Agriculture briefs

<p class="bold allcaps">Ag jobs have economic punch in Sonoma County</p> <p>A new Sonoma State University report seeks to quantify the role of agriculture jobs in the North Bay economy.</p><p>Every 100 jobs in the region's dairy, beef and grain farming sectors supports an additional 38 other jobs, generates $15.8 million in outside business revenue and boosts state and local tax receipts by $521,000.</p><p>SSU economics professor Robert Eyler presented the study's highlights Friday at an economic development forum.</p><p>The study, commissioned by UC Cooperative Extension in Sonoma County, noted that agriculture supports such businesses as diverse as food manufacturers, medical practices, investment bankers, bars and restaurants.</p><p>Moody's Analytics this year estimated the agriculture, food and wine sector contributes nearly $2 billion to the county's $24 billion economy.</p><h3>Farm innovation workshop on Dec. 13</h3> <p>Farmers can learn about marketing, extending their harvests and building custom machinery at an on-farm innovation workshop Dec. 13 in Bolinas.</p><p>Topics will include tool-making, feeding the soil and sales strategies. The event, organized by the UC Cooperative Extension in Marin County, will include a tour of Gospel Flat Farm, 140 Olema-Bolinas Road.</p><p>The event will include a presentation by Gospel Flat farmer Mickey Murch.</p><p>The workshop will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Participants are asked to make a $5 contribution. For more information, contact jnbraslow@ucanr.edu. To register, go to http://ucanr.edu/on_farm_innovation</p><h3>Competitiveness proposals sought</h3> <p>The California Department of Food and Agriculture is accepting grant proposals to enhance the competitiveness of the state's specialty crops.</p><p>The 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will issue awards ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 per project related to fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.</p><p>Funding is contingent on passage of the 2012 Farm Bill and the availability of financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</p><p>The process begins with submission of concept proposals. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in phase two of the process, submission of a grant proposal. </p><p>Applicants can see detailed instructions at cdfa.ca.gov/grants. All concept proposals must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. Dec. 7.</p><p>Compiled by Staff Writer Robert Digitale. Submit items to robert.digitale@pressdemocrat.com.</p>