Humboldt Collaboration

Those participating in the collaboration among SAREP, the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, Humboldt County and UC Cooperative Extension are glad to be a part of it. Here is what they say:

“The new organic farming coordinator integrates well with our region’s economic development efforts to enhance the competitive edge of local industries and to protect agricultural lands and ways of life. Humboldt County is so readily suited to organic farming and those niche markets. Having [organic coordinator] Annie Eicher here adds tremendous capacity in coordinating our efforts to building stronger, more financially and strategically savvy farm businesses in Humboldt County.” —Jacqueline Debets, Humboldt County economic development coordinator

“I can tell you, in the six months [Annie Eicher] has been on the job we are already making advances we hadn’t been able to do previously simply because she’s focused on organic techniques. One of the things the organic researcher has been doing for us is tapping into organic resources across the country, spending more time than I ever could, and has been able to pull all that information together in a form I can use. Also, the organic manuals are very helpful to me. I am one of those folks who read this stuff. I’m not Internet-connected.” —John LaBoyteaux, organic farmer (corn, tomatoes, melons, hay), Redcrest (Humboldt County)

“When I was a farm advisor in Central Oregon and Central California, organic wasn’t a big industry. But that has changed, especially on the North Coast. Annie Eicher has been really helpful giving us ideas about our organic research plot. During a fish fertilizer trial, she was able to help us with an unrelated pest problem. She determined that it was wireworms, brought us handouts and helped us figure out how to control them. What’s great is to have someone focused on organic farming, looking out for fertilizers and pest control products. There are always new products on the market, but until now we hadn’t had someone who could tell us if they were worthwhile.”
—Franz Rulofson, farm manager, College of the Redwoods Sustainable Agriculture Farm

“I’m thrilled that Humboldt County has an organic farming coordinator, and even more thrilled that it’s Annie Eicher, who is very easy to work with and a good scientist. Because of her attitude and talents, I agreed to cooperate in on-farm research on the effects of soil management practices on symphylan populations with Annie and UC Davis researchers Mark Van Horn and Toby O’Geen.” —Janet Czarnecki, organic farmer, Bayside, Humboldt County (vegetables, herbs, berries)

“A sustainable and organic agriculture coordinator working in tandem with SAREP, Clarence E. Heller foundation, and UC Cooperative Extension office in Humboldt County is an exciting and welcome opportunity for many of us in the organic fields of Northern California. I can’t overemphasize the importance and need for local technical support and assistance for many of the small-scale organic farmers in this region. Annie Eicher plays a critical support role in disseminating vital information on getting certified under the new National Organic Program for the 75 plus registered organic farmers in Humboldt county, and with her assistance, CCOF hopes to continue expanding the number of certified organic farms in this region. Demand for organic products continues to increase at more than 20 percent annually. The support of small-scale farmers in tapping into this growing market will serve a multi-functional role of supporting sustainable and diverse agricultural systems, preserving the small-scale family farm, and will help to meet the expanding demand for certified organic products.” —Elizabeth Whitlow Inman, California Certified Organic Farmers regional service representative, Camp Meeker, Humboldt County