A new tool designed to provide farmers and ranchers with key information about climate smart agriculture programs is now available online. The tool features a user-friendly map for users to explore, screen and efficiently identify regions for analysis, comparison and reporting. The intent is to place this information at the fingertips of farmers and ranchers, making the application process faster, and more efficient. The web-based tool, named RePlan (Regional Conservation and Development Planning Tool), comes as a result of a partnership between CDFA, the Strategic Growth Council, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and the Conservation Biology Institute. RePlan developers have created applications for two CDFA programs — the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) and the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). 

For HSP, RePlan combines site location technology and environmental datasets in a user-friendly website to assist applicants in determining eligible individual soil management practices as well as the compatibility of multiple practices.  

For AMMP, the tool combines relevant datasets with site location and analysis tools to identify practices that will reduce dairy and livestock methane emissions through the implementation of non-digester approaches. In one step, a farmer can model current and proposed practices, explore alternative practices, calculate the resulting emission reductions using California Air Resources Board tools, and submit a final proposal package for AMMP funding.  

The Partners

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) collaborates with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all. SGC also manages several grant programs funded by the California Climate Investments (CCI) that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing also providing a variety of other benefits – particularly in disadvantaged communities.  

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) studies future research and planning needs, fosters goal-driven collaboration, and provides guidance to state partners and local communities, with a focus on land use and community development, climate risk and resilience, and high-road economic development. 

The Conservation Biology Institute (CBI) applies the best science and technology available to accelerate the conservation, recovery, and adaptation of biological diversity in a fast-changing world. Their expertise includes GIS and decision-support tools, global forest conservation, landscape modeling, water, energy, and infrastructure development. CBI created Data Basin in response to the increased demand for geographic environmental and conservation data access, integration, interpretation, analysis, and sharing.  

Welcome to Earth Week! With the annual Earth Day recognition coming on April 22, CDFA is taking this opportunity to discuss its environmental stewardship work throughout the week.

Because agriculture is dependent on a healthy and stable environment, environmental quality and protection are integral to CDFA’s activities.  Examples include Integrated Pest Management approaches in the Division of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, facilitating the expansion of zero emission vehicles at the Division of Measurement Standards, and lessening the impact of nitrogen in soils and groundwater through the work of the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP).

CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming & Innovation oversees and administers climate-focused programs like the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), the Healthy Soils Program, the Alternative Manure Management Program, and more. The objective of these programs is to incentivize practices that result in a net benefit for agriculture and the environment through innovation, efficient management, and science.

CDFA will share more information about its environmental programs on Earth Day with a webinar via Zoom that will be available for public participation, from 12 noon to 1:30 pm. We hope you will join us! The pertinent information is below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86165655320

Passcode: CDFA@2022

Or One tap mobile :

US: +16699006833,,86165655320#,,,,*875550502#  or +12532158782,,86165655320#,,,,*875550502#

Or Telephone:

 Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

 US: +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592

Webinar ID: 861 6565 5320

Passcode: 875550502

International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/ko4JC6s5n

By Grace Toohey

Mayra Bahena had always been told to try to stay away from bees.

But then the Westminster High junior found herself head-to-toe in a white beekeeping suit, accepting thousands of bees on behalf of her high school’s new agriculture program addition.

“To willingly hold bees and be around them is so ironic and funny,” Bahena said. “I’ve never ever held that many bees in my life – it was something so new and exciting.”

Bahena is one of about 15 students helping establish California’s first high school beekeeping program, hoping to create a sanctuary at Westminster High for six queen bees and 60,000 worker bees to live, work and eventually produce honey, beeswax and other hive by-products.

“I was all in, it’s something so different,” said Bahena, who is a leader in the school’s FFA program, a student organization focused on leadership and career opportunities through agriculture education. “I know this is going to bring a lot of color and uniqueness to our school.”

Through a partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County and with startup funds from the USDA, Westminster High accepted the bees from local company Honey Pacifica, beginning the months-long process of caring for the bees, harvesting their honey and making marketable products.

