The San Diego Farm Sustainability Program
The San Diego Farm Sustainability Program (SDFSP) is a 20-month, no cost business development course designed for a small group of San Diego farmers and growers. SDFSP focuses on sustaining local specialty crop farm businesses through strategic agricultural expert guidance. This program utilizes a curriculum-based framework to provide technical assistance in areas of crop planning, business design, and farm law regulations to support the sustainability of farm-to-institution business relationships. These areas of technical assistance were identified as major areas of concern from growers according to the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Growers Needs Assessment for Sustainable Food Production in San Diego County.
Program Reports
Participant Testimonials
“The San Diego Farm Sustainability Program is the sole reason I decided to not only stick it out, but actually dive even deeper into farming. Everyone involved has been encouraging and a wealth of knowledge. It has given me the confidence and desire to turn this under-utilized property into a full-blown farming operation.” -Debbie Williams, Riley Ranch. Phase 1 Participant
“This program is helping me take my farm to places I would have never imagined. This program has instilled in me the confidence to determine which distribution channels are most profitable for my farm and pursue them. It is also helping me look towards the future to research diversifying and determine how I might transition my farm in the future. “-Debra Centrella, Guava Mama Farms. Phase 1 Participant
“I cannot speak highly enough of the San Diego Farm Sustainability Program. For years I felt that San Diego had completely abandoned its support of agriculture and growing food for San Diego’s expanding urban environment. The support I received has renewed my enthusiasm and commitment to sustaining my farm.” Derek Davis, Davis Farms. Phase 2 Participant.
“The San Diego Farm Sustainability Program changed everything in and about our perspective of farming life. In this program I have transformed from a weak, confused, and unsure farmer into an optimistic, confident, and happy farmer-in-the-making. I was taught how to take what I have in terms of farm land and turn it into a world of possibilities. If it weren’t for programs like this, I wouldn’t be able to further my knowledge without a lot of frustration. I felt as if they all had one common goal, and that goal was to ultimately make us successful in every way possible.” Virginia Barnaba, The Grove. Phase 2 Participant.
Farm to Buyer Expo
Forum Recordings & Resources
- Subject Matter Overview
- Regulatory Compliance
- High Density Crop Planning
- Profit and Loss Statements
- Organic Certification
- Agriculture and Farming in San Diego County
- San Diego Farm Sustainability Webinar
- Organic Certification
- Small Business Structure Pro/Cons List
- 2019 IRS Schedule F Form for Farmers
- Hedgerow Establishment and Multiple Benefits
- Restoration Ecology: The Global Tree Restoration Potential
- Water Harvesting: Swales
- Landscape Context Affects Sustainability of Organic Farming Systems
- USDA Barn Owl Nest Box Plans
- The Organic Center: Biodiversity and Profitability on Organic Farms
- Natural Conservation Service: 5 Steps to Assistance
- USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Facilitated Sales Map
Program Participants: Tree Crops
Program Participants: Row Crops
Program Participants: Microgreens
