Cal Poly Organic Farm

A Call to Action

There has been quite a buzz in recent days regarding organic and sustainable farming culminating with the one-of-a-kind panel presentation at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center on October 15th, 2009 featuring Michael Pollan, Myra Goodman of Earthbound Farms and Dr. Gary Smith, a representative for the beef industry. I feel that the attention has helped to spotlight the good things we're doing at the Cal Poly Organic Farm; two of which -- helping to supply our state with highly qualified farmers and successfully demonstrating sustainable and organic practices -- were highlighted by the panel as key to agriculture's future.

I am happy that the conversation about food production has carried over from the farms and fields and halls of academia into the streets and homes of our communities. I want that conversation to continue. As the new Director of the Organic Farm I want to ensure that you have the resources to make the conversations meaningful -- it's my job as an educator. In the coming weeks I'll be working to provide updates, information and resources on our website to help you further explore these vital issues.

But perhaps more importantly, you're hearing something in these topics that makes you want to experience some aspect of the food production system. Maybe you're feeling a call to take an action for yourself or others to demonstrate a commitment to organic foods, sustainable practices, consumer choice or regional food security.

If you want to do something more than just talk about it -- then read below for a list of actions you can take today to move these ideas forward!

1. Volunteer at the organic farm. Come and see what it's like to work on a farm -- even for just an hour. Visit our website, email us for our volunteer orientation packet and stop by to participate in a variety of activities from planting, harvesting, cultivation, and marketing under the guidance of our capable farm staff. You'll come away with a better appreciation for what it takes to get food to your table.

2. Join the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription program. Yes, joining up for a weekly box of fresh vegetables is taking action! If you're already a member, encourage someone you know to join. You're saying that you support local agriculture and a safe, secure food system. What better action to take?

3. Share your knowledge and talent with others. We have connections to enable you to help with our local school gardens and other projects where we encourage our children to better understand food and where it comes from. You can also help with Cal Poly's many farming initiatives -- too many to list here -- with your time, talents and donations. Check in with me or Cindy Douglas (Farm Manager) for more information.

4. Visit and purchase fruit, flowers and vegetables from a Farmer's Market. Cal Poly fully supports our county's "buy local" experience. We are a community and purchasing from local growers is a bold action of support for us all. Please look to our website in the coming weeks for updates, information and resources and find time to browse the Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium website for additional information.

Thanks for your support!

Dr. David Headrick, Professor
HCS Department
Cal Poly, SLO, CA 93407