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San Diego County Farm Bureau News
August 2009: Vol. 22. No. 8

MONTHLY COLUMNS

President's Message

What will Wilbur say about the changing weather pattern?

by Michael A. Mellano

“Albacore 38 miles off of Point Loma.” That was the headline in mid-June. What an exciting thing to hear. For those who don’t know I love to fish, hearing that albacore are that close to San Diego—let alone in mid-June—puts a big smile on my face. The funny thing about it was that my second thought shortly after hearing this was, I wonder what Wilbur will think?

Wilbur Shigehara is a retired meteorologist and considered to be our resident expert on weather trends. Each fall as far back as I can remember, we’ve had Wilbur come to one of our meetings to present his “official” winter forecast. It is very entertaining and amazingly accurate. Will it frost this year? How cold will it get? Will it rain and, if so, how much? These are among the questions that Wilbur answers. He bases his thoughts on sound science and logic with an eclectic mix of empirical happenings that factor into the ultimate conclusion. Weather in Hawaii, snow melt in the Sierras and, yes, what the albacore have been up to.

This year, the albacore showed up locally very early and are very close to San Diego. Usually, even in a good year, they are 75-100 miles out. What will Wilbur say? Rumors of El Niño are rumbling again, extremely cool weather this spring and early summer and small amounts (unfortunately not large amounts) of rain dropping unexpectedly in June all indicate to me that we are in a strange and changing weather pattern. I know enough to sense that things are a bit different this year. Unfortunately, none of us can know conclusively at this point that the rains will come this winter and ultimately fill our reservoirs. Nor do we know if politics will be put aside so that we can take advantage of the rain if it does come. In all actuality, I don’t know which is more of a long shot—rains coming or politics being put aside. Unfortunately for those of us in the farming community, until we know for sure, we must continue to conserve the water that we have and irrigate accurately and efficiently.

Even with all this being said, I still can’t wait and wonder: What will Wilbur say this year? Top of Page

From the Executive Director

If you have comments to the draft General Plan and EIR, submit by Aug. 31

by Eric Larson

Once I pick a topic for my monthly column, I take a quick look at my records to see how often I’ve covered the subject so I’ll have a sense of how badly I might bore you. I was absolutely certain that when I decided this month to write about the County’s General Plan Update I was setting myself up for a chorus of “not that again” just beyond my earshot. To my utter surprise, I discovered my last missive on this subject was printed in October 2001. Then, thinking back, I realized that, despite something on the order of 50 meetings dutifully attended by Al Stehly and I over that span, there has been no news to report. Watching grass grow would be an Olympic sport by comparison.

Recently, the project name was changed from the optimistic General Plan 2020 Update to just plain General Plan Update. I guess the concern was that it could prove embarrassing to adopt a plan that is supposed to be forward looking after the date on the cover had passed.

Well, a breakthrough has occurred. A draft Environmental Impact Report and a draft General Plan have now been released for comment. Farm Bureau will comment on both documents, but anyone who owns property in the unincorporated county just might want to take at least a cursory look at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/index.html. The deadline for submitting comments is coming up quickly on August 31.

What you won’t find in the two documents are two issues that Farm Bureau has been steadfast in asking for. The first is a guarantee that farmers who are hit with down zoning on whatever map is eventually adopted (there are four versions going through the EIR process) have options for avoiding lost equity in their property. The second goes by the working title of “Conservation Subdivision” and would give a property owner the right to cluster the development potential for their entire parcel on reduced-sized lots in exchange for placing a permanent conservation easement, which would allow farming, over the remaining acres.

There are a lot of voices and interest groups around the table where these topics are being discussed and we are not yet convinced that we have a majority on our side. If a battle ensues, we’ll be looking for recruits to stand up and be counted. Top of Page

From the Ag Commissioner

Bob Atkins, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures

2008 Crop Report shows continued increase in overall value of ag

In 2008, San Diego County farmers faced drought, water cutbacks and a slowing economy. For many, it was a year of reconstruction after the 2007 fires. While working with these adversities, local farmers’ ingenuity and hard work has shown to be as bright as the Southern California sun with a remarkable outcome. I am pleased to report in 2008, the overall value of agriculture in San Diego County increased 1% over 2007 for a total value of $1,552,221,674.

What, in spite of these significant setbacks, contributed to this remarkable increase? It is mainly due to an increase in value for a few key crops. Cut flowers, avocados, citrus and eggs contributed greatly to the final value, as well as herbs, which made it into the Top Ten crops for the first time.

