From csafarm@cats.ucsc.edu Tue Mar 23 01:17:48 1999 Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 12:10:40 -0800 From: David Oretsky To: CSA-L@prairienet.org Subject: hello Hi there, I've finally joined the CSA listserv and would like to introduce myself. My name is Nancy Vail and my husband is David Oretsky. We are both currently running the CSA program here at the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden with the hopes of eventually locating land and beginning our own CSA farm. Each spring 35-40 people from around the world come to the Farm & Garden to take part in the six-month Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, offered through the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems. Under the direction of the training staff, apprentices manage the 25-acre Farm and 2-acre Alan Chadwick Garden, learning to grow and care for a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers using organic methods. Now in our 5th year, the CSA program offers 40 full and 40 half shares. We mainly target the University community. All members pick up at the farm and there's a self serve herb and flower garden for CSA members to use to supplement their boxes. With a combination of classes, guest lectures, field trips and hands on practical training, apprentices gain the necessary skills to begin their careers in farming. Since the program began in 1967 over 700 graduates have gone on to start their own CSA farms, work in community gardens, participate in overseas development projects , school gardens, on-farm training programs, etc... The Apprenticehip is part of UCSC's Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Center staff and faculty work to research, develop and advance sustainable food and agricultural systems which are environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsible, nonexploitative and which serve as a foundation for future generations. Center staff conduct research as well as offer an extensive public education program. At present, the Apprenticeship program generates most of its own funding through produce sales, apprentice tuition, and public events. To continue and to expand its work, the Apprenticeship is seeking support from foundations, businesses and individuals who share our commitment to working toward a more sustainable agriculture. For more information about the Apprenticeship, CSA, and the Center please write or call: The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) 1156 High St. University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 Apprenticeship tel (831) 459-4140 CSA tel (831) 459-3336 fax (831) 459-2799 web page http://zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs Looking forward to sharing information! Sincerely, Nancy Vail Nancy Vail and David Oretsky CSA Coordinators Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems University of California at Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (408)459-3336