UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

A man wearing a tan baseball cap with coffee plants and lush foliage in the background
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California agritourism can learn from small farms in Puerto Rico

April 16th, 2025
By Kristen Farrar
Agritourism plays in important role in diversifying income and developing new markets for products. Statewide agritourism coordinator, Rachael Callahan, weighs in on the potential for agritourism to serve as a safety net, supporting the resiliency of California agriculture after disaster.
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Ngodoo Atume with farmer
Article

Statewide team to assist small farms with SGMA

April 2nd, 2025
By Ngodoo Atume, Kristen Farrar
California relies on groundwater - water stored in underground aquifers and pumped through wells - for up to 41% of water supply in normal years and up to 60% during times of drought. In 2014, the California legislature signed into law the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) with the primary goal…
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Agritourism Intensive 2013 - 2014

The "Agritourism Intensive" classes, offered in Ventura, Monterey and Riverside Counties, were three-session agritourism planning courses offered by UC Cooperative Extension, the UC Small Farm Program and local partners for farmers and ranchers starting or growing their agritourism or nature tourism...
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USDA offers compensation for discrimination claims

The USDA claims website is www.farmerclaims.gov. Notice from USDA: If you believe that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation.
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Bittermelon

Small Farm Prepared by: Richard H. Molinar, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor, Fresno County Michael Yang, UC Agricultural Assistant, Fresno County Karen M. Klonsky, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, UC Davis Richard L.
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Solanum Family - eggplant, Thai pepper

Thai Pepper - (Capsicum annuum): other varieties are grown as well, including the jalapeo, serrano, etc. The Thai peppers are very hot (hotter than the jalapeo and serrano), which does not diminish when cooked.
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Starting a Cooperative

Core group meets to clarify need and the potential use of a cooperative as a solution. Hold meeting of potential members to discuss forming a cooperative. Select steering committee. Conduct economic feasibility analysis. Survey potential feasibility analysis. Conduct market research and analysis.
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