Photo: © 2024 Applemoon Photography; Phalaenopsis orchids surround Cal Coast Orchids founders Bas van Eijk and Alison Glasco, who produce 3 million blooms each year from greenhouses in Los Osos and Half Moon Bay. The couple plans to reintroduce flower fans to the rare Cymbidium orchid next fall. | |
Cal Coast Orchids Featured in California Bountiful Article 'The Bold and the Beautiful' | |
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Couple pursues ‘crazy dream’ to grow orchids
Story by Caitlin Fillmore
With their showy blooms and tall, elegant stems, orchids serve as a brilliant centerpiece and well-received gift for any occasion. But shoppers often question buying such a seemingly fussy plant, says Alison Glasco, who co-owns an orchid nursery with her husband. However, this exotic flower holds a rugged secret.
“There’s a big stigma about orchids being tricky to care for. But they’re actually really easy,” Glasco says. “The more you ignore the orchid, the more it will produce for you.”
Glasco fell in love with the enigmatic plant after first falling for Bas van Eijk, a newly arrived Dutch flower farmer with generations of cucumber growers and cattle ranchers in his family.
While Glasco had not planned on entering agriculture—she’d graduated with a degree in engineering physics—farming is what motivated van Eijk to relocate to the United States in 2013 after operating successful orchid farms in New Zealand. They discussed opening a greenhouse together on their first date, even though Glasco had never stepped inside one.
“I was just in awe of this Dutch guy,” she recalls. “It’s quite a little bit crazy, but here we are doing this crazy dream together.” ....Read Full Article Below
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: Get Your Tickets Now for Our Winemakers Dinner on August 1! | | |
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Did You Miss Our Segment Last Week on KPRL's Protecting What Matters? Listen Below. | |
July 2, 2024: 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Paul Clark & Jesslyn Blank, SLO County Farm Bureau
Economic importance and benefits of agriculture in San Luis Obispo County.
State and local water issues update & November ballot propositions ACA 1 & 13.
Importance of Farm Bureau membership and upcoming Fair events of note.
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County Government: SLO County Board of Supervisors to Meet Tomorrow, Julty 9th | |
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The SLO County Board of Supervisors Meets Tomorrow, July 9th
The SLO COunty BOS will meet tomorrow starting at 9am. The meeting can be viewed live here. The agenda for tomorrow's meeting and additional item documents here.
Agenda Items of Interest to Ag:
8 Submittal of a resolution recognizing the California Mid-State Fair Heritage Foundation on its 25th anniversary.
9 Submittal of a resolution recognizing Molly Scott as the 2024 Wine Industry Person of the Year.
10 Submittal of a resolution recognizing Bimmer & Niels Udsen, Castoro Cellars as the 2024 San Luis Obispo County Winegrape Grower of the Year.
11 Submittal of a resolution recognizing Mcprice (Mac) Myers as the 2024 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry, Winemaker of the Year.
15 Request to 1) approve the recommended Paso Basin Cooperative Committee (PBCC) FY 2024-25 Budget, as amended based on Board direction, and County contribution percentage; 2) approve a corresponding budget adjustment of $270,800 in Fund Center (FC) 205 – Groundwater Sustainability using reimbursement revenue from the other Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) for the proportional share of costs for delivery of the PBCC funded cost components of the PBCC FY 2024-25 Budget, by 4/5 vote; and 3) authorize the Chairperson to sign Amendment No. 2 to Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding Preparation and Implementation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin between the City of El Paso de Robles, the San Miguel Community Services District, the County of San Luis Obispo, the Shandon-San Juan Water District and the Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District to add the County as a contracting agent and clarify related payment obligation percentages and terms.
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Three incumbents vying for District 1 City Council seat * Paso Robles Press | Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889. | | | | |
Downtown San Luis Obispo parking rates will decrease starting this month | Parking in downtown San Luis Obispo will be less expensive starting Monday. | | | |
State Government: A Look at CDFA's 2024-2025 Budget (and $29.4M in Cuts) | |
A Look at CDFA's 2024-2025 Budget (and $29.4M in Cuts) - California Ag Network | California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) - California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2024-25 state budget, which closes a General Fund (GF) shortfall of $46.8 billion through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion that maintain investments in core programs. As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, the legislation signed by Governor Newsom balances ... | | | | |
2024 California ballot measures: What you need to know | Voters will decide 10 propositions on the California ballot in November. What you need to know about them and how they got on the ballot. | | | |
Federal Government: Food Prices May be Going Down | |
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California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News- July 3, 2024
- USDA Issues Recommended Decision Proposing Amendments to all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders
- OSHA Announces Proposed Heat Illness Standard Rule
- CAFB Submits Joint Letter on Sage Grouse Proposal
- House NDAA Includes Amendment Banning Future DJI Drone Sales
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July USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers - California Ag Network | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2024, which are effective July 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. | | | | |
Food Prices May Be Going Down - This Land of Ours - AgNet West | We may be seeing a little relief in grocery prices. That's coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA has lowered its food price forecast. Gary .... | | | |
Produce: CDFA Accepting Grant Proposals for Proactive IPM Solutions | |
CDFA Accepting Grant Applications for Proactive IPM Solutions | Application period July 1 August 30, 2024 SACRAMENTO, July 1, 2024 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications for its Proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Solutions Program administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis. | | |
CFFA Reacts to PAGA Reform Signing | FRESNO, Calif. -- The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) applauds Governor Newsom's enactment of legislation to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The Association... | | | | |
USDA Seeks Nominees for Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee - Perishable News | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations from specialty crop stakeholders to serve on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). The deadline for nominations is Sept. 3, 2024 ... | | |
Survey: Fruit Growers Being Whipsawed By High Input Prices | Prices of fertilizers and pesticides are rising a lot faster than grower returns. | | | |
Labor: OSHA Proposal Aims to Protect Workers From Extreme Heat | |
OSHA proposal aims to protect workers from extreme heat | On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced the new rule to protect outdoor workers, and if it's adopted it would mark the nation's first federal safety standard to address excessive heat in workplaces. | | | | |
USAID-USDA Webinar on H-2 Recruitment in Central America | Please join the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 2:30 to 3:30 PM ET for a webinar on USAID-supported H-2 recruitment initiatives in Central America available to American employers. | | | | |
Hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, billions of dollars: The cost of extreme heat in California | Heat waves have killed hundred of people and cost billions of dollars in the past decade in California, according to a new report. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Inland Desert Nursery
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Inland Desert is a family-owned and operated grapevine nursery, vineyard and organic cherry orchard. The Judkins family has provided high quality vines to growers across North America for over 40 years.