The backbone of agriculture in San Diego County is certainly the nursery industry. In 2008, Indoor Flowering and Foliage Plants remains the number one crop in San Diego County although decreasing slightly in value (-1%) to $319,080,960. This is also the highest value per acre crop even with a slight decrease from 2007. Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, which last year came in a close second, slipped a bit more (-5%) to $304,336,245. Overall acreage for nurseries and cut flowers increased slightly while the total value stayed nearly flat, increasing only 1%. In 2008, the total value for all nursery products (including cut flowers and foliage) topped the $1 billion mark for the second year in a row, totaling $1,042,703,756.

Fruit and Nut Crops slightly increased in acreage (1%), as well as increasing in overall value (4%). Avocados remain the largest fruit crop, increasing significantly this year (14%). This year, strawberries decreased significantly in both acreage and value (48%). Vegetables and Vine Fruits increased both in value (2%) and acreage (5%) this past year. Herbs increased greatly in value (39%).

A continuing trend, Livestock and Poultry decreased in value (-39%), primarily as a result of the decrease in the price and number of cattle. Ratites and ratite products decreased significantly (-93% and -57%, respectively), as there were no reported sales for ratite chicks or hides for 2008. However, due to the increase in the price and number of eggs, Livestock and Poultry Products overall increased in value (17%).

The table, left, provides a quick synopsis of agriculture in San Diego County. This is just a small sampling of the information found in Agricultural, Weights and Measures’ 2008 Crop and Annual Report. For more details, please visit our Web site at www.sdcawm.org.

I would like to express my thanks to the many farmers, ranchers, nurserymen and women who provided the information vital to this report, as well as the industry groups for their support in the compilation of statistics.

 

Employer-Employee: Farm employment issues

ICE focuses on scofflaw employers

Reprinted from Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) Newsletter

On April 30, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its Worksite Enforcement Strategy. Now in effect, the policy marks a shift in focus from enforcement actions on illegal workers to employers who “knowingly” hire illegal workers.

Accordingly, employers should be prepared in the event of a visit by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the Worksite Enforcement Strategy Fact Sheet, “of the more than 6,000 arrests related to worksite enforcement in 2008, only 135 were employers.” ICE will continue to remove illegal workers found during the course of a worksite enforcement action. However, ICE will also focus on the criminal prosecution of employers that knowingly hire illegal workers and will use all available civil and administrative tools, such as fines and debarment, to penalize and deter illegal employment.
DHS has stated, “ICE officers will be held to high investigative standards” and that “ICE will look for evidence of mistreatment of workers, along with evidence of trafficking, smuggling, harboring, visa fraud, identification document fraud, money laundering and other such criminal conduct.”

Interestingly, DHS has also indicated that ICE will conduct investigations and obtain search warrants before arresting employees for civil immigration violations at a worksite. Therefore, employers should be aware of the possibility of undercover investigations.

In the event of an ICE raid, it is imperative that the company’s representative call its legal counsel immediately. In a raid, ICE agents must have a search warrant and they do not have to give advance notice.
In contrast, an audit of the employer’s Forms I-9 requires three days’ advance notice in writing, but no search warrant, whether it is part of a Department of Labor inspection or an ICE audit. The agency may not use a subpoena to shortcut that.

Notice is waived, however, if the employer or his agent gives consent to search the premises.

What This Means for Employers: In anticipation of the new policy, employers should review their employment practices and procedures to make sure they are in compliance with the law. Employers should regularly review their Form I-9 procedures, especially before the employment of seasonal workers.
Employers should ensure that all staff that process new hires are trained to properly complete Forms I-9 and periodically interview staff to make sure they are properly processing new hires. Incomplete or improperly completed Forms I-9 will result in exposure to liability.
Further, in light of DHS’s express desire to obtain criminal prosecutions, employers must ensure that all management employees are aware of the necessity of strictly complying with immigration policies.

FELSsm is a subsidiary of the California Farm Bureau Federation that has assisted members in complying with labor laws and avoiding labor relations problems since 1970. Subscriptions to FELS are available primarily to those in agricultural, horticultural or other business operations. Contact FELS at (800) 753-9073 or via e-mail at fels@fels.org.

Farm Bureau Has Been Working For You . . .

  • Sent letter to Regional Water Quality Control Board calling for protection of the San Luis Rey watershed from the Gregory Canyon Landfill.
  • Asked state Senate to develop legislation defining Prop 2 production standards.
  • Met with County staff in pursuit of equity mechanism in General Plan Update.
  • Spoke at National Young Farmers Educational Association.
  • Attended Calif. Farm Burau Membership Task Force meeting
  • Participated in West Coast Direct Marketing Summit
  • Organized tour for Young Farmers & Ranchers

Ask the Farm Advisor

by Valerie J. Mellano, Ph.D.
UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego County

Q: I understand that the Farm Advisors have the opportunity to take sabbatical leaves, which is something we would all like to do. What exactly do the advisors do on a sabbatical?

