Welcome to the 37th annual California Small Farm Conference, a week-long event featuring over 40 online workshops as well as a dozen in-person gatherings around the state. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, a local food advocate or a farmers market manager, you’ll find something here for you. This year’s theme, "Rooted in Place", honors the vital relationship between farmers, communities and the land they steward.
Check out the schedule below for event times and locations. Click "Reserve Tickets" to register. Admission is on a sliding-scale, to ensure everyone can attend. Please select the amount you’re comfortable paying. Enjoy the conference!
Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here
Soil health is paramount in urban agriculture for the following reasons: 1. Nutrient Supply: Healthy soil provides essential nutrients fostering growth and productivity. 2. Water Retention: Proper soil structure allows for adequate water retention, reducing frequent irrigation, which is important in urban areas where water may be scarce or expensive. 3. Pollution Mitigation: Urban soils can be exposed to various pollutants from industrial activities, traffic emissions, and waste disposal. Healthy soil can mitigate the effects of these pollutants thus improving the environment. 4. Carbon Sequestration: Urban agriculture can contribute to carbon sequestration. Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon dioxide levels. 5. Biodiversity Support: Healthy soils harbor diverse microbial communities and beneficial organisms, which contribute to nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and pest control. Promoting soil health in urban agriculture fosters biodiversity and ecological balance within urban ecosystems. 6. Resilience to Climate Change: Climate change can exacerbate challenges in urban agriculture, such as extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns. Healthy soils are more resilient to these changes, providing a stable environment for plant growth despite fluctuating conditions. 7. Erosion Prevention: Urban areas often experience increased runoff and erosion due to impervious surfaces like pavement and buildings. Healthy soils are more resistant to erosion, maintaining the integrity of urban landscapes. Other topics will include soil sampling, laboratory analysis and mitigation practices. Prioritizing soil health in urban agriculture is essential for sustainable food production, environmental conservation, and resilience in the face of urban challenges.