While the high school already has an expansive agricultural program – including its 8-acre Giving Farm on which students grow donations for local food pantries, as well as projects to raise livestock and operate farming machinery – the beekeeping program will further enhance students’ educational opportunities and hands-on experiences, agriculture instructor Dave Eusantos said.

“These are city kids, and some of them they see bees, but they don’t give them a second thought and what that creature means to their food supply,” Eusantos said. “Learning about bees is so very fascinating, it’s a fantastic way to teach so many areas of agriculture science.”

Eusantos said he’s leaning heavily on the support and wisdom of Honey Pacifica owner Jon Poto to help jump-start the program. The program already has plans to grow a pollinator garden for the bees, and is working with other programs for studying marketing and culinary arts to help advertise and sell the students’ soon-to-be honey products.

Eusantos and Poto said they expect the school’s first batch of honey could be harvested by August or September.

Poto said his company’s involvement in the workforce development program at the high school is special because Honey Pacifica’s origins can be traced to his brother Frank’s high-school science project involving bees.

“This was the catalyst for our family’s journey into beekeeping,” he said. “We’re so excited to work with Westminster High School’s passionate students to bring this working bee colony to life, which we’re hoping will lead to a profitable honey endeavor.”

Community Action Partnership officials said they hope the program at Westminster High can become a model for other schools in the region, especially as projections show that income from the bee products should offset most costs to run the program, with volunteers and students providing the necessary workforce.

“​​These students have worked diligently to provide this colony of bees a safe home here at our Giving Farm and we’re confident they will take great care of them and produce quality, organic honey that locals will love,” Westminster High Principal Amy Sabol said.

While Eusantos said he understands not all the students in his agriculture classes or the FFA program are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture – Bahena hopes to study liberal arts in college – he knows the coursework and experiences are still so valuable. He said he’s focused on helping the teens better understand how they interact with food and materials, so they can be “responsible citizens.”

“I’m not trying to turn them into a farmer,” he said. “I’m trying to teach you about where your food and fiber comes from.

“I know the looks on the students’ faces and their body language as they were putting the bees into the beehives – it was a once in a lifetime experience,” he said. “That’s something that you can’t mimic in terms of a zoom meeting, … or YouTube video. Seeing it, hearing it, smelling it and feeling it, this hands-on, in-person experience is so valuable.”

Link to article on Orange County Register web site

The events of the last two years have shined a light on the pressures faced by California farmers, ranchers and farmworkers, and created a greater appreciation for their accomplishments. Many of these pressures are impacted by factors out of their control: climate change, drought, markets, weather, evolving policies and regulations, global supply chain issues, and geopolitcal events. Some of these seem unrelated individually, but they all have a very real impact on everyday decisions and efforts to maintain and expand viable businesses and family legacies.  

CDFA is committed to facilitating equitable mental health support and resources for farmers, farmworkers, and organizations that work directly with the agricultural community. In advance of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), we are introducing a new webpage to promote the Western Regional Agriculture Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP) and California’s CalHOPE network. The webpage and related outreach materials are available in English and Spanish. This project was made possible by a $500,000 grant from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

“We feel for the farming community and want to do all we can to help,” said CDFA secretary Karen Ross. “With all that is occurring in our world affecting agriculture and everyone involved in, it we are pleased to have a grant to expand partnerships and mental health support in our rural communities.”

CDFA and its partners will disseminate information and resources within agricultural communities to assist farmers and farmworkers needing mental health assistance. Additionally, partner organizations Cal AgrAbility (UC Davis) and CSU Fresno will host Question, Persuade, Respond (QPR) workshops, intended to teach individuals how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, as well as provide training for organizations assisting farmers and farmworkers in the Central Valley.

CalHOPE will disseminate brochures, radio spots, and digital ads in English and Spanish to ensure more farmers and farmworkers are aware of the existing mental health resources and can access help when they need it. An additional partner on this project, the California Health and Human Services Agency, operates the CalHOPE program, which delivers crisis support for communities.