A:  The University of California provides the opportunity for its academic staff on campus and in the counties to take a defined period of time to work on projects that require undivided attention, travel or cooperation with other researchers in other areas. Contrary to popular belief, a sabbatical leave is not just a long vacation for the advisor! As county-based advisors, we all have program areas that deal with specific crops, pests or issues. These are the activities that are visible to our clientele. However, we are also expected to take part in a considerable number of committees, both in the county and on campus. We are required to attend regional and statewide meetings and help to develop policies for Cooperative Extension, serve as reviewers and editors for publications, and assist on search committees for hiring new advisors. We also act as mentors for those new advisors, provide peer reviews for publications and programs for advisors and campus-based academics, and many, many other duties as needed. It is very easy to let these additional assignments overwhelm our efforts to be effective on the ground, in the county.

When on sabbatical leave, an advisor is freed of committee assignments and given the opportunity to take on or finish high priority projects or gain some valuable education that will help the advisor to do a better job in the county. Advisors have the opportunity to take a sabbatical leave about once every nine years, but in reality, it happens less frequently than that. We must develop a plan, find coverage for our program during our sabbatical term, and time it properly so that preferably only one person per office is gone at any one time. The plan needs to be approved by the County and Regional Directors, and we are constantly reminded that “taking a sabbatical is a privilege, not a right.”

Recently, Terry Salmon, County Director for UCCE, San Diego County, returned from sabbatical leave. During his leave, he conducted numerous research trials around the state that are very important for vertebrate pest control. He also developed some much needed educational materials and pest management methods that have large implications for the control of rabbits, gophers, and other pests. He would not have been able to complete this work and still function appropriately as the County Director without a sabbatical leave. Subtropical Horticulture Advisor Gary Bender has been on sabbatical leave since July 1. He will be able to provide some undivided attention to various issues facing the tree crop industry in the local area. During his absence from the UCCE Farm and Home Advisor’s office, direct any questions regarding avocado, citrus, subtropical and deciduous fruit production to Carmen Gispert at (760) 863-8293

Editor’s note: If you have a subject you would like addressed in this Ask the Farm & Home Advisor” column, contact Val Mellano at (760) 752-4717 or vjmellano@ucdavis.edu.

Ag News Bites

Top of Page First confirmed case of citrus greening/HLB found in Mexico

USDA/APHIS recently announced that an Asian citrus psyllid tested positive for the bacterial disease, huanglongbing (HLB). The ACP was found in a backyard citrus tree in the city of El Cuyo, Tizimin, Yucatan, which is in the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula. The nearest commercial grove is reported to be 200-225 kilometers from the find site. The Mexican government has implemented an emergency program, which will include additional survey work and ground treatment for ACP. USDA has offered its diagnostic lab in Maryland to run samples on an expedited basis and provide APHIS personnel to help get their emergency program up and running as quickly as possible.

Documents for County General Plan Update released for public comment

A draft Environmental Impact Report and draft General Plan were recently released for public comment. You’ll find it at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/index.html, and if you’d like to submit any comments, be sure to do so by August 31. Still to be determined and not addressed in the recently released drafts is an equity mechanism that Farm Bureau has been adamant about being included if downzoning is to occur. This “Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements” is essential to Farm Bureau supporting a general downzone recommendation. While discussion of an equity mechanism is not included in this draft, County representatives have indicated that they would not consider creating such a relief for any other entities other than the agricultural sector, providing encouragement that the issue is still on the table. Farm Bureau will be meeting soon with County staff and will take that opportunity to press for its inclusion in the final draft. Also not included in the draft is any mention of “conservation subdivisions,” in which the property owner moves all development to one area, or cluster, allowing a conservation easement on the remainder for farming purposes.

Valley Center Farmers’ Market changes locations

The Valley Center Farmers’ Market has recently relocated from the Valley Center Upper Elementary School to a more visible location at the Valley Center Community Center at 28246 Lilac Road (at the intersection of Valley Center Road). The school site was a successful market location during the school year, but visitors dropped off dramatically when the school year ended. The Community Center location offers more visibility, which should, in turn, drive more visitors to the event, which is held every Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Featured Articles

Irrigated Lands Group board selected

by Nancy Walery

A seven-member board of directors for the San Diego Region Irrigated Lands Group Educational Corporation (“Group”) was recently selected and approved by the San Diego County Farm Bureau’s board of directors. This initial board of directors has been appointed to staggered terms, which will be followed by fixed, three-year terms so that election years replace or reappoint less than a majority of the members at any one time. The members, and their initial terms, are:

3-year term: Bob Vice; Mike Mellano Sr.; Bill Kovach
2-year term: Charley Wolk; John Burr
1-year term: Chuck Badger Sr.; Elaine Lyttleton

While the Group will operate as a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, it will maintain a direct reporting relationship to the SDCFB board of directors, which is responsible for selecting each board appointment and reappointment to the Group.

