California

In California now, actually good to have some western food and know every one can understand you, had some clam chowder at fishermans wharf after we arrived in San Francisco, that night we had dinner at Glenda's(Glenda is state director of USDA rural development and our guide for the week.) followed by a briefing for the week.
Next morning we were off to the Marin markets which is the 3rd biggest farmers market in California, ate some fantastic food and had great insight into how fresh produce is viewed in california, a big emphasis is placed on local, organic, fresh. There slogan is "I know my farmer" it has been striking how high the public regard there farmers very different to home. The market was a real highlight and we all wished we could have spent more time there talking with the producers.

Next thing was a stop at Luc Chamberland, whose business Saltwater was developed using crowd funding and interesting concept.
That night was visit to crane melons where we went through Rick's private museum of old farm implements and machinery very interesting and Rick was quite a character he came out with the quote of the trip so far when asked about control of vermin on his property his response was "our farm policy is kill it all and let god work it out".
That night we were hosted at the melon barn for dinner by some local farmers fantastic night good food and some great wine.

Since then we have had some fantastic insights into how Ag operates in the US from senior USDA officials and met with conservation workers who actually really value farmers and actively engage farmers for more sustainable methods and most of all are concerned about the welfare of the farmers first, with funding available to improve farm systems for environment, Australia could definitely take a leaf out of there book.

Off to Fresno tonight for a dinner with local farmers 3hr drive so hence the length of this blog.