Guest Column | Food Security is Critical to Economic and National Security on California’s Central Coast
The agricultural stretch of California’s Central Coast along the Salinas Valley is often called the “Salad Bowl of the World,” and for good reason. It supplies over 60% of the nation’s lettuce and substantial portions of strawberries, spinach and broccoli. But beyond the fertile...
King City High School teacher honored as California finalist for Ag Educator of the Year
KING CITY — Lauren Peterson, an agricultural teacher at King City High School, has been recognized as a finalist for the 2022-23 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
California FFA, California Farm Bureau and Nationwide made the announcement on Feb....
Monterey County’s 2022 Crop Report reveals strength in lettuce industry, weakness in cannabis production
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s crop production increased in value last year by more than $500 million despite decreases in both wine grapes and cannabis, according to the county’s 2022 Crop and Livestock Report.
Overall gross crop and livestock production was over $4.6 billion in...
South County Farm Day returns to Salinas Valley Fairgrounds
KING CITY — This year’s South County Farm Day brought about 650 third- and fourth-graders to the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City on Jan. 27.
The South Monterey County students, stemming from Gonzales to King City schools, attended the free educational enrichment program taught...
Ag Land Trust receives more than $8M in grants to preserve Salinas Valley farmlands
SALINAS VALLEY — California Strategic Growth Council has approved more than $8.3 million in grants to the Ag Land Trust (ALT), a nonprofit dedicated to farmland preservation along the state’s Central Coast.
The funding will enable the organization to purchase conservation easements on three key...
Watsonville Rotary Club kicks off Pioneer Series
On March 29, the members of Watsonville Rotary and guests gathered at the Watsonville Elks Lodge for the first in a series of special monthly meetings.
South County farmer to receive national award in September
South County organic farmer Israel Morales Sr. of JV Farms Organic in Soledad will receive the Organic Farmer of the Year Award at the Organic Trade Association’s Leadership Awards set for Sept. 11 at the Belvedere Hotel in Baltimore, Md.
Food for power
Cesar Mendoza had been a participant in Food, What?!, an organization that brings the youth of Santa Cruz County into the world of farming, food production and cooking.