The Group has enrolled 1,036 operators representing about 1,200 farms and spanning 38,500 acres. Enrollment has brought in 453 new Farm Bureau members who wanted access to this membership benefit, which is responsible for SDCFB holding the state’s No. 1 ranking in the volume of new voting members.

Initial actions by the new board will include electing officers, ratifying bylaws, filing a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State to complete the incorporation process, purchasing directors and officers liability insurance, and developing a management agreement with SDCFB.

Enrollment in the Group is still being accepted. The cost to enroll is $200 per acre, capped at $1,000. To enroll, call the Farm Bureau office at (760) 745-3023, send an e-mail to sdrilg@sdfarmbureau.org, or get enrolment form here.Top of Page

An Interview with Tom Oberbauer

Tom Oberbauer has been the Chief of the Multiple Species Conservation Program with San Diego County’s Department of Planning and Land Use for the past 13 of his 34 years with the County. His work with the County has always revolved around environmental projects, initially as an Environmental Management Specialist preparing and reviewing environmental impact reports for changes in the General Plan, and later as a Regional Planner overseeing the planning and environmental review of land development projects in North County. He became a familiar face as he attended Community Planning and Sponsor Group meetings in the area, and he also served on the County’s now-defunct Planning and Environmental Review Board, which held approval authority for various subdivisions and made recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on larger development projects. Oberbauer is a third generation San Diegan who grew up east of El Cajon where he always had a steer or a few sheep in the yard and his father grew Fuerte avocados and oat hay. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Biology from San Diego State University.

FB: Why did the County decide to initiate the Multiple Species Conservation Program for the unincorporated area?
Oberbauer: Because of the location of this County in a Mediterranean climate, and the diversity of climates and soils, there are a large number of rare and endangered species here, possibly more than any other location in the continental United States. Over the years, it became apparent that this high number of rare and endangered species had the potential to create major difficulties to land use and land development in the County. The entire situation came to the forefront when the California gnatcatcher, a small bird that inhabits Coastal sage scrub vegetation, the low-growing, somewhat aromatic vegetation on south-facing slopes and lower elevations, was listed as threatened by the Federal Department of Interior. It forced the County to deal with a broad ranging issue. Since, in addition to the gnatcatcher, there were so many other species that were either listed, proposed for listing or likely to be listed as rare, threatened or endangered by the state or federal government, it was apparent that there would be ongoing issues for land use from these species. The concept of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) was that, instead of having to deal with rare and endangered species one by one and project by project with the California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service separately, property owners and agencies could address them all together and create more efficiency. The idea is that each species would be covered in the plan so that, if it is found on property, specific steps would identify how development can proceed and what needs to be done for that species. In the absence of broad habitat conservation plans such as the MSCP, rare and endangered species would be listed and regulated one by one, each creating what former Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt referred to as a “train wreck.” Most people don’t realize that without the MSCP program, they are still regulated by the state, federal and local agencies. Again, the MSCP plan is a means to create a more orderly process instead of a case-by-case series of problems.

FB: It is our understanding that there will be three distinctive plans.

Oberbauer: Yes. The South County Subarea Plan was adopted by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 1997, and we received our Federal and State permits in March of 1998. Since then, we have been working on completing the North County draft plan and we had begun work on the East County plan. However, as I will describe later, the East County Plan is now being delayed due to budgetary constraints.

FB: From your descriptions, it would seem that the highest number of farms would fall in the North County Plan, while most grazing acreage would be in the East County Plan.

Oberbauer: I believe that is correct. The North County Plan boundary includes a number of orchards as well as specialty crops and nursery growing areas. However, only a portion of these farmlands is considered to contain habitat valuable for covered species. Those farms that do contain habitat are mostly located along the major stream courses and the San Luis Rey River. The majority of the farmlands in the North County Plan would not be directly affected by the plan. However, one of our goals for the plan is to provide protection for farmlands in a manner similar to the Safe Harbor concept. Under this concept, farmers are protected if they incidentally impact an endangered or threatened species.

In the East County Plan area, there are large areas of grazing land. Our strategy at this point is that the grazing lands, particularly in the more rural portions of the planning area in which low densities are proposed under the General Plan Update, would not be identified for conservation by the plan since the resources and habitats have been maintained by normal grazing practices. Therefore, the concepts in the plan would apply only to the lands that are proposed for higher densities.

FB: What is the timing for creation and adoption of the North and East County Plans?

Oberbauer: The goal with the North County Plan is to bring it to hearing with the Board of Supervisors by the end of 2010. A preliminary draft of the plan was provided to the public earlier this year. We are now revising the plan as a result of the comments that we have received. Our goal is to provide the draft plan and its associated environmental documents for public review by the end of this year.

