Young farmers celebrate Food Check-Out Week

Group marks national week recognizing small percentage of budget taken to pay food bill

February 8, 2006

By DANE GOLDEN
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF

Members of the Sonoma-Marin Young Farmers and Ranch-ers distributed reusable canvas grocery bags at G and G Market last Thursday to commemorate Food Check-Out Week.

The group was participating in a nationwide celebration to bring attention to the fact that, according to U.S. Agriculture Department statistics, Americans spend only 9.5 percent of their yearly budget on food, less than many other industrialized nations. The fifth week of the year is approximately the average amount of time a person would have to work in order to pay their food budget for a year.

The Young Farmers and Ranchers group says the five-week period to pay the food bill compares favorable to nations such as France, where people need to work more than nine weeks, Japan, at more than 13 weeks, and Mexico, at 17 weeks. The group attributes this in large part to increased farmer productivity.

"We want to raise awareness about the affordability of food and fiber in the nation," said Jeff Carlton, a leader of the group. "In the 1970s, (Food Check-Out Week) would have been two weeks later than it is today."

Carlton said the group was handing out reusable canvas grocery bags to symbolize the sustainable methods that family farmers and ranchers use. The group also wanted to thank North Bay consumers for their support of local family farms. A display table showcased products from Clover Stornetta, Petaluma Creamery, and other producers from around the county.

"Farmers and grocery shoppers rely upon each other every day," said Carlton. "We appreciate their consumption of reliable, affordable, locally grown food. Their grocery purchases sustain local farms."

Carlton is vineyard manager of Dutton Ranch in Sebastopol. Also present at the event was Petaluman Sam Dolcini, whose family has been managing a local beef and dairy ranch since the 1850s.

Sonoma-Marin Young Farm-ers and Ranchers is a group of agriculture production, banking, and business professionals between the ages of 18 and 35.

It is a branch of the local Farm Bureau, aimed at preparing individuals to become future agricultural leaders. The group is involved with local volunteer efforts, legislative awareness, social activities, achievement awards, and discussion meet contests.

Carlton also pointed out there are some particular challenges to farming and ranching in the area including dealing with Tiger Salamander habitat regulations, challenges from pests affecting vineyards, and the high costs of running small dairies.

He pointed to the Dolcini dairy business, which closed in 2001 after almost 150 years. The Dolcinis now only raise beef cattle.

(Contact Dane Golden at dgolden@arguscourier.com)

TOP SONOMA COUNTY AGRICULTURE COMMODITIES IN 2004

All wine grapes: $309,871,300

Market milk: $98,648,300

Misc. livestock and poultry: $39,117,600

Cattle and calves: $3,947,000

Misc. livestock and poultry products: $11,900,300

(Source: Sonoma-Marin Young Farmers and Ranchers)

SONOMA-MARIN YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Address: 970 Piner Road, Santa Rosa

Phone: 544-5575

Web: www.sonomacountyfarmbureau.com