In this nutshell talk, Rosetta Wang spoke about native plants for agroforestry and value-added products made from California native perennials. Rosetta is the founder of Laurelate, a California-based chocolate alternative company that provides a native, vegan, and local alternative to cacao by using California Bay Laurel nuts. Their chocolate alternative is crafted from responsibly harvested bay laurel nuts, supporting regenerative agroforestry and reducing fire risk while ho

In this nutshell talk, Amélie Gaudin of UC Davis presents her research on the use of grazing in perennial cropping systems, including orchards and vineyards. Grazing in perennial cropping systems is a form of silvopasture - an agroforestry practice that integrates trees, forage, and livestock. In her presentation, Amélie discusses how grazing can be used for biomass and weed control,, wildfire suppression, pest suppression, income diversification, improved soil health, increa

In this month’s nutshell talk, we hear from Matt Smith - the Research Program Lead at the USDA National Agroforestry Center - and Sam Feibel - Technical Assistance and Science Delivery Fellow at the USDA National Agroforestry Center. Matt and Smith discuss their work analyzing agroforestry trends and data from the Census of Agricultura and the National Agroforestry Producers Survey - the first national survey of agroforestry producers in specific. This survey includes data f

In this nutshell talk, Mark Batcheler of the USDA National Agroforestry Center presents his research on how silvopasture can be used to reduce wildfire fuels on the West Coast.

In this "nutshell talk," Amy Quandt and Judy Bross of San Diego State University discuss their research about how extreme weather in San Diego County is impacting farmers and ranchers, and how practitioners are using adaptation strategies like agroforestry to address it.

Andrew Tuttle and Mary Marshall are the co-founders of Edge Perma, a permaculture design and education firm that specializes in creating in-depth, comprehensive case studies that show people how to implement various regenerative agriculture practices. In this presentation, Andrew and Mary discuss the innovative ways that they are showcasing agroforestry operations through virtual, 3D case studies.

In this nutshell talk, Brandon presented his research on agroforestry systems suited to California’s diverse ecoregions - including oak savannas, mixed coniferous forests, mixed evergreen forests, Mediterranean chaparral, and desert scrub - and the many crops that can be sustainably harvested from these systems. He discussed the ecological and cultural importance of native oaks, shared practical methods for harvesting and processing acorns into flour and food products, and hi

In this nutshell talk, John Munsell and Patrick Bowers introduce the Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange Network (ARKx) - a national peer-to-peer learning network that supports and connects regional working groups like the California Agroforestry Network. ARKx educates about agroforestry in action across the country by showcasing case studies, news profiles, demonstration sites, and events. Their “Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program” helps reduce risk for early adoptio

In this nutshell talk, Sonja Brodt of the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (UC SAREP) introduces the California Farm Demonstration Network - a public-facing map listing demonstration farms in California. The California Farm Demonstration Network was started in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), UC ANR, UC Davis, USDA NRCS, The California Association of RCDs, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

In this nutshell talk, Jesse Smith discusses the Watershed Restoration Program at the White Buffalo Land Trust - a nonprofit land trust in Santa Barbara County, California. Jesse is the Director of Land Stewardship at White Buffalo Land Trust, where part of his work includes guiding the development of the Jalama Canyon Ranch, a 1,000-acre ranch that the Land Trust is stewarding and restoring.