Due to budget constraints and the priority of the North County Plan, work on the East County Plan has been temporarily put on hold. We would anticipate it proceeding to hearing before the Board of Supervisors at least a year after the North County Plan.

FB: A number of farmland owners have expressed concern about these habitat plans. What’s in it for them or someone who wants to initiate a new farm?

Oberbauer: When starting a new farm, there are a number of things to consider, including the existing conditions in the county regarding the widespread presence of rare and endangered species and brushing and clearing regulations. Under existing regulations, if someone wanted to create a new farm in habitat that is considered some sort of natural habitat, it would be necessary to obtain a brushing and clearing permit that may involve mitigating for the loss of natural habitat by purchasing credits in a mitigation bank or acquisition of offsite land regardless of where they are located. Under the MSCP program, it is proposed that if land on which the new farm was located is outside of the Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas (areas where conservation is focused), it would not need to mitigate for habitat that is cleared but would be considered exempt. For lands that are located within one of the Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas, the need for mitigation for clearing would continue with the situation the same as current requirements. So for some new farmers, it would be much easier to proceed and for others, it would be the same as the existing situation.

FB: In a general sense, it sounds like the plan will affect individual properties based on whether or not they are in an area that has been designated for preservation.

Oberbauer: That is correct. If a farmer wanted to expand or create a new farm in an area that has been designated as lower value habitat, the proposal is to remove requirements for mitigation. If a farmer wanted to expand in an area that has been identified as higher value habitat, the requirements would at least be no worse than the requirements that currently apply throughout the area. However, in all cases, the intention of the plan is that farmers following best management practices for growing crops would be protected from accidentally impacting a rare or endangered species.

FB: San Diego County has a history of changing crops. What about a farmer who wants to make a change?

Oberbauer: For farmlands that are outside of the potential Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas, changing crops would have no issues whether it was going from orchards to nursery container stock or row crops to ornamental flowers or even grazing land to orchards. Currently, changing from grazing land to orchards would require a brushing and clearing permit regardless of whether the property is within or outside of a Pre-Approved Mitigation Area, and that could require mitigation. So for farmers outside of the Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas, it would be a benefit to have the plan and its proposed relaxation of requirements.

Within the Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas, changing from active intensive agriculture in which cultivation or tree planting occurs to some other type of intensive agricultural use does not require a discretionary permit, and the intent is that practice would continue under the MSCP. However, inside the Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas, as was mentioned earlier, converting natural habitat land to agriculture would require mitigation just as it does today. Conversion of rangeland grazing land located within the Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas to an intensive agricultural use that involves cultivation or planting crops may also require mitigation, just as it does today.

FB: What are the resources for a farmer who wants more information or would like to know how their property is designated in one of these plans?

Oberbauer: The materials associated with the plan, including the draft text and maps, are located on the County MSCP Web site at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/mscp/. An interactive mapping tool that shows individual property designations for each plan is available at http://gis.co.san-diego.ca.us/imf/sites/mscp .

If someone would like to be added to our mailing list, please e-mail your name, organization affiliation (if applicable), and address to MSCP@sdcounty.ca.gov.

FB: If a farmer doesn’t feel a plan or an element of a plan is in their best interest, how do you suggest they get involved to voice their concern?

Oberbauer: The best way to voice concerns is to be involved in the process. Writing specific points of concern in either e-mails or letters brings their issues directly to our attention. In addition, being on the e-mail mailing list provides project updates and hearing notices where concerns can also be raised. The entire process we are proposing is intended to provide a means for dealing with the numerous rare and endangered species issues that exist in San Diego County. Because of the high numbers of rare and endangered species, the issues here are probably greater than anywhere else in the United States. If no Multiple Species Conservation Program plan existed, it would be necessary for farmers to deal with these issues one by one and case by case. In the East County Plan area, particularly in areas that are proposed for very low density under the General Plan Update, the latest proposal is that the plan would not require active engagement for their land to be left alone, in addition to the fact that the plan is being delayed because of budgetary issues. Top of Page

Crawford High School’s Food Justice Team receives AITC Garden Grant

School was also partner in launching City Heights Farmers’ Market

by Nancy Walery

Crawford High School is not your typical, garden-variety high school. And perhaps that is one reason why it earned top honors this year from San Diego County Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Garden Grant program. The school’s innovative connection to students, agriculture and the community struck an impressive chord.

“The Crawford High School Food Justice Team is extremely well integrated, with such strong community support at all levels,” said Cathey Anderson, SDCFB’s Ag in the Classroom Chair. “We are confident the program will be successful and our money well spent.”

