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Objective 2.A
Provide CA producers a way to differentiate products in the market based on sustainability values & practices.

Proposed Places to Start in 2008:
1.    Support industry associations, such as the Strawberry Commission or Farm Bureau to move large groups of growers to sustainable systems.
2.    Develop a California Farm Bill that empowers CDFA to provide marketing and communication tools to California’s growers focused on sustainability.  
3.    Support UC and CSU research in quantifying the economic, social and long-term benefits of converting to sustainable business and farming practices.
4.    Create outreach programs to connect more farmers with information about sustainable business practices (including above research) and other successful sustainable farmers. Partner with UC Cooperative Extension and other groups to spread the knowledge that already exists regarding successful sustainable practices and financial analysis.
5.    Create self-evaluation tool for measuring sustainability indicators as defined on a farm or local scale (see Miguel Altieri’s work) for establishing goals and measuring progress.
6.    Develop sustainability indicators for different crops.  Transmit through extension the innovated farm practices, in addition to UC research.  

Potential Future Actions 2009-2012:
7.    Create a sustainable business incubator to support mid-sized farms in transition.
8.    Develop programs to reconnect mid-sized farmers with new markets in eight agricultural counties in CA.
9.    Partner with existing programs (e.g. Ag Leadership, Almond Board, Specialty Crops Council, etc.) to bring together all parts of the value chain to network, educate, problem solve, and create on the ground alternatives.
 
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