A graphical design aid has been developed for estimating the width needed to achieve target trapping efficiencies for different pollutants under a broad range of agricultural site conditions. Simple rules guide the selection of buffer design that best describes a given field situation by considering field length and cover management, slope, and soil texture.
Read the full article at: www.unl.edu/nac/research/2008bufferwidth.pdf
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Agroforestry Cited As Potential Solution to Global Food Crisis
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Mr. Olivier De Schutter, calls on decision-makers gathering in New York for the UN Conference on World Financial and Economic Crisis not to forget the global food prices crisis. This crisis is continuing in many countries. It is connected not only with the financial and economic crises, but also with the climatic/environmental crisis.
“Agroecological farming approaches such as agroforestry or low-external input agriculture have demonstrated their high potential, especially in the difficult environments where vulnerable groups live”, says Mr. De Schutter.
“Agroecological farming approaches such as agroforestry or low-external input agriculture have demonstrated their high potential, especially in the difficult environments where vulnerable groups live”, says Mr. De Schutter.
Small Scale Food Processing - Needs Assessment Survey
The Small Scale Food Processing Association is requesting your participation in an on-line web survey that will aide in assessing the technological needs of the food and beverage processing industry in British Columbia.
The survey results will assist the SSFPA in developing a program to provide the food processing industry with financial resources required to implement innovative approaches to product, process and/or skills development. The program will be developed in consultation with the BCFPA, food technologists and the funding body.
The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. This is strictly a needs assessment survey and privacy is assured.
To participate in the survey visit: survey is now closed
The survey results will assist the SSFPA in developing a program to provide the food processing industry with financial resources required to implement innovative approaches to product, process and/or skills development. The program will be developed in consultation with the BCFPA, food technologists and the funding body.
The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. This is strictly a needs assessment survey and privacy is assured.
To participate in the survey visit: survey is now closed
Thursday, June 25, 2009
New Edition of "North American Agroforestry" Available
A new edition of North American Agroforestry: An Integrated Science and Practice, Second Edition
published by the American Society of Agronomy adds to the popularity of agroforestry and builds upon the science. It brings together leading scientists who explain the basic concepts and ecological foundations of agroforestry, present specific management practices and strategies, and discuss economic and policy issues.
This new text summarizes the significant body of research that has occurred since the first edition was published; in addition, our understanding of establishing these systems is advanced by the authors addressing the economics and human and institutional dimensions of agroforestry.
From large-scale installations of riparian buffers to family-scale forest farming, agroforestry is a technology that has truly 'come of age.' Creating consumer markets for forest-grown products, reducing nonpoint source pollution, protecting waterfowl habitat, diversifying small farm operations-these are just a few of the ways agroforestry is moving to the forefront. Agroforestry provides many opportunities to meet the needs of landowners and natural resource professionals while keeping the family farm viable and the environment in which we live healthy.
Readers will learn the fundamentals of the main agroforestry practices, with detailed case studies and examples, as well as strategies for addressing the financial viability of new practices and navigating policy. In addition to updating the original topics, this edition includes a discussion of tree-crop interactions, agroforestry product markets and marketing, and wildlife benefits. Each chapter includes a set of study questions. Taken together, these chapters, contributed by recognized authorities in their fields, demonstrate that agroforestry has the potential to advance North America's land stewardship by converting degraded lands, protecting sensitive lands, and diversifying farm and forest production systems.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America are prominent international scientific societies headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The Societies specialize in peer-reviewed, high-quality science titles for a wide variety of audiences.
Some of the many areas we publish in include:
-Soils Methods and Management
-Crop Development and Improvement
-Agrosystem Management and the Global Food Crisis
-Environmental Conservation and Climatology
published by the American Society of Agronomy adds to the popularity of agroforestry and builds upon the science. It brings together leading scientists who explain the basic concepts and ecological foundations of agroforestry, present specific management practices and strategies, and discuss economic and policy issues.This new text summarizes the significant body of research that has occurred since the first edition was published; in addition, our understanding of establishing these systems is advanced by the authors addressing the economics and human and institutional dimensions of agroforestry.
From large-scale installations of riparian buffers to family-scale forest farming, agroforestry is a technology that has truly 'come of age.' Creating consumer markets for forest-grown products, reducing nonpoint source pollution, protecting waterfowl habitat, diversifying small farm operations-these are just a few of the ways agroforestry is moving to the forefront. Agroforestry provides many opportunities to meet the needs of landowners and natural resource professionals while keeping the family farm viable and the environment in which we live healthy.
