More Food! More Farmers! More Markets! More $!

This Fall begins a new program of North Coast Opportunites - McGROW - a two year USDA funded program to increase food production from our farmers, increase demand for local foods, and strengthen our farmer's markets!

Just in case you love acronyms, McGROW stands for: Mendocino County Grows new farmers, Renews agricultural skills, Organizes training and capacity building for farmers and market managers, and Works to increase production capacity. A new program coordinator will be working with the Mendocino County Farmers Market Association (McFarm), market managers, and farmers to develop a series of trainings for: farmers to extend seasons and increase production (i.e hoop house usage and construction) and market managers to be more effective (i.e. marketing, accounting, and using EBT/Food Stamps). Additionally, the McGROW program will be developing new marketing and public outreach campaigns to increase awareness of the nutritional, economic, and community benefits of purchasing local foods.

To find out more information and how to get involved, join in on the trainings, and help rebuild our local food system, contact NCO at 462-2596 x 103. Let's keep farming and eating!