Located in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego near the site of the first Certified Farmers’ Market launched by SDCFB last year, Crawford High School is an “educational complex” featuring four specialized schools: School of Community Health and Medical Practices (“CHAMPS”); Invention and Design Education Academy (“IDEA”); School of Law and Business (“LAB”); and the Multimedia and Visual Arts School (“MVAS”).

In 2006, Crawford High School formed a partnership with the International Rescue Committee, a City Heights-based non-profit organization established locally in 1975 and dedicated to refugee resettlement. The mission of the partnership is to promote refugee self-sufficiency, food security and community health. With many refugees and new immigrants coming from agrarian backgrounds, the IRC saw the opportunity to help these newcomers adapt to American life using skills already familiar to them, enabling them to integrate into their community and develop marketable skills. What better way to accomplish this goal than to build a team of students from the local high school?

Hence, the Crawford High School Food Justice Team was born. The year-round program provides an in-school and after-school curriculum revolving around the school’s 2,000 square-foot organic garden created by a team of students, teachers and IRC staff who transformed a hillside of invasive ice plant into a thriving garden environment with garden beds, terraced native plants, and a fruit orchard. Crops growing right now include corn, squash, beans, tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, peppers, herbs, peaches, chestnuts, plums, sugar cane, bananas and dates. The multi-ethnic student population provides interesting recipe exchanges brought from their homelands.

“It is interesting to see the students talk about the ways their families have used the same foods in very different ways,” said Kristin Kvernland, who is a member of IRC’s Food Security and Community Health Program as well as Crawford’s Garden Club Manager. “They have a natural curiosity about the different ways each of them grow and use food in their culture. They have come to understand and appreciate their differences, even teaching each other new techniques.”

The garden work continues year-round by a small, select group of student interns who must apply for one of only a dozen prestigious slots in the labor-intensive program that earns an educational stipend funded by a federal youth training program. In addition to getting their hands dirty planting, harvesting, composting and maintaining the school garden, their 100 hours of service includes volunteer work distributing food to the hungry, working at the City Heights Farmers’ Market, Second Harvest Food Bank and Mid-City food distribution center, studying nutrition and culinary arts, and completing a Food Handlers Training program.

“We are always striving to cultivate leadership, a strong work ethic, and nutrition education while trying to balance each student’s needs and how to meet those needs,” said Kvernland. She added that immigrant students have been more receptive than American youth to learning and practicing good work and nutritional habits, having brought some of those values with them from their homeland, and also because they have not yet been as deeply ingrained in those aspects of American culture.

The Crawford High School Food Justice Team is also a family affair. When the IRC launched the City Heights Farmers’ Market with San Diego County Farm Bureau in June 2008, it was the first Certified Farmers’ Market in the county to accept WIC (Women-Infant-Children) vouchers and EBT (food stamps) cards in an effort to help low-income families obtain more nutritious foods. In fall of 2008, the IRC partnered with Food Not Lawns to start a Backyard Growers booth at the market, where local growers and school gardens could sell their excess harvest directly to the public. Also in the Fall of 2008, IRC launched the New Roots Urban Farm, a two-acre community garden divided into 80 plots that were quickly claimed by local families interested in planting and nurturing their own gardens. The farm also offers organic agriculture workshops and nutrition education.

“Our biggest lesson learned has been that the most effective program first trains students as advocates, arming them with important knowledge to pass along to their peers and families,” explained Ellee Igoe at the International Rescue Committee. “When building an environmentally and socially sustainable food system, youth have a powerful role to play in connecting the pieces and creating a vision for the future.”

Quarantine crop insurance now available for citrus and avocados

The special attributes that make California the fruit basket of the world, such as crop diversity and ports of entry, also make it vulnerable to devastating imported pests and the quarantine of those pests. After nearly a decade of lobbying by California Farm Bureau and commodity groups such as the California Avocado Commission and California Citrus Mutual, growers now have a tool available to better manage the economic losses that accompany a quarantine event. 

The USDA announced on June 30th that quarantine crop insurance will be available by endorsement to the California citrus and avocado crop insurance policy for 2011. This pilot program has been developed to lessen the impact that quarantine has on a grower’s operation. Though several details of the new program have yet to be finalized, key components include: coverage for actual production losses, mandated crop destruction, or unavoidable deterioration that may occur during the quarantine period. The pilot program will not cover losses due to missed marketing opportunities caused by quarantine. To qualify, the insured groves must be within the specified quarantine zone as imposed by USDA (APHIS) or CDFA.

Coverage for the quarantine program will be available in all citrus-growing counties in California, and nearly all avocado growing counties except San Bernardino. Important to note is this endorsement is only available to growers with federal crop insurance at a coverage level above the minimum catastrophic program.

The deadline to sign up for the 2011 crop year coverage for citrus/avocado and this new quarantine endorsement is mid-November. Several grower education seminars will be held over the next four months at Farm Bureau offices throughout these growing regions. 