Readers will learn the fundamentals of the main agroforestry practices, with detailed case studies and examples, as well as strategies for addressing the financial viability of new practices and navigating policy. In addition to updating the original topics, this edition includes a discussion of tree-crop interactions, agroforestry product markets and marketing, and wildlife benefits. Each chapter includes a set of study questions. Taken together, these chapters, contributed by recognized authorities in their fields, demonstrate that agroforestry has the potential to advance North America's land stewardship by converting degraded lands, protecting sensitive lands, and diversifying farm and forest production systems.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America are prominent international scientific societies headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The Societies specialize in peer-reviewed, high-quality science titles for a wide variety of audiences.
Some of the many areas we publish in include:
-Soils Methods and Management
-Crop Development and Improvement
-Agrosystem Management and the Global Food Crisis
-Environmental Conservation and Climatology
Okanagan Food Portal and Mapping Project
June 30th: 10:30 am
BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
4607 23rd Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 4K7
Come learn about the project, share your ideas and contribute to crafting the local food directory, website and food portal for the North Okanagan region.
Following last months session and input on the major themes and priorities, we want to present the project so far, and review the next steps.
This initiative is organized jointly between Food Action Society of the North Okanagan and UBC-Okanagan as part of a graduate research project.
For more info and to RSVP: contact Pamela (250) 938-2310 or okanaganfood@gmail.com
BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
4607 23rd Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 4K7
Come learn about the project, share your ideas and contribute to crafting the local food directory, website and food portal for the North Okanagan region.
Following last months session and input on the major themes and priorities, we want to present the project so far, and review the next steps.
This initiative is organized jointly between Food Action Society of the North Okanagan and UBC-Okanagan as part of a graduate research project.
For more info and to RSVP: contact Pamela (250) 938-2310 or okanaganfood@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
New Canadian Organic Regulations Posted
For those agroforestry producers interested in Organic Certification, the Canada Organic Office has announced that the Organic Products Regulations, 2009 were published today (June 24, 2009) and come into force on June 30, 2009. The objective of the Organic Products Regulations are to facilitate international market access, provide protection to consumers against deceptive and misleading labeling practices through a uniform approach to organic product certification and labeling, and support the further development of the domestic market.
Monday, June 22, 2009
FBCWA / WPDC 2009 AGM
The West Kootenay Woodlot Association is proud to host the Federation of British Columbia Woodlot Associations' 22nd and the Woodlot Product Development Council's 12th Annual General Meetings on September 24-26, 2009.
The meetings will be held in the historic small village of Kaslo on the shores of Kootenay Lake, so the setting and flavour of the AGM will be rural small town. Kaslo and area were part of the silver rush of the 1890’s and have a long history of logging, mining, agriculture and independent thinking. Kaslo has one main street so you never have far to go to participate in the many and varied program items being offered.
This year's theme is "Employing Diversity" and anyone travelling to the area will certainly view a diverse landscape. The area is immersed in diversity with low elevation stands containing nine coniferous species. Non-timber forest resources and recreation abound. Yet most woodlots still can’t make a buck these days. The program will address approaches to how some of the diverse opportunities in our forests can contribute to the bottom line.
The meetings will be held in the historic small village of Kaslo on the shores of Kootenay Lake, so the setting and flavour of the AGM will be rural small town. Kaslo and area were part of the silver rush of the 1890’s and have a long history of logging, mining, agriculture and independent thinking. Kaslo has one main street so you never have far to go to participate in the many and varied program items being offered.
This year's theme is "Employing Diversity" and anyone travelling to the area will certainly view a diverse landscape. The area is immersed in diversity with low elevation stands containing nine coniferous species. Non-timber forest resources and recreation abound. Yet most woodlots still can’t make a buck these days. The program will address approaches to how some of the diverse opportunities in our forests can contribute to the bottom line.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Alley Cropping Feature Article at ASA Website
An article featuring alley cropping is highlighted in the American Society of Agronomy news.
"Alley cropping is the practice of planting rows of trees (single or multiple), at wide spacings, creating alleyways within which agricultural or horticultural crops are produced. In contrast to its use in the tropics, in the temperate zone less emphasis is placed on using trees to restore and maintain soil fertility and productivity."
"Alley cropping is the practice of planting rows of trees (single or multiple), at wide spacings, creating alleyways within which agricultural or horticultural crops are produced. In contrast to its use in the tropics, in the temperate zone less emphasis is placed on using trees to restore and maintain soil fertility and productivity."
