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S C A W I S D O M S U C C E S S SPECTOR CORBETT A R C H I T E C T S I N C 54-C PENNY LANE, WATSONVILLE, CA 831-319-4045 SPECTORCORBETT.COM SCA ARE THE ARCHITECTS FOR AGRI-BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY • COLD STORAGE • DISTRIBUTION CENTERS • PRODUCE HANDLING • FOOD PROCESSING • • INDOOR CULTIVATION • GREENHOUSES • OFFICE & LABS • SUPPORT FACILITIES • • MANUFACTURING • WAREHOUSE • RENOVATIONS & NEW DEVELOPMENT • LAKESIDE ORGANIC GARDENS, WATSONVILLE Consumer Demand Creating New Opportunities for Organic Growers The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agricul- ture (USDA) shows double digit growth in the organic sector—an increase of 13% between the end of 2015 and 2016. There are now 24,650 certified organic operations in the U.S. and 37,032 around the world. Over the past two decades, demand for organic prod- ucts has skyrocketed, with organic sales growing from $3.7B in 1997 to over $47B today. Driven in part by the significant environmental, biological, and health ben- efits of organic agriculture, consumers are opting for organic and recognize the value of paying a premium for a more sustainable prod- uct. Over 82% of house- holds buy organic products. Organic sales account for over 5% of total U.S. retail food sales, 13% of all fruits and vegetables, and 8% of all dairy products. There is growing demand, yet we are not seeing proportional growth in U.S. organic acreage or the num- ber of organic operations. As a result, domestic supply continues to lag, causing a significant portion of the U.S. demand to be met with imports. Organic products command a higher market price, creating unique mar- ket opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Having more U.S. farmers transition to organic production is an economic opportunity to strengthen the agricultural sector. What will it take for more farmers and acreage to transition to organic pro- duction? Local Representative Intro- duces Organic Agriculture Research Act Organic farmers face unique challenges—from the availability of organic seeds, crop cultivars, and livestock breeds adapted to organic systems—to using approved organic methods to cope with weeds and pests. As consumer demand for organ- ic products soars, there is a growing need for solutions to organic farming challeng- es, as well as training for future agriculture producers and leaders. One way that we can help organic farmers and those transitioning to organic farming is by investing in agricultural research. In 2002, the USDA created the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Ini- tiative (OREI) grant program with an annual budget of $15 million. Unfortunately, this public investment in or- ganic research has remained relatively level for the past decade. We now have an opportunity to support increased funding for organic research in the upcoming Farm Bill. On May 16th, Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Organic Agri- culture Research Act, which will raise funding for OREI from $20 million to $50 million annually. The Organic Farming Re- search Foundation (OFRF) draed language and advocated for passage of OREI in the 2002 Farm Bill, and was instrumental in the introduction of the Organic Agriculture Research Act. OFRF is a non-profit organi- zation based in Santa Cruz, California that has been working for the continuous improvement and wide- spread adoption of organic farming systems for nearly three decades. In addition to advocating for increased public investment, OFRF has awarded $3.2 million in research grants in 40 states, Mexico, and Canada. "Since its inception, OREI has developed a substantial body of research-based information and tools to support the success of organic farmers across the U.S.," according to Brise Tencer, Executive Director at OFRF. "At a time when the demand for organic food is increasing, it is critical that we increase both public and private funding for research that supports this promising opportunity in rural commu- nities across the U.S." "OREI funding has been crit- ical in solving problems and developing ways for farmers to increase productivity, prevent loss, and stream- line their operations," said Congresswoman Pingree. "But insufficient funding has led to many unmet research needs and missed opportunities. The Organic Agriculture Research Act would increase funding to reflect the industry's growth in the market and maintain its momentum." In 2015, OFRF conducted a national survey of certi- fied organic producers and hosted 21 listening sessions. They used responses from nearly 2,000 farmers to map the need for future research investment in its 2016 National Organic Research Agenda. They also published an analysis of USDA organic research investments. To- gether, these reports provide an in-depth understanding of the state of organic agri- culture in the U.S., and the research