San Diego Green Scene:
San Diego Agriculture -
How Sustainable and Resilient are we?
Date: Tuesday August 27, 2013
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: World Resources Simulation Center
1088 Third Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(corner of Third Ave and C Street - next to the Civic Center Trolley stop)
Free Event - suggested donation $10
Event Summary:
San Diego's Agriculture industry is both robust and challenged. This $5 billion industry includes extensive flower production, dairy farms, citrus and avocado acreage.
San Diego's Mediterranean-like climate is home to more than 6,000 farmers who make their living on 6,565 small family farms, 65% of which are less than nine acres. The high cost of water (more than $600/acre foot) and land make San Diego farming here expensive and encourage growers to raise products with a high dollar value per acre.
In the coming years, climate change and water scarcity challenge this industry. More and more citizens are educated about genetically modified organisms (GM0) and organic growing processes. Farmers markets are popular but what else can be done to increase demand, reduce resource use, and allow us to remain sustainable?
How prepared is San Diego agriculture industry to face these challenges and increased demand?
Where San Diego County Ranks Nationally
- 12th largest farm economy among more than 3000 counties
- More small farms (less than 10 acres) than any other county
- #1 producer of avocados
- #1 producer of nursery crops
- #1 in number of part-time farmers
- #2 in acres of guavas, pomegranates, limes, and macadamias
- #2 in farms with women as principal operator
- #3 in honey production
- #5 in lemons
- #9 in strawberries
- #10 in egg-laying hens
Join us and our guests speakers who are at the center of these issues.
Speaker:
Eric Larson
Executive Director
Eric Larson is the Executive Director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau since January 1997. Eric began working in San Diego County's agricultural industry in 1971. Prior to joining Farm Bureau he worked as the GM of an agricultural marketing cooperative and in nursery production. His professional activities have included two years as president of the San Diego County Flower and Plant Association. He currently serves as a director of the Southern California Water Committee. In addition to his work in agriculture, he served two terms as a member of the Carlsbad City Council and is a past director of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, the San Diego County Water Authority, and the Encinitas Wastewater Authority.
Karen Melvin
Deputy Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer
County of San Diego - Agriculture, Weights and Measures
Karen Melvin is a Deputy Agricultural Commission/Sealer with the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. She has a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from the University of California, Riverside. Karen manages the Plant Health and Pest Prevention division which is tasked with protecting and promoting our natural and agricultural resources while bolstering economic growth. As a member of the San Diego Food System Alliance she works with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in increasing access to healthy food and the sustainability of local agriculture. She also collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies in an effort to detect invasive pests and prevent their establishment in the County of San Diego.
Date: Tuesday August 27, 2013
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: World Resources Simulation Center
1088 Third Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(corner of Third Ave and C Street - next to the Civic Center Trolley stop)
Free Event - suggested donation $10
Please join us - and bring your personal experiences and questions!
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Additional Details:
- Drinks and appetizers will be provided.
- Best parking is at street meters, green and yellow curbs. All are free after 6 pm.
- This is a free event however a $10 donation is appreciated.
- If possible we suggest you use the Trolley. Civic Center stop is right outside our door!