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
New Tree Fruit Varieties Development Council AGM 2009
New Tree Fruit Varieties Development Council AGM
Thursday, June 18, 2009 starting at 7 pm
Summerland Library, 9525 Wharton, Summerland, BC
An information session of interest to 'Ambrosia', 'Aurora' and 'Nicola' growers and others interested producers.
For more information please contact Bruce Currie at bbcurrie@telus.net
Thursday, June 18, 2009 starting at 7 pm
Summerland Library, 9525 Wharton, Summerland, BC
An information session of interest to 'Ambrosia', 'Aurora' and 'Nicola' growers and others interested producers.
For more information please contact Bruce Currie at bbcurrie@telus.net
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wildcrafting Class, July 2009
The Art of Wild Crafting,
July 7-10, 2009
Foxglove Farm, Salt Spring Island.
Led by naturalist and geographer Briony Penn and presented by The Centre for Arts, Ecology & Agriculture. You will learn how to identify and harvest native foods, how to supplement farmed food with food from the wild and how to establish native plants in your own garden to help restore local biodiversity. $195 + GST (includes meals).
July 7-10, 2009
Foxglove Farm, Salt Spring Island.
Led by naturalist and geographer Briony Penn and presented by The Centre for Arts, Ecology & Agriculture. You will learn how to identify and harvest native foods, how to supplement farmed food with food from the wild and how to establish native plants in your own garden to help restore local biodiversity. $195 + GST (includes meals).
Friday, June 12, 2009
Agroforestry going mainstream for protecting the climate
As reported today at www.coolproposal.org, agroforestry and forest gardening are gaining recognition as a climate mitigation tool. The benefits of farming with perennials for the tackling climate change are presented in a new Worldwatch Report: "Mitigating Climate Change Through Food and Land Use".
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Agriculture 2.0 Conference
Agriculture 2.0: The Conference for Innovators & Investors
September 17, 2009
8 am - 6 pm
Marriott Financial Center, New York, New York
A conference for alternative agriculture entrepreneurs and investors interested in learning more about the industry. Entrepreneurs are producing breakthrough technologies that can help create a post-industrial food system that is less resource intensive, more locally-based, and easier to monitor and control. This conference will introduce these entrepreneurs to investors and open the doors to collaboration, capital and long-term success. Areas represented will include sustainable growing systems, controlled climate growing systems, building integrated agriculture, urban agriculture, closed loop irrigation and waste processing systems, mobile food processing, aquaculture and appropriately-scaled marketing and distribution systems.
Registration opens June 29th.
September 17, 2009
8 am - 6 pm
Marriott Financial Center, New York, New York
A conference for alternative agriculture entrepreneurs and investors interested in learning more about the industry. Entrepreneurs are producing breakthrough technologies that can help create a post-industrial food system that is less resource intensive, more locally-based, and easier to monitor and control. This conference will introduce these entrepreneurs to investors and open the doors to collaboration, capital and long-term success. Areas represented will include sustainable growing systems, controlled climate growing systems, building integrated agriculture, urban agriculture, closed loop irrigation and waste processing systems, mobile food processing, aquaculture and appropriately-scaled marketing and distribution systems.
Registration opens June 29th.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Poplar and Willow: Challenge and Change - Abstract Submission Reminder
Reminder that the deadline for abstracts (300 words or less) is due July 20, 2009. Please indicate preference for poster or oral presentation. Send abstracts to Dr. John Kort at john.kort@agr.gc.ca
Poplar and Willow - Challenge and Change
September 28 - 30, 2009
Hosted by the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Agroforestry Division in Partnership with the Poplar Council of Canada (PCC)
All members, researchers and practitioners are invited to attend.
Two half-day technical sessions, featuring poster and oral presentations, will be held in Regina, SK. A full day research field tour will take place near Indian Head, SK and will feature the Agroforestry Division's poplar & willow research. The field tour will showcase the Division's work in tree breeding, biomass research, biotic and abiotic stresses and environmental impacts and uses of poplar and willow.
For more information or to register for this event, please contact the AAFC Agroforestry Division at 866-766-2284, agroforestry@agr.gc.ca
Poplar and Willow - Challenge and Change
September 28 - 30, 2009
Hosted by the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Agroforestry Division in Partnership with the Poplar Council of Canada (PCC)
All members, researchers and practitioners are invited to attend.
