The Contra Costa Master Gardeners and the City of Brentwood are hosting
In Our Own Backyard, a celebration of local and sustainable fresh food at the new Brentwood Community Center in Brentwood, California. This event will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 9 AM – 4 PM.
The morning program will focus on local agricultural, especially what’s happening in Brentwood, Contra Costa County’s most productive agricultural community. Farmers who specialize in Brentwood sweet corn will discuss how this crop has been developed and has become a sought-after variety throughout the west. A newer cottage industry, olive oil, has also taken root in East Contra Costa County and Sean McCauley, the farmer who pioneered the region’s olive oil growth, will speak about its production.
The Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) will also give a presentation about local food production and how farmland conservation and stewardship are vital to continuing success.
In the afternoon, the spotlight turns to the home gardener. Leading soil scientist Dr. Steve Andrews will speak about enhancing the soil in home gardens.
Dr. Andrews will discuss solutions for making soil more productive so that home gardeners can produce better edible and ornamental plants. Following Dr. Andrews’ presentation, local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) will discuss how consumers can take advantage of farm fresh fruit and vegetables and how these fresh foods can be delivered to one’s home or be picked up at a chosen site.
Local vendors will share samples and offer soaps, honey, yarn, jams and many other local food and non-food agricultural products for sale.
Tickets for this special event are $35 each and can be purchased on the
In Our Own Backyard 2014 website. Admission includes a catered lunch by Nature’s Bounty.
ArtPlantae Today 