There is a virtual public stakeholder meeting scheduled for May 6, 2022 to discuss challenges and opportunities for addressing farmer and farmworker health. Visit GrowMentalWellness.org for more information.

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In Spanish:

En anticipación del Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental, CDFA lanza un sitio de internet con recursos de salud mental para agricultores, ganaderos y trabajadores agrícolas

Los eventos de los últimos dos años han mostrado las presiones que enfrentan los agricultores, ganaderos y trabajadores agrícolas de California, y un mayor aprecio por sus logros. Muchas de estas presiones se ven afectadas por factores fuera de su control: cambio climático, sequía, mercados, clima, políticas y regulaciones en desarrollo, problemas de la cadena de suministro global y eventos geopolíticos. Algunos de estos parecen no estar relacionados individualmente, pero todos tienen un impacto muy real en las decisiones cotidianas y el impulso para mantener y expandir negocios viables y legados familiares.

CDFA se compromete a facilitar el apoyo y los recursos equitativos de salud mental para agricultores, trabajadores agrícolas y organizaciones que trabajan directamente con la comunidad agrícola. En anticipación del Mes de Concientización sobre la Salud Mental (mayo), estamos presentando una nueva página de internet para promover el Programa Regional de Asistencia para el Estrés Agrícola del Oeste (WRASAP, por sus siglas en inglés) y la red CalHOPE de California. La página web y los materiales de divulgación relacionados están disponibles en inglés y español. Este proyecto fue posible gracias a fondos económicos de $500,000 por parte del Instituto Nacional de Alimentos y Agricultura del USDA.

“Sentimos por la comunidad agrícola y queremos hacer todo lo posible para ayudar”, dijo la secretaria de CDFA, Karen Ross. “Con todo lo que está ocurriendo en nuestro mundo que afecta a la agricultura y a todos los que son parte, nos complace tener fondos para expandir las asociaciones y el apoyo a la salud mental en nuestras comunidades rurales.”

CDFA y sus socios compartirán información y recursos dentro de las comunidades agrícolas para ayudar a los agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas que necesitan asistencia para el estrés. Además, las organizaciones asociadas Cal AgrAbility (UC Davis) y CSU Fresno organizarán talleres de “Preguntar, Persuadir, Referir (QPR)”, que tiene como propósito a enseñar a las personas cómo reconocer las señales de alerta del suicidio, así como proporcionar capacitación para las organizaciones que ayudan a los agricultores y los trabajadores agrícolas en el Valle Central.

CalHOPE difundirá folletos, anuncios de radio y anuncios digitales en inglés y español para asegurar que más agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas conozcan los recursos disponibles y puedan obtener ayuda cuando la necesiten. Un socio adicional incluye la Agencia de Salud y Servicios Humanos de California, que maneja el programa CalHOPE y brinda apoyo en situaciones de crisis a las comunidades.

Habrá una reunión pública de partes interesadas, programada para el 6 de mayo del 2022 para discutir los retos y oportunidades para abordar la salud mental de los agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas. Visite GrowMentalWellness.org para obtener más información.

From the UC Davis web site

By Julia Ann Easley

Once again, University of California, Davis, leadership in the fields of veterinary science, and agriculture and forestry has been recognized — this time in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject, released on April 6.

Quacquarelli Symonds, considered one of the most influential international university rankings providers, ranked UC Davis first in the nation and second in the world in both subjects.

Since veterinary science was added to the rankings in 2015, UC Davis has been first in the world five times and is No. 2 for a third time. The campus was No. 1 in agriculture and forestry in the first three years the subject was ranked and has held the No. 2 spot since 2016.

UC Davis was ranked 43rd in the world and tied for 18th in the nation in the broad category of the life sciences and medicine. Demonstrating its strength across the disciplines, the campus was also ranked globally and nationally in each of the other broad categories: natural sciences, engineering and technology, arts and humanities, and social sciences and management.