Sourcing clean, healthy plants and choosing the right variety, clone and rootstock is key to building profitable, sustainable vineyards. Our experience farming and passion for growing clean, healthy plans gives us a unique advantage in growing the highest quality vines available.
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Agricultural Members
Norman Fawley, Matt Trevisan, Larry Sage, Anthony Bozzano, John Vineyard Applications Inc, Maeve Holden, MCZ Reliability, Eric Pulse, Kelly Work, and Remy Wicks State Farm
Renewing Associate Members
Suzette Lees and Kenneth Romero
Renewing Collegiate Members
Chelsea Rogell and Emily K Van Saun
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Wildfire: Lake Fire Grows to 20,320 Acres as Firefighters Report Active Burning Overnight | |
Lake Fire grows to 20,320 acres as firefighters report active burning overnight | The Lake Fire has grown to 20,320 acres and containment remains at 8% as of Monday morning, July 8th. | | | | |
Reshaping wildfire policy in the West | The center's move from the Precourt Institute for Energy will enable TomKat-funded student projects to compete for space and funding in the Accelerator, while the Accelerator will benefit from TomKat's experience empowering students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop and launch solutions to energy and sustainability problems. | | | |
Featured Member Benefit:
Great Wolf Resorts
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As a Farm Bureau member, you can SAVE UP TO 30% on your next stay at any Great Wolf Lodge location Nationwide. You're going to love winding down waterslides, dining in themed restaurants and building family traditions. All lodges include a colossal, 84-degree indoor waterpark, daily activities, spacious family suites and much more. So clear your calendar and head to your nearest Great Wolf Lodge. Discount valid at any of the 19 Great Wolf Lodges throughout the U.S. and Canada. To take advantage of this offer, simply provide your unique offer code when booking. The California Farm Bureau code can be found on https://members.cfbf.com/ (login required), or by calling the Farm Bureau member help desk at 1-800-698-3276 to obtain the discount code.
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Livestock: Register as a Buyer for the Upcoming CA Mid-State Fair Livestock Auction | |
Vineyard and Wine: Pre-Harvest Safety Tailgate Through Vineyard Team on August 2nd | |
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Tailgate | Pre-Harvest Safety- Aug. 2nd
Equip yourself for a successful, hazard-free harvest with our comprehensive safety training! From machine and hand harvesting to tool and tractor safety, along with recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we've got everything you need for a smooth and secure operation.
There will be TWO sessions!
9:00-10:30 am - English
11:00 am-12:30 pm - Spanish
12:30 pm - Lunch (provided)
*Make sure to select the ticket option of the session you would like to attend.
Hosted by Vineyard Industry Products in Paso Robles
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Justin Vineyards grants $300,000 to Paso Robles nonprofits and schools | Justin Community Grants Program has provided more than $1.6 million in support - Justin Vineyards & Winery has selected 13 North San Luis Obispo County [...] | | | |
Water: California Now Has Mandatory Water Conservation in Urban Areas: How Will the New Rules Affect Your Supplier? | |
CAL MATTERS: California now has mandatory water conservation in urban areas: How will the new rules affect your supplier? | The measures are substantially weaker than a previous proposal after an onslaught of criticism. But they will still save enough water through 2050 to supply the | | | | |
California community's future at risk in fight over declining groundwater, residents say | Ranchers, farmers and owners of stores and restaurants gathered at folding tables in a community center to discuss a subject they are deeply concerned about: their declining groundwater. | | | |
Farm Bureau Membership Matters | | |
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We cannot support your freedom to farm and ranch without your membership.
Join SLO County Farm Bureau now or renew your membership online. Go to slofarmbureau.org to join, or download the membership form PDF.
Have your renewal notice available to speed up the process; you will need to enter your membership number, name and ZIP code. Renewal dues may be paid online or over the phone by credit card.
We're here to help! Call us if you need us to lookup your member number or we can process your membership for you, at 805-543-3654.
All California county Farm Bureau memberships are processed through the California Farm Bureau Federation, but please reach out to our SLO County office if you need your membership number or have questions.
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Thank You Platinum Members | |
SLO County Agriculture News is distributed by SLO County Farm Bureau for information purposes only. Stories written by SLO County Farm Bureau may be reprinted with attribution. Some outside story links may require site registration. Opinions expressed in stories, commentaries or editorials included in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of SLO County Farm Bureau. For information on advertising opportunities, please email info@slofarmbureau.org or call our office at 805-543-3654. | | | | |
