The November Lunch and Learn event at the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology (WGCIT) featured an insightful presentation by Gina Colfer, a licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) with a specialty in sustainability. WGCIT Director Dennis Donohue served as the emcee while Colfer shared her extensive experience and knowledge in organic farming and soil health. The event provided valuable insights into sustainable farming practices and underscored the importance of a holistic approach to agriculture.
Speaker Background
Colfer, an alumna of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, has over 30 years of experience working in the Salinas Valley. She emphasized the importance of a Whole Systems Approach to farming organically, highlighting the intensive nature of farming in the region, which often involves two- to four rotations per season of leafy vegetable specialty crops. Colfer’s philosophy centers on building soil health as a long-term investment, akin to “putting money in the bank,” to ensure rich soil and high crop yields.
Key Insights
Colfer discussed the critical role of biodiversity on farms, advocating for the presence of specific blooming habitats to support bio control agents. She stressed that adult parasites and most adult predators rely on nectar and pollen, making the planting of flowers essential for effective pest management. Colfer’s approach to farming organically and sustainably integrates sound agronomy practices and a comprehensive systems perspective.
Personal Journey
Colfer’s passion for agriculture stems from her upbringing on her family’s apple farm in Aptos, California. Her father continued farming until the age of 93, and her brothers now manage the family farm. Colfer pursued plant sciences at Hartnell College and Cal Poly SLO, eventually joining Wilbur-Ellis, a family-owned international company founded in 1921. Wilbur-Ellis combines innovative ideas with traditional agricultural practices to serve the North American agriculture and food system.
Practical Advice
During the event, Colfer offered practical advice for growers looking to improve soil health, such as considering cover crops where economically feasible. She acknowledged the challenges of adopting biological solutions due to the lack of financial incentives but emphasized the potential for these solutions to replace traditional inputs. Colfer also highlighted the importance of empowering irrigators through education, as they possess valuable on-the-ground knowledge. She concluded by noting that consumer demand and willingness to pay a premium will ultimately drive the adoption of sustainable practices.
