Smart Energy Management in Agriculture

image description The Ecological Farming Association implemented a two-year training program aimed at improving energy management on California farms, vineyards, and ranches. “Smart Energy Management in Agriculture” provides growers with skills and resources to decrease fossil fuel use through energy conservation and renewable energy applications. Using our proven program model, participants connect with technical experts and producer peers in both classroom and hands-on settings and engage with a statewide network of producers, local government representatives, non-profit organizations, and industry representatives in order to effect maximum impact. The project connects farmers with technical experts and producer peers in an on-farm setting using EFA's program model developed through 25 years of close work with farmers. 245 people participated in our four workshops. 49% of these were farmers, for a total of 120 farmers. Over 80% planned on using what they learned in the workshop within one year.

Past Regional Trainings

  • San Joaquin Valley - July 2007
  • Sacramento Valley - November 2007
  • North Coast - March 2006
  • Central Coast - January 2006

Topics

  • Energy Resources
  • Efficiency & Conservation
  • Biofuels
  • Biomass (Methane Digestion)
  • Geothermal Solar (PV, Solar Thermal, Solar Irrigation)
  • Wind Incentives & Financing

Smart Energy Management in Agriculture Sponsors

  • Independent Energy Systems
  • Akeena Solar
  • Pacific Biofuel
  • EI Solutions
  • Aram Solar
  • WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corporation
  • Sustainable Conservation
  • Stellar Energy Solutions
  • Solarecity Electric
  • Preston of Dry Creek
  • Western Region Sustainable Ag.
  • Research & Education
  • Royal Blue Organics / Café Mam
  • Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
  • United Natural Foods / Mountain People’s Warehouse
  • Horizon Organic / White Wave
  • Laguna Farm
  • National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT/ATTRA)
  • Sunlight Electric
  • NorCal Solar
  • National Cooperative Grocers Association - Pacific Chap.
  • Community Alliance with Family Farmers
  • Organic Valley Family of Farms
  • Seeds of Change
  • Stonyfield Farm Yogurt
  • Wildwood Natural Foods
  • West Marine
  • Harmony Farm Supply
  • SolarCraft
  • Full Circle Solar