FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Native lawmakers and agricultural leaders tour Salinas ARS station, emphasizing the necessity for expanded funding for natural farming analysis.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct. 23, 2024 — The Natural Farming Analysis Basis (OFRF) hosted Consultant Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Consultant Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and their employees alongside agricultural leaders and stakeholders for a area day go to to the USDA’s Agricultural Analysis Service (ARS) Salinas station. The go to highlighted the essential natural farming analysis led by Dr. Eric Brennan, emphasizing the necessity for elevated funding to make sure the continuity and enlargement of this impactful work.
Dr. Brennan’s analysis focuses on climate-smart and natural farming practices, significantly cowl cropping and improved soil administration. His efforts have offered sensible, science-based options that enhance farm resilience, cut back environmental impression, and improve sustainability for each natural and traditional producers. Nevertheless, regardless of the success of those tasks, funding has remained stagnant for the reason that mid-2000s, risking the lack of important experience and analysis developments. OFRF commends Representatives Lofgren and Panetta for his or her energetic curiosity and assist in championing natural agriculture. Their management is significant to advancing natural analysis, which advantages farmers, customers, and the atmosphere. Within the higher Bay Space, from Monterey to Sonoma counties, over 1,550 natural producers are producing practically $1.4 billion in annual product sales—underscoring the importance of natural agriculture as a major financial driver on this area.
“The 18th Congressional District is residence to a thriving agricultural trade, and due to the USDA’s Agricultural Analysis Service Salinas station, additionally it is a hub for cutting-edge natural ag analysis,” mentioned Congresswoman Lofgren. “Scientists’ work to mitigate crop illnesses and promote sustainable manufacturing practices will assist defend farmers’ livelihoods and protect America’s meals provide in the long run. In Congress, I’ll proceed to assist initiatives that advance our understanding of natural crops and enhance the ag financial system in California and nationwide.”
“Our farmers on the Central Coast depend on a strong R&D pipeline to share the bounty of our residence with the remainder of the world,” mentioned Rep. Panetta. “The work of native researchers on the USDA’s Agricultural Analysis Station Salinas helps to enhance soil well being, pest administration, and local weather resilience for natural and traditional farms in California’s nineteenth Congressional District and throughout the nation. I look ahead to making certain that the federal authorities performs its half in order that our innovation continues to bolster our agriculture.”
Regardless of natural agriculture’s rising market share, lower than one % of ARS funding is allotted to natural analysis, which has restricted innovation and assist for natural producers. OFRF has advocated for extra strong funding for these initiatives, emphasizing their broader advantages, together with enhanced soil well being, lowered pesticide use, and improved financial and environmental resilience for farmers.
“Over 20 years in the past, OFRF efficiently advocated for Congress to create a analysis place at USDA’s Salinas station to focus particularly on natural farming,” mentioned Brise Tencer, Government Director of OFRF. “Dr. Brennan’s work has immediately helped regional producers implement good soil well being practices, advance climate-friendly agriculture, and dramatically improve the variety of acres with cowl crops in California. That is the kind of analysis funding we need to see extra of.”
Dr. Brennan’s analysis has led to improved soil well being, increased crop yields, and extra sustainable pest and weed administration practices, empowering farmers throughout the area to thrive in an more and more aggressive market. Nevertheless, to take care of and increase this analysis, the undertaking requires a further $1.5 million yearly, which might assist hiring a second scientist and broaden the undertaking’s scope to handle rising challenges in natural farming.
Subject day attendees reiterated the important function of ongoing analysis in selling natural and sustainable farming practices, stressing the necessity for elevated funding to make sure the undertaking’s long-term success. The occasion introduced collectively leaders from the agricultural sector, together with:
- Dr. Invoice Wintermantel, Analysis Chief, USDA-ARS
- Jo Ann Baumgartner, Government Director, Wild Farm Alliance
- Jennifer Clarke, Government Director, California Leafy Greens Analysis Program
- Phil Foster, native small vegetable farmer/analysis collaborator at Pinnacle Organically Grown Produce
- Roy Fuentes, native strawberry farmer/analysis collaborator at Fuentes Berry Farms
- Christopher Valadez, President/CEO, Grower-Shipper Affiliation of Central California
Following the sector excursions, discussions sparked a number of essential insights concerning the significance of continued funding in natural agriculture analysis. Listed here are the important thing takeaways from the occasion:
- Resilience and Local weather Adaptation: Investing in natural agriculture analysis builds resilience in opposition to local weather change, offering regionally related options for natural administration.
- Excessive Return on Funding: For each greenback invested in agricultural analysis, there’s a $20 return to the financial system, benefiting rural communities and native companies.
- Nationwide Demand for Natural Merchandise: Continued analysis is important to closing the hole between home manufacturing and rising client demand for natural merchandise, lowering reliance on imports.
For extra info and to remain up to date on coverage developments, join OFRF’s e-newsletter that includes Gordon’s Coverage Nook, a month-to-month replace from our Senior Coverage & Packages Supervisor.
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About Natural Farming Analysis Basis
About OFRF: The Natural Farming Analysis Basis (OFRF), headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, with a distant staff based mostly throughout the U.S., works to foster the development and widespread adoption of natural farming methods. OFRF cultivates natural analysis, schooling, and federal insurance policies that convey extra farmers and acreage into natural manufacturing. For extra details about OFRF, please go to our web site: http://www.ofrf.org/.
Media Contact:
Ashley Dulaney, Communications Director, OFRF
ashley@ofrf.orf
P.O. Field 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
