2018 University of California PDP Project

View the project final report

Commodities

Practices

• Animal Production: range improvement, rangeland/pasture management
• Education and Training: demonstration, extension, technical assistance, workshop
• Farm Business Management: labor/employment
• Natural Resources/Environment: carbon sequestration, habitat enhancement
• Pest Management: flame, integrated pest management
• Sustainable Communities: ethnic differences/cultural and demographic change, quality of life, social capital

The topics covered by this California PDP proposal included equitable outreach to traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers and related communities of color, to enhance quality of life and viability of all of California’s rural communities via agricultural and
food systems extension. The focus was on engaging with local community organizations of underrepresented farm and rural community groups to develop and offer a training workshop for Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and non-profit organizations on addressing institutional
disparities in outreach to communities of color. In addition, a portion of the additional funds granted were used to increase familiarity with the use of prescribed fire in California to help landowners sustainability manage their natural resources and reduce hazardous fuels on their working lands.

The objectives included:

1. engage with community-based organizations of underrepresented farm and rural community groups and assess their needs for extension services
2. offer a training workshop for Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and non-profit organizations on addressing institutional disparities in outreach to communities of color.
3. Conduct prescribed fire training workshops for owners and managers of grazing land.

   Outcomes
   The overall outcomes were increased capacity of CE advisors, NRCS field staff, non-profit agricultural organizations, and other agriculture professionals to apply the principles and practices of racial and social justice in working with their clientele (farmers, ranchers,
   consumers, youth, businesses, government, or communities), and to increase their capacity to engage constructively with clientele that reflect California’s diverse population. Additional outcomes included increased capacity of rangeland extension professionals and rangeland managers to conduct prescribed burns.