PROGRAMS :: Biological Farming

Purpose

The Biological Farming Program builds and supports communities of farmers, agricultural professionals, and public institutions dedicated to the voluntary adoption of a whole systems approach to farm management. This approach is flexible, maintains long-term profitability, and conserves and enhances water, soil and air resources.

• Facilitating the exchange of information based on the knowledge and experiences of farmers, pest control advisors, and researchers who have pioneered and continue to develop biological farming systems,
• Creating and coordinating locally based teams that provide leadership, program guidance, and technical assistance,
• Monitoring and documenting the effectiveness of biological farming management practices.
• Fostering collaboration and respect among farmers, agricultural service providers and suppliers, researchers and public and private institutions,
• Conducting education and outreach using the farmer-to-farmer information sharing model and the Lighthouse Farm Network to provide farmers with the technical information necessary to implement conservation practices.

Projects

Farmscaping for Wildlife and Conservation - San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, Central Coast, North Coast

• The term farmscaping refers to planting non-cropped areas of the farm such as corners and edges to native plants. Multiple benefits can be attained including beneficial insect attraction, creation of wildlife habitat for birds and other animals, and minimization of farm run-off, thereby reducing erosion and non-point source pollution

Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems - San Joaquin Valley

• The BIOS program is based on high quality training in best management practices, coupled with consistent public outreach. Project participants share their knowledge of ecologically sound farming methods such as cover crop management, intensive pest monitoring, compost applications, beneficial insect releases, and habitat management. Participants also have opportunities to learn from recognized experts in various aspects of crop production during field days and farm visits. The BIOS program emphasizes a "whole system" approach to orchard management, where each component practice is understood to affect the outcomes of all other practices. The essential elements of this approach are organizing project management teams of local experts, producing field days, farm visits and field monitoring of pest and beneficial organisms.

Sustainable Cotton Project - San Joaquin Valley

• The Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP) was founded in 1996 to expand and disseminate knowledge about alternatives to chemical farming systems in cotton, and to promote their use in the textile and apparel industry. As a private non-profit group (501c) working under the direction of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, SCP is dedicated to helping build bridges between cotton farmers, manufacturers and consumers.

Mark Cady
Program Director
Phone: (530) 756-8518 Ext: 20
mark@caff.org

Marcia Gibbs
Program Director
Phone: (530) 756-8518 Ext: 34
marcia@caff.org