Difference between revisions of "Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association"
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===The Farm Training and Research Center (Triple M Ranch)=== | ===The Farm Training and Research Center (Triple M Ranch)=== | ||
| + | The Triple M Ranch is a 195 acre farm situated in the lower part of Carneros Creek Watershed. Only 60 acres of the farm are cultivated due to a natural land easement on the property. The property that is farmed is leased out to small farms for training in organic farming, and education in sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. | ||
[[Triple M Ranch]] | [[Triple M Ranch]] | ||
Revision as of 14:47, 2 February 2011
The Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association, or ALBA is an organization that offers first hand educational opportunities for current or aspiring farmers. ALBAs mission is to "advance economic viability, social equity and ecological land management among limited-resource and aspiring farmers. We work to create opportunities for family farms while providing education and demonstration on conservation, habitat restoration, marketing and whole farm planning.[1]" By aiding small farms with limited resources, ALBA hope to increase economic opportunities for independent farms, and promote sustainable farming practices that increase biodiversity, and employ land management practices that mirror the local ecology. Alba was formed in 2001 from the original frame work of the Rural Development Center (RDC), founded by the Association for Community-Based Education (ACBE).
Contents
History of Rural Development Center
In 1985 the Rural Development Center (RDC) was founded by the Association for Community-Based Education (ACBE) of Washington, DC. From 1985 to 2000 the RDC initiated numerous farm programs, in produced capital that aided in the construction of valuable infrastructure key to the success of ALBA to this day. Since the formation of ALBA in 2001, they have maintained previous strategies used by RDC and have expanded on many of the original ideas used in the development of RDC.
Environmental Stewardship in the Carneros and Elkhorn Slough Watersheds
One of the properties that ALBA manages is within the watershed boundary of Carneros Creek and the Elkhorn Slough Watershed. Only 60 acres of 165 acres are farmed within the property due to natural land easements. The property titled Triple-M Ranch is cultivated with practices that prevent soil loss, efficient use of irrigation water, and habitat conservation. These conservation efforts are taught to all ALBA clients. Bilingual education programs are available for Spanish speaking farmers. Meeting water quality regulations and conservation are key components of the farmer education program. ALBA's goal is to help educate small farmers, and demonstrate that farming and conservation can co-exist.
Properties
ALBA owns two properties in Monterey County for hands on training and research.
The Rural Development Center
The RDC is ALBAs headquarters, and is located on a 110-acre organic farm in the Salinas Valley. From the Salinas farm ALBA provides the Small Farm Education Program, a program that teaches beginning farmers about organic farming, and marketing. The RDC includes a resource center and classroom, distribution facility and produce cooler, and an on-site maintenance workshop.
The Farm Training and Research Center (Triple M Ranch)
The Triple M Ranch is a 195 acre farm situated in the lower part of Carneros Creek Watershed. Only 60 acres of the farm are cultivated due to a natural land easement on the property. The property that is farmed is leased out to small farms for training in organic farming, and education in sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Triple M Ranch
References
- ↑ ALBA website: http://www.albafarmers.org/index.html
- ↑ Calrecylce: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/calmax/inserts/2005/Summer/Alba.htm
