The collaborative and cooperative environment fostered by the recent "2004 Solutions for Today's Farmers" conference, organized by University of California Cooperative Extension and an active advisory committee, was apparent at every turn. Over 120 participants, including speakers and presenters, were involved in dialog during the two-day conference held in January at Gard Street School in Kelseyville.
"The timing of this seminar is critical. Farmers and ranchers today face major challenges. We all share a responsibility to ensure agriculture remains strong in Lake County". This message from Congressman Mike Thompson set the tone for the serious discussions that included topics such as "Setting the Scene: Trade, Globalization, and Competetion: How Will These Agricultural Trends Affect Lake and Adjoining Counties?" presented by Alix Peterson Zwane, Extension Economist at UC Berkeley, and "Marketing Trends and Their Implications," by Roberta Cook, Extension Agricultural Economist at UC Davis.
Panel sessions included presentions on crop diversification, value-added products, becoming certified, creative marketing strategies, new market and distribution channels, agritourism and ecotourism, culinary trends and marketing to restaurants, marketing to institutions, and developing production and marketing partnerships.
Steve Blank, Extension Agricultural Economist at UC Davis, spoke about "Understanding the Concept of Risk Management and How it Will Influence Your, and Your Lender's, Business Decisions". Shermain Hardesty, former director of the now-defunded Center for Cooperatives at UC Davis queried, "You Want to Make a Change, How do You Proceed? What Are the Next Steps?" Jeff Lucas of the local consulting firm Community Development Services (CDS) and Chuck Doty of the Business Outreach and Response Team (BORT) provided some answers when they talked about "Getting Local Help to Advance Your Business Ideas".
Lake County Farmer's Finest, Lake County Farm Bureau, and Lake County 4-H members provided, hosted, and catered the excellent lunch, reception, and refreshment breaks, showcasing Lake producers with creative and delicious food and beverages.
- Contributed by Wilda Shock
Published in California Women for Agriculture Newsletter, February 2004