needed to increase both the number of organic farms and acres. Sidebar: It is clear that continued public investment is needed in: •Variety development for organic systems •Soil health, weed manage- ment •Livestock health and breeding •Commodities that have received minimal research such as organic beef, pork, turkey, rice, cotton, tree nuts, herbs, and flowers Congressman Panetta also recently joined with Rodney Davis (R-IL), to initiate the bipartisan Congressional Agriculture Research Cau- cus. The Caucus focuses on topics related to agricul- ture research, innovation, and mechanization efforts. Upon announcement of the caucus, Panetta said, "As a representative of the Salad Bowl of the World, I believe it is of the utmost impor- tance to equip our growers, shippers, and farmworkers with the most effective tools possible." Panetta supports research for plant breed- ing, crop protection, and mechanization as potential remedies for the water and land limitations farmers face along with the severe labor shortage. OREI and ORG represent a long-term investment that needs to be sustained with increased funding in order to ensure the continued growth of the organic sector. At a time when the demand for organic products is increas- ing, it is critical that we con- tinue funding the research needed to produce a healthy and sustainable organic food system that supports the economic success of organic farmers across the U.S. Heading into the next Farm Bill, House Agriculture Committee members will be gathering input from farm- ers, ranchers, and stakehold- ers from around the country. Several programs key to the success of organic agri- culture are under threat of elimination. It is vital that these policy makers hear di- rectly from organic farmers, researchers, and advocates. To be notified of upcoming listening sessions and other opportunities to weigh in, sign up to receive Action Alerts from OFRF at ofrf.org. Photo: L-R: Daryl G Wong, Farm Site and Research Lands Manager, UCSC; Tom Broz, Live Earth Farm, President Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau; Congressman Jimmy Panetta; Mark Lipson, Molino Creek Farm, OFRF Senior Policy and Program Specialist; Jeff Larkey, Route 1 Farms, Brise Tencer, OFRF Executive Director -Provided Photo 2017 Bill Barker Memorial Golf Tournament Monterey County Farm Bureau supports the people that work the land. MCFB serves as a collective voice for farmers and ranchers and provides information, benefits and services to members. MCFB cooper- ates with other agricultural organizations to fulfill its purpose of working for solu- tions to the problems of the farm, the farm home and the rural community. The Bill Barker Memorial Golf Tournament is one of the most important fundraisers all year and we encourage you to partici- pate as an event sponsor or a player - or both. Mark your calendar for Thursday, August 24th and get ready to have a blast at Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses, along the Monterey Coast in Seaside. The Four-Player Scramble with Modified Callaway Scoring System Tournament plays on Both Courses with a shot-gun start at 11 a.m. Registration desk opens and putting contest begins at 9:30 a.m. Awards banquet immediate- ly following tournament at 4 p.m. and includes a buffet dinner, awards, and a raffle. Registrations and sponsor- ships are available now. Visit montereycfb.com for more details and information. Monterey County 2016 Crop Valued at $4.25 Billion Agricultural Commissioner Eric Lauritzen announced on June 27, 2017 that the 2016 crop report reflects a production value of $4.25 billion for Monterey County as he released the county's annual Crop Report. Overall value decreased 9.5% or $449 million from the previous year. Lauritzen noted that crop values vary from year to year based on production, market, and weather conditions. The decrease in total crop value for 2016 is primarily the result of market conditions affecting many core veg- etable crops with eight of the County's top ten crops showing decreases from 2015 values. This is largely due to stable production but stagnant prices. Some highlights from the Crop Report include Leaf lettuce which retained the top spot in 2016 with an estimated value of $783 million, a 10% decrease. At number two, strawber- ry values of $725 million remained nearly the same as in 2015. Head lettuce value of $478 million showed a 25% decline due to lower production, but it remained firmly as the number three crop. The wine grape sector was the lone standout among the top ten crops in 2016 with a 28.5% increase, aer a below-average year in 2015. Total nursery crop value declined by 12%, in part be- cause many greenhouses are being transitioned to medi- cal cannabis production. This year's report highlights the wine and wine grape sector. A short video on Monterey County viticulture can be found on the Ag Commissioner's website at www.co.monterey.ca.us.