeted guests. Local fruit, nuts, olive oil, almond butter, cheese and wine were enjoyed in the shade of lush vines hanging overhead. Rick Landon, Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner, welcomed guests to the event and gave an overview of agriculture and the work of the AFA in Yolo County.
Many thanks to our guests and the sponsors of this event: Pacific Star Gardens, Pollock Farms, Dixon Ridge Farms, Davis Bike Club, Yolo Land & Cattle, Yolo Federal Credit Union, First Northern Bank, Carbahal & Company, Supervisor Jim Provenza, J G Jelks Farm, Berryessa Gap Winery, River Dog Farms, Yolo Press, Copper Hill Stone, Village Bakery, Full Belly Farm, Nugget Market, and the Doc Hollar Band.
Yolo AFA Celebrates Legislative Victory
When the Yolo AFA set out to better protect ag land in the County, it did not expect to become the main proponent for a change in State Law, but that is exactly what happened this year. After hearing increasing reports of conflicts between rural residences and production farming, the group saw an opportunity to avoid conflicts by giving new home buyers clearer information about the life near farms. The group got together with local State Representative Lois Wolk and crafted AB 2881, which strengthens California’s Right to Farm laws by assuring that all buyers of property in ag areas understand the nature of having a working farm as neighbor. The bill passed 34-2 in the State Senate and 54-0 in the Assembly and on September 30, 2008 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law. You can read the press release from Lois Wolk which cites the work of the Alliance as well as press coverage from the Davis Enterprise.
New policy recommendations from the Yolo AFA
February 2008 In recent months, the Yolo County Ag Futures Alliance has put together several new proposals to support a vibrant agricultural economy in Yolo County. Learn more about this work by clicking here.AFA promotes agricultural viability in General Plan update
November 2007
The Yolo AFA has been working consistently throughout the year to see that its recommended measures to support agricultural economic development efforts are adopted in the update of the county’s General Plan. Among its recommendations are:
Read More »Yolo AFA Op-Ed published in Daily Democrat
August 2007
Yolo AFA member Petrea Marchand’s op-ed on the importance of sourcing food locally to support area farmers recently appeared in the Daily Democrat. You can read the op-ed here.
Yolo County Loses Sustainable Ag Pioneer
Charlie Rominger, a founding member of the Yolo Ag Futures Alliance, and a leader in the efforts to preserve Yolo county ag land and environment, passed away from cancer in October, 2006.
Read More »Yolo County AFA Launch Coverage
The launch of the Yolo AFA was captured by the media in two articles:
Yolo AFA Launches with a Presentation to the Board of Supervisors, April 2006
Coverage from the Davis Enterprise of the introduction of the Yolo AFA to community: Group wants to maintain and enhance local agriculture.
Read More »Yolo County AFA Pens Op Ed on Buying Local
Californians Can Help Farmers this Harvest Season
By Petrea R. Marchand, Yolo County Ag Futures Alliance
June 22, 2006
As you shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and meat this harvest season, stop for a moment to consider the source of these goods. Some come from California’s farms, picturesque orchards and fields that you may notice from the freeway as you zip by at high speeds. Some, however, come from far away places like China, Argentina and Chile.
Why should you care?
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