Climate Smart Grant Field Day

The Climate Smart Field Day is your opportunity to engage with the future of sustainable agriculture. This event is part of a series of 12 essential Field Days under the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant, dedicated to advancing climate-smart practices across the fresh produce industry.

All producers participating in the IFPA Climate-Smart Commodities Grant for a project titled “A Vibrant Future” must attend at least two Field Days, held up to four times per year, for producers to be familiarized with data collection and available production input suppliers and to connect with relevant industry members.

Agenda

This Field Day will highlight four key topics that are transforming the agricultural landscape:

8:00am: Event Begins

8:10 – 8:15 am: Welcome and Introduction

Session 1: State of the Industry

8:15 - 8:20am Introduction to Session 1

8:20 - 8:35am State of the “A Vibrant Future” USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant
Eric Hansen, National Program Officer with USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities

8:35 – 8:40am: Karen Ross introduction

8:40 – 8:55am: State of Regenerative Ag/Climate Smart Practices in California
Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture

Session 2: Soil Health and Nutrient Management

8:55 - 9:00am: Introduction to Session 2

9:00 – 9:15am: Subject Matter Expert: Soil Health & Nutrient Management Strategies
Dr. Jessica Chiartas, Chief Scientist, UC Davis/RegenScore

9:20 – 10:05am: Panel discussion on Soil Health and Nutrient Management
Moderator: Dr. Jessica Chiartas
Panelists:
Jonnalee Dunn, Grower/Owner, Henderson Farms
Deac Jones, Owner, Andaman Ag
Dr. Amélie Guadin, Professor, Endowed Chair in Agroecology, UC Davis Dept. Plant Sciences

10:05 -10:35am: NETWORKING BREAK

Session 3: Water Management Strategies

10:35 - 10:40am: Introduction to Session 3

10:40 - 10:55am: Subject Matter Expert: Water Management Strategies in Orchards
Dr. Ken Shakel, Research Scientist, UC Davis

11:00 - 11:45am: Panel Discussion: Water Management Strategies
Moderator: Dr. Ken Shakel
Panelists:
Kelli Evans, Grower and Owner of Evans Ag Consulting
Dr. Tapan Pathak, Climate-Smart Ag Specialist, UC ANR
Steve Lenander, Director of Agronomy, Holloway Ag

11:45am - 12:50pm: NETWORKING LUNCH

Session 4: Biodiversity and Pollinator Habitat

12:50 - 12:55pm: Session 4 Introduction

12:55 - 1:10pm: Subject Matter Expert: Biodiversity and Pollinator Habitat
Dr. Josette Lewis, Chief Scientific Officer, CA Almond Board

1:15 -1:55pm: Panel Discussion: Biodiversity and Pollinator Habitat Strategies
Moderator: Dr. Josette Lewis Chief Scientific Officer, CA Almond Board
Panelists:
Kyle McAbee, PCA/Crop Consultant, McAbee Ag Consulting
Christine Gemperle, Grower
Tom Johnson, Agronomist, Kamprath Seed

1:55 - 2:00pm Survey Announcement and Closing remarks

Benefits of Attending

Learn from Experts: Gain insights into cutting-edge strategies and technologies that promote climate-smart farming.
Network with Peers: Connect with fellow farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders who are passionate about sustainable practices.
Be Part of the Change: Contribute to a movement aimed at enhancing soil health and conserving resources for future generations.

About the USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Grant

The USDA is investing over $3.1 billion through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grants to support farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners. This initiative is designed to expand markets for climate-smart commodities, leverage greenhouse gas benefits, and deliver meaningful advantages to production agriculture, especially for small and underserved producers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of climate-smart agriculture!

Climate Smart Grant Field Day

Agenda

Benefits of Attending

About the USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Grant

Thank you to our partners

Thank you to our sponsors