Spring 1994 (v6n2)
	From the Director Three Years of Progress The release of our three-year progress report (see box below) is an opportunity to review and assess where we've been, and where we're going. Highlights of the past three years include: Establishment of competitive grants in economics and public policy. Ten grants address a range of topics including strategies for employing year-round labor, sustainable forestry management, agricultural ethics curriculum, community supported agriculture and pesticide reduction policies. Establishment of competitive grants for meetings and other educational events (see p.7) and for graduate student awards (1993-94 awards will be announced later this month). Continued strength in competitive grants for systems research, critical component research, and monitoring innovative producers (see p.6) Release of informational and educational materials including a 372-page comprehensive analysis of the biological, economic and social consequences of two dairy technologies (bovine growth hormone and rotational grazing); practical booklets on organic soil amendments and on citrus production; and videos on soil management, weed management, and cover crop management in annual and perennial crops (see Resources p. 14). Leadership in the development of the Sustainable Agriculture Network, a national system for sharing printed and computerized information. (see p.4) At the time of this writing, we are planning for the next meeting of our public and technical advisory committees, who will help us set priorities for next year's competitive grants, and shape other program priorities. We are also looking ahead to the return of director Bill Liebhardt from his sabbatical leave. His experiences teaching extension agents in Vermont, observing agricultural policies in New Zealand, and studying the systems approach used at Hawkesbury College in Australia will give us many creative ideas for our own future. Please order a copy of our free Progress Report, let us know what you think about our past efforts, and share with us your own creative ideas and vision for sustainable agriculture in California.-Jill Shore Auburn, associate director, UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. [ Back | Search | Feedback ]