In addition to being top-ranked in veterinary science and agriculture and forestry, the university had top 50 world rankings in six other subjects and top 20 national rankings in eight.

“I’m proud that UC Davis continues to be recognized for the world-class education it provides as well as for the impact of its research and service,” said Chancellor Gary S. May.

Read more here: https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-ranked-among-best-world-nation-veterinary-science-ag-0

Regenerative agriculture, rice fields named for potential in this area

By Andrew L. Rypel, UC Davis Ecology Professor

California’s water problems are intense; so much so they are often referred to as ‘wicked’ for their extraordinary depth of complexity and general unsolvability. Yet it recently occurred to me that some of the better and more creative solutions often derive from one particular source – nature itself. Indeed, studies of nature-based solutions or ‘NBS’ are rising rapidly (Davies and Lafortezza 2019; Nelson et al. 2020; Acreman et al. 2021), and are especially popular within the NGO and environmental communities. This blog is a brief exploration of the concept, examples of nature-based solutions, both for California water and also generally, and why they might matter to us. As a fish ecologist, most of my thoughts are, as usual, focused on the status and conservation of our native fishes. I would love to hear your favorite examples of NBS or general thoughts on this topic in any area of water management or otherwise in the comments sections below.

Methods of blending Indigenous knowledge systems and Western approaches are important and also increasing (Reid et al. 2020), but have distinct connections with nature-based solutions. For example, Western science-based approaches are perhaps sometimes less effective because of an overemphasis on certainty and extent to which nature is “controllable” (Charles 2001). Indeed, Townsend et al. 2020 specifically suggests Indigenous knowledge and engagement are vital to success of nature-based solutions, especially with regards to climate change. Indigneous frameworks have the potential to help us all learn, to build back trust, and to move towards peaceful plural existence (Reed et al. 2022).

Beavers are one important nature-based solution that just aren’t discussed enough! During the early 1800s, fashion trends played an unusual role in the decline of Pacific salmon populations. Though perhaps odd to us now, at that time, the classic beaver hat was considered high fashion. Further, the main source of beaver pelts was California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia. Because of territorialism (e.g., between various fur-trapping regions), beavers were purposefully and quickly deleted from many salmon-producing streams to discourage nearby trapper encroachment. The net effect was something referred to as the “fur desert” (Ott 2003). Yet as beaver populations dwindled, so too did occurrence of beaver dams along the West Coast. This was a problem for fishes because native salmon and trout populations are known to exploit beaver ponds as productive rearing habitats for their young (Talabere 2002; Pollock et al. 2004; Herbold et al. 2018). For those of us interested in improving native trout and salmonid habitats, beaver conservation and reintroduction must be part of the larger fix (Wathen et al. 2019; Pollock et al. 2019). Mountain meadow restoration in particular has been floated as an important element to climate resilience in California, and is part of the California Water Resilience Portfolio. The meadow collaborative is currently working to support restoration of these systems. But scaling any substantial increase in mountain meadow acreage will need more beavers.

There are other nature-based solutions we talk about frequently on this blog. I am personally deeply engaged with the salmon-rice project. Sacramento Valley Chinook salmon evolved within a landscape full of floodplains and wetlands (see artistic recreation by Laura Cunningham, above). Juvenile Chinook salmon, born to clear snowmelt streams of the Sierras out-migrated onto the valley floor where they reared, fed on the luxurious carbon and floodplain foods, and gained energy for the final leg of their arduous journey to the Pacific Ocean. Fast forward to present day, and 95% of the floodplain in the Central Valley is gone. However, there are roughly 500,000 acres of rice fields that might be used more smartly to assist struggling salmon populations (Katz et al. 2017; Holmes et al. 2020). Mimicking historical floodplains using rice fields is already a widely known and effective conservation practice for migratory birds of the Sacramento Valley (Bird et al. 2000, Eadie et. al. 2008). Thus, it follows that these same practices might work for native fishes. We just need to figure it out! Here is a recent podcast on the topic. There is also an indication that having fish on rice fields might help mitigate flux of methane (a greenhouse gas), a concept that connects with the regenerative agriculture movement described below. 

