Ag Briefs: Sonoma County Fair tribute, farmer’s markets and California ag emissions

$1.6 million raised so far ?for ag education center

Sonoma County Fair boosters have raised more than 80 percent of the funds needed to build a $1.9 million agriculture education center, to be named in honor of a pair of longtime supporters of local agriculture.

Visitors to the fair can donate $10 to purchase buttons supporting Saralee and Richard’s Barn, named for the late Saralee Kunde and her husband Richard Kunde.

The buttons are available at the Hall of Flowers, racetrack and Lyttle Cow Palace.

To date, the effort has raised more than $1.6 million.

The project, which will include a plaza and fountain, will become “the center point of the whole fairgrounds,” said Patrick Emery, president of the fair’s foundation.

Farmers markets ?see sales increase

Farmers markets are growing in sales and looking to expand, the U.S. Agriculture department reported Friday in a survey of 1,400 market managers.

The 2014 Farmers Market Manager Survey found that nearly two-thirds of markets open for at least two seasons are reporting increases in traffic, repeat customers and sales.

“There are over 8,400 farmers markets in USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory, and this survey shows that they are thriving and expanding as they provide healthy, local fresh fruit and vegetables to America’s families,” said USDA administrator Anne L. Alonzo.

Nearly three-quarters of farmers markets have at least one vendor accepting federal nutrition assistance, including welfare, as payment.

Incentive programs for farmers to be discussed

The California Board of Food and Agriculture this week will discuss incentive programs to help farmers and local communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The board will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at 1220 N St. in Sacramento.

“Programs that are being offered within the state are giving farmers and ranchers the opportunity to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to reducing the overall impacts from climate change,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “In addition to building drought and climate resiliency on our farms, the solutions incentivized by these programs are practical and timely.”

The agriculture incentive programs are funded through California’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which receives revenue from cap and trade auction proceeds.

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