Should growers have additional questions about the new quarantine program, a link to the full USDA announcement is available at: www.goldenstatecrop.com or by contacting Golden State Crop & Insurance Services directly at (888) 252-9797.

Farm Bureau voices concern about Gregory Canyon Landfill

by Nancy Walery

The issue of building the Gregory Canyon Landfill has been winding its way through the legal and environmental process since 1994 and is now approaching the point of seeking approval by the Regional Water Quality Control Board to receive a waste discharge permit. While Farm Bureau has been actively involved and vocal in its concerns on this issue from its inception, it has stepped up its position on the matter due to several unresolved issues that it believes would threaten the San Luis Rey River Watershed on which many farmers depend.

The SDCFB board of directors recently discussed the proper approach to addressing agriculture’s concerns with the Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding the landfill. It was decided that, before making a decision to issue the permit, they should hear directly from Farm Bureau in writing. In its July 8 letter to the RWQCB, Farm Bureau emphasized that protecting the water from any potential contamination as a result from the landfill needed to be the utmost priority and asked the RWQCB to condition any Waste Discharge Requirement for the landfill on guaranteed protection of the waters of the San Luis Rey River Watershed. As the 12th largest farm economy among all counties in the nation and much of that production located within the San Luis Rey Watershed, the letter reminded the board that growers in that region depend on wells fed by the San Luis Rey River or are patrons of water districts that rely on that watershed.

“For farmers in San Diego County, there is no other issue that rises to match the need for a sustainable and reliable water supply,” said Farm Bureau’s letter signed by President Michael A. Mellano. “In order to maintain agriculture in our community, no segment of the water supply portfolio can be put at risk.”

As part of its request for guaranteed protection from anything that could jeopardize the water supply, Farm Bureau insisted that “redundant protections” also be put in place so that landfill leakage never compromises the aquifer. In addition to the liner and leachate collection systems already planned for the project which, based on research of similar projects indicates, are not failure-proof, Farm Bureau expressed concern over the long-term integrity of those systems and added the condition that fractures in the bedrock underlying the site also be sealed. Further, Farm Bureau requested another condition addressing the Water Replacement Contingency Plan be amended to state that any replacement water come only from new sources or a wellhead treatment system.

Absent RWQCB’s ability to require such conditions to protect the waters of the San Luis Rey Valley aquifer or any indication that Gregory Canyon is unable to fulfill those conditions, Farm Bureau’s letter said that it would firmly oppose the issuance of the Waste Discharge Requirements. A public hearing regarding the issuance of the permit is currently scheduled for August 12, and Farm Bureau will be present to continue voicing its concerns and conditions on behalf of agriculture.

ONE STUDENT’S VIEW

Each year, the San Diego County Farm Bureau Scholarship Application includes an essay question derived from a contemporary issue facing today’s farmers and ranchers. Below are excerpts from the essay written by Daniel Holtz, an Ag Engineering major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in response to the following essay question provided in the 2009 Scholarship application:

There is a trend of public opposition in California to efforts to eradicate newly introduced destructive insect pests. How can the agricultural officials gain public support to eradicate these pests that threaten the farms that produce the food we eat and the flowers and plants we enjoy?

“The problem of new invasive and destructive pests started with the unprecedented amount of migration, transportation, and commerce from around the world. It has become too easy for pests to travel to the U.S. The consequences of one bug, beetle, fly, or spider is not realized and understood among the public.

First, the public needs education on the facts and science behind why eradication is safe and such a crucial component of protecting the ability to grow healthy foods, plants and flowers. The first thing that is not understood is what the pests do and how destructive they can be. Ignorance hinders the public’s ability to make well-informed decisions, and thereby support the need for pest eradication. The public needs to understand and trust that pesticides are sprayed under strict rules and regulations that will not harm the community’s health and welfare.
Next, it is extremely important for the public to be adequately educated on the high costs that are associated with controlling and removing pests. The demand for organic products has increased substantially in the past few years. If the public understands that some crops will no longer be organic after an invasive pest attack, they will be on the right track in supporting the farmers’ efforts to eradicate pests. Pest control is a large investment to farmers even before new invasive species are introduced. Additionally, the impact of crop loss adds to the severity. The price for food, flowers and plants will continue to increase unless we have the needed public support for eradicating invasive pests.