Environmental flows are a nature-based solution that receives much attention from CWS and California scientists (e.g., Yarnell et al. 2020; Grantham et al. 2022; Yarnell et al. 2022). Perhaps “flows” are about more than just a minimum value of water needed in a river. The magnitude and frequency, timing, duration, and rate of change in flows all matter (Poff et al. 1997). Further, the quality of the water may also matter. There is rightfully much interest in this science, mainly because it aims to make the most of the water we do have, and it has also been shown to actually work (Kendy et al. 2017; Chen and Wu 2019; Tickner et al. 2020). There are interesting parallel frameworks afoot for describing natural thermal regimes of streams – see Willis et al. 2021. However, there is still much science needed to figure this all out in California, and because it involves water users and endangered species, it is bound to be controversial. Nonetheless, long-term hydrographs of natural rivers combined with ecological data on these same systems provide windows into the natural mechanics of river ecosystem function. Scientists unlocking these nature-based secrets should be in high demand by water professionals in California in the future.

‘Regenerative agriculture’ is a larger movement also worth examining within the context of NBS (Schulte et al. 2021). Agriculture is a modern miracle – we can feed many more people now on the same amount of arable land as in 1960. Nonetheless, such high productivity and land efficiency also comes at an environmental price. Effects of conventional row crop agriculture on soils (Arnhold et al. 2014; Fageria et al. 2004), insects (critical to soil health) (Wagner et al. 2021), water quality (Baker 1985), and wildlife (Brinkman et al. 2005) are well-documented (Rhodes et al. 2017). Although no legal or regulatory definition of ‘regenerative agriculture’ exists, a surge in academic research indicates the topic is gaining traction with scholars (Newton et al. 2020). Examples of regenerative agriculture include reductions in tillage, use of cover crops and crop rotations, increasing crop plant diversity, restoration of native plants and habitats, integration of free-range livestock, use of ecological or natural principals, organic methods, focus on smaller scale systems, holistic grazing, incorporation of local knowledge, and others (Newton et al. 2020). In Iowa corn and soybean fields, replacing just 10% of land with strips of restored prairie increased overall biodiversity and ecosystem services with almost no impacts to crop production (Schulte et al. 2017). In Indiana, winter cover crops decreased soil nitrate by >50% while soil N mineralization and nitrification rates increased (Christopher et al. 2021). The regenerative agriculture movement is clearly quite real and is generating innovation within the agricultural sector.

Elements of nature-based solutions are beginning to trickle into popular culture. For example, the “paleo diet” or “primal blueprint” are nouveau approaches to eating that emphasize consumption of unprocessed natural foods, similar to the way pre-industrial ancestors might have eaten. Many of the foods recommended in these diets connect back to sustainable and regenerative agricultural methods to promote consumption of nutrient-dense foods. 

Ultimately, nature-based solutions are a linked aspect to management of reconciled, working landscapes. Yet while both concepts are closely related, they are also decidedly distinct. Reconciliation ecology emphasizes balance between human and environmental needs. It also emphasizes that humans are in charge, and must assume responsibility for decision making. In contrast, nature-based solutions are often viable solutions to human problems, but are likely especially desirable inside human-dominated environments such as working lands. Indeed, one of California’s major environmental policy initiatives currently touts nature-based solutions as a method for accelerating our region’s climate change goals. These innovations will likely underpin the emerging climate solutions sector of California’s economy.

