With some of the most fertile soils in the world, a climate that supports a long growing season, and a unique tapestry of legacy communities rooted in farming, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta drives an annual $5 billion agricultural economy.
Restore The Delta’s Sustainable Agriculture Program (SAP) is an educational and outreach program focused on supporting the next generation of Delta farmers to adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions. As a trusted messenger and resource navigator, our work is rooted in listening, identifying shared challenges, and developing win-win strategies to improve operations, protect the environment, and strengthen the regional economy.
Rice is a sustainable crop for the Delta that supports profitability, restores subsided land, provides habitat for wildlife, and sequesters carbon. Check out our Rice Farming Handbook and farmer interview video series for a step-by-step guide for converting Delta ag lands to rice, and our Farmer Interview Series for firsthand experiences from Delta rice farmers who have made the switch.
Click the image to read the full handbook.
With a deep-rooted commitment to community building, we serve as a bridge between urban and rural Delta walks of life. We foster collaboration and cultural exchange as a trusted resource and friend to farmers, farm workers, BIPOC, legacy communities, and the next generation.
Addressing labor challenges: Farmers consistently face labor shortages, unfilled positions, and challenges in succession planning. We support farmers with strategic planning and networking to ensure local training programs are setting up the future workforce for success.
Addressing environmental challenges and creating new career pathways: We’ve found early success in convening ag-tech providers, farmers, workforce development organizations, universities, and community members to learn about opportunities in the emerging agricultural drone industry.
Subscribe to our SAP Newsletter for the latest updates, resources, opportunities, and Delta community events.
Sara Medina is the Sustainable Agriculture & Land Manager at Restore the Delta. Growing up in an agricultural community, she developed a strong connection to farming. She is a master gardener and serves as a board member for a local agriculture nonprofit. Sara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and two Associate’s degrees in Behavioral Science from San Joaquin Delta College and California State University Stanislaus.
Connect: P: 209-479-6350 E: Sara@restorethedelta.org
