UC Diversified Agricultural Systems Program active in Mendocino and Lake Counties
UC Diversified Agricultural Systems Program active in Mendocino and Lake Counties Ukiah Daily Journal
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Ecological and Sustainable Agricultural Development for a Better Future
By Clebson Gomes Gonçalves, PhD
Ecological and sustainable agricultural development is considered essential for the local community’s future, preserving the environment, and guaranteeing healthy food.
Diversified agricultural systems are the core of agroecology, which has been proposed to achieve sustainable food systems. Diversified farms also are a promising strategy for farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change, reduce water use, and restore soil health. Growers and scientists have known for years that diversified farming systems have positive impacts on biodiversity and a multitude of ecosystem services. For example, crop rotation bases can break insect and disease cycles, reduce weed infestations, improve soil health and nutrients, conserve soil moisture, and so on.
However, there are few recommendations on how to implement strategies in diversified agricultural systems in a way that best suits the agroecological and socioeconomic challenges that farmers face, especially in the case of smallholders. In several cases, farmers often need help finding planting material (seeds, varieties, etc.) or available information on crops with a high potential for diversification and adaptation to different regions.
The University of California’s Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture
To address those challenges, the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) created a unique position (Diversified Agricultural Systems Advisor Program) dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental and sustainability issues.
The UC-Cooperative Extension – Diversified Agricultural Systems Program
The UC-Cooperative Extension – Diversified Agricultural Systems program that covers Mendocino and Lake Counties was created to implement an extension education and applied research program to develop and extend knowledge on high-priority initiatives on pomology and horticultural crops (i.e., pears, walnuts, and olives, as well as other niche crops such as vegetables, edible grains, seeds, nursery starts, ornamental crops, etc.) to an economically, culturally and socially diverse clientele. In collaboration with UCCE colleagues, the Diversified Agriculture advisor has worked to develop a strong integrated pest management (IPM) program to address ongoing problems faced by conventional and organic growers in the region and explore emerging technologies.
Building Relationships and Meeting Growers’ Needs
In this first year, the Diversified Agriculture advisor has dedicated himself to getting to know the region’s growers through personal visits, phone calls, e-mails, needs assessments, and meetings. His goal has been to introduce himself to the growers and get to know the stakeholders, the commodity board, and other potential collaborators within Mendocino and Lake Counties. The information and knowledge gained have been used to develop a research and extension program that meets the challenges and needs of growers in the region.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
If you would like more information about the UCCE Diversified Agricultural Systems Program, please get in touch with the UCCE Mendocino office in Ukiah to arrange a meeting. If you would like to join a mailing list for UCCE diversified agricultural systems newsletters and other information, please email (goncalves@ucanr.edu) and introduce yourself.
Visit Mendocino County – UC ANR webpage for more information at https://cemendocino.ucanr.edu/
Clebson Gomes Gonçalves, PhD is the Diversified Agriculture advisor for Lake & Mendocino Counties.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | The article mentions that diversified farming systems can reduce water use and restore soil health, which are indicators of sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | The article states that diversified farming systems have positive impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, indicating the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. | The article highlights the need for farmers to have access to information on crops with high potential for diversification and adaptation to different regions, indicating the importance of integrating sustainability information into agricultural practices. |
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Source: ukiahdailyjournal.com
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