California Small Farm Conference under way

Over the next two days, the California Small Farm Conference is being held in Visalia. The Fresno Bee included a detailed roundup of the conference in last Friday's paper, giving high mention to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, a sponsor of the event.

The conference was established in 1982 by the UC Small Farm Program. The program is still involved, but the conference has taken on a life of its own. More than 400 small-scale farmers from around the state are expected to be on hand today for a presentation by "Dr. Broccoli" of Kaiser, plus numerous workshops and an awards banquet this evening.

The Fresno Bee article notes that UCCE small farm advisor Manuel Jimenez will receive the first-ever Thomas Haller award. In addition, a media advisory written by Brenda Dawson of the Small Farm Program says the program's annual Pedro Ilic Awards will be presented this evening to Darren Schmall of Madera, known nationally as the "Pizza Farmer," for outstanding farmer, and to Santa Clara County UCCE farm advisor Aziz Baameur for outstanding educator.

Huell Howser, producer and host of the PBS television program California's Gold, is the keynote speaker at the banquet.

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