Join UC SAREP in touring orchards and vineyard operations that are growing cover crops.  Participants will visit two conventional farms in the Arbuckle area that are integrating cover crops into their orchard and vineyard systems. Through discussion, demonstrations, and presentations, farm operators, researchers, and agricultural professionals will highlight:

• Strategies for integrating cover crops into orchards and vineyards
• Impacts of cover cropping on soil and water balance
• Frost risk protection and prevention
• Funding resources for growing cover crops

There will be ample opportunity for networking and for attendees to share their experiences and concerns. 

Participating farms:

• Pacific Gold Agriculture
• Matchbook Vineyards

Guest Speakers:

• Rory Crowley, Director of Habitat Programs, Project Apis m.
• Hanna Kahl, Ecological Pest Management Program Specialist, Community Alliance with Family Farmers
• Kosana Suvocarev, Cooperative Extension Specialist in Biometeorology, UC Davis Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources
• Hope Zabronsky, Climate Smart Agriculture Program lead, UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources

When: Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 1pm-4pm

Where: The tour will begin at Pacific Gold Agriculture, Arbuckle, CA

What to expect:  This event will take place outdoors on working farms.  Please expect uneven ground and exposure to the elements.  In the event of severe weather conditions, the event may be canceled.  Participants are expected to drive to each farm in their own vehicles.  In the registration confirmation email, there will be a link to a there will be a link to a carpool sign-up form.

Contact: Rachael Callahan, rmcallahan@ucanr.edu

Registration: Priority registration for farmer owners and workers through February 12, 2023. Click HERE to register.  Registration open to all starting February 13, 2023. 

Funding for this tour was provided by a grant from Western SARE.