Resources (Publications/Web Sites)
- The Organic Vegetable Production in California Series, a set of five web site publications from the University of California, is available free from the Small Farm Program web site at /research/organic.html. UC authors including Mark Gaskell, farm advisor, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties; and Benny Fouche, farm advisor, San Joaquin County, cover topics including organic certification, and soil, weed, insect pest, and plant disease management. Printed copies also are available free from the Small Farm Center at (530) 752-8136.
- The Pesticide Safety for Small Farms video, which accompanies print and audio publications co-authored by the UC Small Farm Program and the UC Integrated Pest Management Program, is now available in the Lao language as well as English, Hmong, and Spanish. Cost: $20. Contact: University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communication Services, 6701 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94608-1239; (800) 994-8849.
- The Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing covers the risks of direct marketing, issues on marketing processed foods, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and the legal aspects of farmersÕ markets, contracts, advertising, food stamps, organic certification, leases, insurance, and liability. Cost: $20. Contact: Drake University, Ag Law Center, Des Moines, IA 50311; (515) 271-2947.
- The Agriculture Wiring Handbook explains the National Electrical Code and provides examples of wiring systems for structures and machines used in agriculture. Publication number: NFEC-1. Cost: $9. Contact: NRAES, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701; (607) 255-7654.
- Harvesting New Opportunities: A Strategic Plan for San Diego County Agriculture outlines challenges facing San Diego County farmers and provides a strategy for success using options including agricultural tourism, branding, and public awareness about agricultural benefits to the county. Cost: Free. Contact: Ramiro Lobo, farm advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego County, 5555 Overland Avenue Bldg. 4, San Diego, CA 92123-1219; (858) 694-3666.
- The Organic Apple Production Manual from the University of California includes information on trends in organic apple production and markets, supply and price, and state and federal regulation and certification. Cost: $18. Contact: University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communication Services, 6701 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94608-1239; (800) 994-8849.
- Direct Marketing Today: Challenges and Opportunities, produced by USDA in cooperation with Cornell University Extension, is available free of charge on the web at http://www.ams.usda.gov/directmarketing/DirectMar2. The publication discusses the results of focus groups with producers and facilitators on direct farm marketing.
- Farming Alternatives: A Guide to Evaluating the Feasibility of New Farm-Based Enterprises is an award-winning workbook that helps to plan and evaluate a new enterprise. The book includes chapters on setting goals, assessing markets, production feasibility, and financial feasibility. Cost: $8 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. Contact: Joan Padula, Farming Alternatives Program, 216 Warren Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; (607) 255-9832.
Web Sites
Machine Finder Used Equipment Auction
USDA Community Supported Agriculture
Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America (Cornell)
The European Market for Organic Products: Economics and Policy
California Agriculture Statistics Service
USDA National Food Safety Database Project
Market Farming Discussion Group