Two half-day technical sessions, featuring poster and oral presentations, will be held in Regina, SK. A full day research field tour will take place near Indian Head, SK and will feature the Agroforestry Division's poplar & willow research. The field tour will showcase the Division's work in tree breeding, biomass research, biotic and abiotic stresses and environmental impacts and uses of poplar and willow.
For more information or to register for this event, please contact the AAFC Agroforestry Division at 866-766-2284, agroforestry@agr.gc.ca
Friday, June 5, 2009
Showcase Your Agroforestry Production at Feast of Fields Okanagan
The Feast of Fields is coming to the Okanagan, August 23 at Valentine Farm in Summerland.
There's an impressive group of chefs attending and they need your food to make it happen.
If you need a chef to represent your food and your work, give the Feast organizers a call. Specialty products are in strong demand, but so are all the staples: garlic, onions, salad greens, fruit and baby root vegetables, tomatoes and herbs.
There's an impressive group of chefs attending and they need your food to make it happen.
If you need a chef to represent your food and your work, give the Feast organizers a call. Specialty products are in strong demand, but so are all the staples: garlic, onions, salad greens, fruit and baby root vegetables, tomatoes and herbs.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Okanagan Eco-Restoration Conference - Call for Papers
Call for Papers, Posters, and Field Trip Leaders for the upcoming "Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable Landscape - Working co-operatively to restore Okanagan-Similkameen ecosystems and sustainable communities." A regional conference to be held in Naramata, November 7 - 9, 2009.
Co-organized by the Society for Ecological Restoration, BC Chapter, and the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance.
This conference will bring together a wide range of land stewards who will share their experiences and methods of caring for the region. Collectively, they will explore ways of connecting the ideas, people, and, ultimately, the landscapes represented. This conference acknowledges the positive role that people can play in the restoration, management, and protection of ecosystems as we continue to advance toward a more sustainable future together.
Major themes of this conference include:
Co-organized by the Society for Ecological Restoration, BC Chapter, and the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance.
This conference will bring together a wide range of land stewards who will share their experiences and methods of caring for the region. Collectively, they will explore ways of connecting the ideas, people, and, ultimately, the landscapes represented. This conference acknowledges the positive role that people can play in the restoration, management, and protection of ecosystems as we continue to advance toward a more sustainable future together.
Major themes of this conference include:
- Enhancing biological diversity across the landscape and protecting species at risk through ecological restoration.
- Restoration of riparian forests and wetland habitat, and the relationship that water plays in surrounding ecosystems.
- Managing the threats of invasive exotic species.
- First Nations ecocultural restoration initiatives.
- Ecological restoration’s role on sustainable agriculture and the agro-industries.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program Announced
The new Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program was announced by Federal Minister of Agriculture Ritz at the Lacombe Research Centre this week. The Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program will invest $158M to support industry led-applied science and innovation strategy initiatives aimed at accelerating the pace of innovation and facilitating the adoption of new technologies.
The four initiatives that comprise the Program are as follows:
* Agri-Foresight will help the sector anticipate possible future challenges and opportunities. Partners and stakeholders will design, plan and take leadership by creating innovation strategies for enhanced sector profitability.
* Canadian Agri-Science Clusters will help industry-led agricultural organizations pull together national scientific and technical resources to establish clusters that support innovation for enhanced profitability and competitiveness.
* Developing Innovative Agri-Products will leverage funds to support innovative opportunities and industry-led science and technology projects that bridge the gap between ideas and discoveries and products in the marketplace. These investments will payoff as innovation creates new economic opportunities for farmers, agri-businesses and communities.
* Promoting Agri-Based Investment Opportunities will create linkages that encourage private investment in the development of innovative agricultural products, practices and processes by bringing together and encouraging networks of potential investors and agri-entrepreneurs.
The four initiatives that comprise the Program are as follows:
* Agri-Foresight will help the sector anticipate possible future challenges and opportunities. Partners and stakeholders will design, plan and take leadership by creating innovation strategies for enhanced sector profitability.
* Canadian Agri-Science Clusters will help industry-led agricultural organizations pull together national scientific and technical resources to establish clusters that support innovation for enhanced profitability and competitiveness.
* Developing Innovative Agri-Products will leverage funds to support innovative opportunities and industry-led science and technology projects that bridge the gap between ideas and discoveries and products in the marketplace. These investments will payoff as innovation creates new economic opportunities for farmers, agri-businesses and communities.
* Promoting Agri-Based Investment Opportunities will create linkages that encourage private investment in the development of innovative agricultural products, practices and processes by bringing together and encouraging networks of potential investors and agri-entrepreneurs.
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