San Diego County has over 5,000 farms, making it the county with the highest number of farms in the United States [17525f7d]. Despite the globalization of the food system, small-scale, family farming remains the most successful model in the region [17525f7d]. These small farmers in San Diego County continue to produce high-quality produce that is in demand [17525f7d].
Recognizing the importance of supporting local farms, a food co-operative called SunCoast Market Co-op is being established in Imperial Beach [17525f7d]. The aim of this co-op is to source produce directly from local farms and prioritize buying from local provisioners [17525f7d]. By doing so, the co-op hopes to provide fresh produce grown nearby and contribute to the local economy [17525f7d].
The establishment of the SunCoast Market Co-op highlights the benefits of a cooperative model in supporting small, local farms [17525f7d]. By pooling resources and leveraging collective buying power, the co-op can create a sustainable market for these farmers and help them thrive [17525f7d]. This cooperative approach not only benefits the farmers but also ensures that consumers have access to fresh, locally grown produce [17525f7d].
Whole Foods Market has confirmed that it will be opening a new location in downtown San Diego [ab1b205e]. The supermarket chain will be taking over approximately 50,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor and mezzanine space at the base of the Front & A project, a 343-foot-tall tower with commercial space and 450 residential units [ab1b205e]. The project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, but Whole Foods Market has not announced an opening date for its downtown San Diego location [ab1b205e]. San Diego County already has three other Whole Foods stores in Del Mar, Hillcrest, and La Jolla [ab1b205e].
In Johnston County, North Carolina, the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Johnston County Center is working collaboratively to build and strengthen the local food system [0dcb1ac8]. With 964 farms, Johnston County ranks 4th in crop production and 8th in agricultural income in North Carolina [0dcb1ac8]. The office offers classes on growing and preparing local food, food preservation, cooking, and youth camps [0dcb1ac8]. They also engage in marketing efforts for on-farm events and partner with local farmers to promote local foods [0dcb1ac8]. The office works on projects related to commercial horticulture, master gardening, field crops, and livestock [0dcb1ac8]. The goal is to build and foster local food connections for greater collaboration and community involvement [0dcb1ac8].
On June 18, forty-four youth from Codington County gathered at the Codington County Extension Complex for a day of learning and engagement [4d424334]. The event, known as the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day, was aimed at teaching children aged 8 to 12 about farm safety [4d424334]. The day was coordinated by Jodi Loehrer, SDSU Extension/Codington County 4-H Youth Program Advisor [4d424334]. The event provided hands-on experiences led by local community members, teaching the participants lifelong farm safety lessons [4d424334]. The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day was sponsored by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation and its sponsors and local sponsors [4d424334].
The following individuals and organizations assisted at the Safety Day in presenting farm safety: Watertown 911 Dispatch, Becky Thyen from Lake Area Veterinary Clinic, Becky McGillivary from Corteva AgriScience, Jarod Sutton from Codington-Clark Electric, Codington County Sherriff’s Department, Watertown Fire Department, Grant Loehrer from HillTop Welding, Shannon Britt from Prairie Lakes Hospital, Andrew Delgado from Codington County Emergency Management, Tom and Rocky from SD Farmers Union, and Tamra Ching from Castlewood School Nurse [4d424334]. The event was a testament to the power of community collaboration and the commitment to ensuring the safety of the next generation [4d424334].
The article emphasizes the importance of supporting small, local farms in San Diego County [17525f7d]. It highlights the value of these farms in providing high-quality produce and contributing to the local economy [17525f7d]. The cooperative model being implemented by SunCoast Market Co-op is seen as a promising solution to support and sustain these farms [17525f7d]. By supporting small farms, consumers can not only enjoy fresh and nutritious produce but also play a role in promoting local agriculture and food security [17525f7d]. The efforts of the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Johnston County Center in North Carolina demonstrate the power of collaboration and community involvement in strengthening local food systems [0dcb1ac8]. Through education, partnerships, and marketing, they are working to connect farmers and consumers and promote the benefits of local food [0dcb1ac8]. The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Codington County showcases the commitment to farm safety and youth engagement in the community [4d424334]. By teaching children about farm safety, the event aims to create a safer environment for the next generation and instill lifelong lessons [4d424334].