The BC Delano campus held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 14 in celebration of a new Regenerative Farm which includes a pollinator garden.
Dr. Jalisca Thomason, an agriculture faculty member, explained to the audience that farming now has more challenges than ever. The strains of regulations and mandates as well as pressures to use solar energy have producers searching for ways to optimize resources to provide safe and plentiful crops. Dr. Thomason is confident the new farm at the Delano campus will serve as “an important model for California’s future in agriculture.”
The farm will serve as not only a learning opportunity for students but also as a research location for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The data collected from this site can be compared to data from other similar farms in different climates.
This aids farmers and agriculture regulators work together for maximum benefit of profit and resources.
The largest plan for this regenerative farm is “agrivoltaics,” using the land both for crops and a solar farm at the same time. Crops can be grown beneath solar panels which provide shade while they harness energy.
Some audience members expressed concerns over efficiency of the solar panels with certain crops due to the amount of dust generated. Solar panels must be kept clean to function effectively. Representatives of NREL explained that concern would be part of the data research process.
The farm will provide hands on field education as well as laboratory work and data analysis. It will provide study concepts in multiple areas of science and technology. The feedback will then in turn provide gains to researchers looking to assist growers and regulators conserve water and energy and maximize land space.
Agriculture Program Manager, Adolfo Briseno, projects that this farm will be of great benefit and thinks “sustainable practices will be sewn into the fabric of our very own community.”
As a college student majoring in plant and animal science and a resident of Delano, Gustavo Villa stated that he thinks of the new regenerative farm as a way to give back to the community. He is looking forward to future generations receiving knowledge about farming and ecosystems as well as renewable energy.
The Kern Community College District has been able to obtain funding for this project with measure J, a partnership with the Ravi and Naina Patel Foundation, and a grant from the California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL).
The goal for the farm is to effectively use the land while using the fewest resources possible.
Currently on the site are young trees and plants meant kick-start the growth yet to come.