There are problems with the NBS movement too. The topic has been criticized for “green-washing” – that is, conflating and confusing public debate, wasting resources, and drawing attention away from more pressing needs (Giller et al. 2021). There are also critical questions. Where should the line be drawn as to what counts as a NBS? How should such practices be rewarded through payment programs and the like? As one example, I drove past an almond orchard the other day brightly advertising how they were ‘fighting climate change’ and ‘going to net zero’. Is this a NBS? Furthermore, there are probably cases when an engineered solution might be better. If I were living below sea level on a hurricane-prone coastline, I might prefer a really strong, well-engineered levee than a patch of mangroves. In the long-run, people and ecosystems need both nature and engineering, and there should be room for a portfolio of solutions. Further, a healthy dose of skepticism is required to properly vet any potential NBS. Fortunately, science is one of the most powerful tools ever developed to explore the efficacy of solutions – whether engineered, nature-based, or a combination.

California water has major problems, especially as we enter into another year of intense drought. We need solutions that will truly work over the long haul. Sometimes extensively engineered solutions are touted as “silver bullets” for what are actually highly complicated and long-running challenges exacerbated by hard-to-control factors like human population growth, climate change, and macroeconomics. In the case of our declining native fish fauna, it is clear that it took many years to get into this mess, and any real solution requires time to correct. Furthermore, I have the sense that we are just scratching the surface with the vast possibilities of nature-based solutions. Indigenous partnerships will be key to finding new solutions with the potential to heal both nature and our peoples. Sadly, in many cases, we don’t even know what the potential solutions might be because of shifting baselines and constant modification of the landscape. As we move forward, let’s collectively keep our eyes glued for creative nature-based solutions, listen to one another, maintain a critical eye, and collectively engage to make our landscape and water practices more sustainable for future generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLwsn8snsMc

Link to California Water Blog

Governor’s Office News Release

Strategy sets key priorities and calls for outcomes with accountability
Climate Adaptation Strategy launched via interactive website

Following the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s release of its latest report on efforts to combat the climate crisis, the Newsom Administration today launched the state’s Climate Adaptation Strategy outlining the all-hands-on-deck approach to building climate resilience across California. The strategy positions California as an international leader protecting people and natural places from accelerating climate threats. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the latest snow survey conducted on April 1, which found that the statewide snowpack has dropped to 38 percent following three straight months of record dry conditions.
 
“California is on the frontlines of the climate crisis with a vanishing Sierra snowpack, life-threatening heat waves, and record-breaking wildfires,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This strategy strengthens our resilience efforts by identifying key priorities and outcomes that should guide every action we take to protect vulnerable communities, the environment, and the state’s economy from climate impacts.”
 
The Climate Adaptation Strategy elevates six key priorities that must drive all resilience actions in California:

• Strengthen protections for climate-vulnerable communities
• Bolster public health and safety efforts to protect against increasing climate risks
• Build a climate-resilient economy
• Accelerate nature-based climate solutions and strengthen climate resilience of natural systems
• Make decisions based on the best available climate science
• Partner and collaborate to leverage resources

It also brings together in one place nearly 150 climate adaptation actions from existing state plans and strategies, and for the first time, introduces success metrics and timeframes for each action.
 
This strategy has also been developed to guide and link several sector-based efforts already underway to address climate-driven threats, such as the state’s Water Resilience Portfolio and Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. It also connects region-based efforts in progress across the state.
 
California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy is being made available in an interactive website rather than a traditional hard copy report. This website will provide an ongoing hub for information on climate resilience and will make it easier for Californians to understand and shape climate action. The website will be updated to track progress and adjustments, and integrate emerging, best-available science.
 
The Climate Adaptation Strategy is updated every three years under state law. It has been developed through a range of public input and guided by leaders from across the Administration. This public input process helped to identify and fill key gaps in adaptation actions, for example recognizing the need for an updated, integrated approach to addressing climate-driven extreme heat and driving the release of a draft Extreme Heat Action Plan in January.

NOTE: CDFA Secretary Karen Ross participated in today’s launch and made the following comment: “Climate change will impact every aspect of what we do at the Department of Food and Agriculture, because farmers, ranchers and farmworkers every day are working in tandem with natural systems, and building the resiliency of these natural systems is key to our ability to continue to produce the healthy, nutritious, California-grown foods that we provide to Californians in every corner of the state.”

Learn more about CDFA’s Climate Smart agriculture programs