Additionally, the public needs to realize that pests are not just a problem for farmers, but a problem that is shared by everyone who eats fresh produce, enjoys landscaping and public parks, golf courses, fresh flowers, and any part of the natural environment. We need to share the stories of how pests affect our lives, and visually show the impact the pests have on the crops and farmers. The images of destruction by the pests should be vivid in the eyes of the public. Often, the public perceives the money spent for pest management to be wasteful, forcing the farmer to defend their crops at their own expense. The dollar figure and political willpower that is needed for eradication of pests goes way beyond the farmer. It needs to be understood that if the invasive pest problems continue to grow, they will become unmanageable and will change our state’s future. It is not an option to give up and allow the pests a victory that would hold far-reaching and devastating consequences for farmers, consumers and our economy.”

Invest in the future of local farming by helping the San Diego County Farm Bureau scholarship fund grow!
Be a partner in preserving the future of local agriculture by making a contribution to the SDCFB Scholarship Foundation today. Just make your check for the desired amount payable to San Diego Ag in the Classroom (the foundation established to support ongoing agricultural education), write “Scholarship Fund” in the memo section of the check, and mail it to the Farm Bureau office at 1670 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027.

New American AgCredit Temecula facility under construction

Escondido office will join with Riverside

Come September, the American AgCredit staff in Escondido will pack its bags and head north to move into a brand-new 8,630 square foot Temecula facility, where they will share space and staff with the Riverside branch of American AgCredit.

The company chose the Temecula site due to its central location within Southern California, from which they will continue to serve their agricultural clients in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties. With Escondido Branch Manager, Gregg Warren leading the newly combined team, and Dan Elder, the Riverside Branch Manager, overseeing marketing efforts for the Southern California Region, the company believes the new efficiencies coming from the merge will serve its customers even better.

“Our commitment to servicing the local agricultural community means that we will be able to better understand and respond to the needs of our customers in this region,” Warren said. “Considering the vitality of the area, American AgCredit will continue to make agricultural financing available for many years to come.”

Founded in 1916, American AgCredit is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, and is the nation’s 7th largest Farm Credit cooperative. American AgCredit specializes in providing financial services to agriculture and rural customers throughout California and Nevada, as well as to capital markets customers in 27 states across the nation.

Financial services provided by American AgCredit include production and mortgage financing, short- and long-term loans, real estate loans, equipment and vehicle leasing, lines of credit, and a Young, Beginning and Small Farmer Program. The organization also provides interest-free loans for qualifying 4-H and FFA AgYouth programs, as well as college scholarships for youths pursuing an education and careers in agriculture.

For more information about American AgCredit’s financial services, call (800) 800-4865, or visit www.agloan.com for a list of offices by region.

How much liability insurance do you need?

Contributed by Nationwide Insurance. California Farm Bureau Federation sponsors and endorses the Nationwide family of companies, which is America’s No. 1 farm insurer.

Liability insurance can help protect your assets from lawsuits that sometimes cost millions of dollars. It can save you from losing your business, home, property, or investments. It helps cover your exposure to liability risks associated with your farm, business, home, car and personal interactions.

But how much? To gauge how much liability insurance you need, consider your risks or liabilities: business operations, risk exposures, cars, drivers, homes, additional properties and other exposures. Liability insurance for your farm is usually a reasonable business cost when you consider how devastating even one claim could be to defend against.

There are several ways to gauge how much liability insurance you should have for your farm. California Farm Bureau endorses Allied/Nationwide Insurance, and recommends using the expertise of an Allied or Nationwide agent to determine your coverage needs.

Costs. Premium costs depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of liability coverage you carry, and the type of activities your business performs. An insurance agent who understands your business and its exposures makes a valuable partner in helping you decide the right level of coverage. 

Keeping costs down. Let’s say, based on your assets and the amount of liability your farm faces, you’d like $3 million of liability coverage. Rather than purchase these higher liability limits, you may want to purchase $1 million in liability coverage and $2 million in umbrella coverage. Umbrella coverages are usually less costly than the higher limit liability policies. You’re also covering any gap in your base insurance policy limits as well as your liability coverage, and may save money. Ask your agent if this is an option for you, and get a cost comparison.

You can help reduce your liability costs by avoiding losses in the first place. Many insurers, such as Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance, have loss control specialists who can review your risk exposures and recommend how to decrease risks while increasing safety to avoid losses.  
Purchasing liability insurance to protect your assets and help offset risks is critically important. This is not an area in which you should consider cutting corners. It could mean the difference between losing your farm or keeping your assets to pass down to the next generation.

Additional liability exposures

If you answer yes to any questions below, check with your agent to see how you can close coverage gaps you may have.

Products Liability. Do you sell products directly to the public for consumption?

Ag Tourism.  Does your farm host corn mazes, hay rides or “public” events?

Equine Operations.  Do you board, breed or train horses?

Custom Farming.  Is custom farming a significant business activity?

Milk Spoilage. Does your farm policy exclude coverage if your milk contaminates the milk of others when placed into a tank together?

Pollution. Does your farm policy exclude liability arising out of pollution events?