WASHINGTON, DC – The nation's organic farms and ranches have higher average sales and higher average production expenses than U.S. farms overall, according to results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey released this month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture' s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

"This was USDA's first wide-scale survey of organic producers, and it was undertaken in direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, businesses, policymakers and others," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "The information being released today will be an important building block for future program and policy development. "

The survey counted 14,540 U.S. farms and ranches that were either USDA certified organic or were exempt from certification because their sales totaled less than $5,000.

These operations comprised 4.1 million acres of land, of which 1.6 million acres were harvested cropland and 1.8 million acres were pasture or rangeland.

While there were organic farms or ranches in all 50 states, nearly 20 percent of the operations were in California.

California also led the nation in organic sales, with $1.15 billion – or 36 percent of all U.S. sales. Nationwide, 2008 organic sales totaled $3.16 billion, including $1.94 billion in crops sales and $1.22 billion in sales of livestock, poultry and their products.

The nation's certified and exempt organic farms had average sales and production expenses that were higher than those of U.S. farms overall.

Organic operations had an average of $217,675 in sales, compared with $134,807 for all farms as reported in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Production expenditures averaged $171,978 per organic farm, compared with the nationwide average of $109,359 for all farms.

Most U.S. organic producers sold their products locally, with 44 percent of sales taking place less than 100 miles from the farm. Nearly 83 percent of organic sales were to wholesale channels, including processors, millers and packers.

Just over 10 percent of sales were direct to retail operations, including supermarkets. Only 7 percent of sales were direct to consumers, via farm stands, farmers' markets, community supported agriculture and other arrangements.

Survey respondents indicated that they face various challenges, including regulatory, production, management and marketing issues.

Despite these challenges, more than 78 percent indicated that they plan to maintain or increase their organic production over the next five years.

Complete results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey are available at http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Organics/ .

CLEARLAKE OAKS – At the last dinner meeting of the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association Margaret Medeiros and Gail Jonas presented Pat Grabham, director of the Live Oak Senior Center, with a $2,500 check for the "Meals On Wheels" program.

The program serves the Clearlake Oaks area.

This is one of the many contributions that the association has made to give back to the community.

The others for last year are Adopt A Pet, American Red Cross of Lake County, Animal Coalition of Lake County, CCHAP Drop-In Center, Clearlake Oaks fireworks, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice Services, Konocti Senior Support Inc., Lake Transit, Lower Lake Grad Night, People Services Inc, Senior Support Services, SPCA of Clear Lake, Sponsoring Survivorship, St.Vincent DePaul and UC Regents, for a total of $7,150 in 2009.

So far in 2010 they've donated a total of $3,030 to groups including Habitat for Humanity, Live Oak Senior Center-Meals On Wheels, Soroptimist International of Clearlake and Southshore Little League.

Come and enjoy a great meal the fourth Thursday of each month at the Live Oak Senior Center, 12502 Foothill Blvd. in Clearlake Oaks with the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association.

Call Margaret Medeiros at 707-998-9563 for reservations.

LOWER LAKE – Six Sigma Ranch will host the “Pruning and Pastries” event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 6.

Come for camaraderie, pastries and coffee, then stay for "Pruning 101" – a hands-on winter pruning demo led by David Weiss, the ranch's vineyard manager, and his team.

The two-hour event will start under the oak trees at the front gate of Six Sigma Ranch, off Spruce Grove Road.

Bring your vineyard pruning questions, and dress for the weather.

After the event, wine will be available for tasting and purchase.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by calling 707-994-4068 or purchase your $15 ticket online at www.sixsigmaranch.com/events.cfm . The cost is $7.50 for Six Sigma Wine Club members $7.50.

Please reserve your space by 4 p.m. Thursday, March 4.

LOS ANGELES – Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has made a $25,000 contribution to the American Red Cross to help aid relief efforts in Haiti, where a devastating earthquake killed more than 100,000 people and left the country in shambles.

This is the first donation with more contributions planned as the need continues.

“Farmers is proud to support the American Red Cross,” said Bob Woudstra, Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Insurance Group Inc. “The American Red Cross rushes immediately to where the need is greatest and we greatly admire and respect the world-wide work this fine organization does for so many people.”

In addition to the $25,000 dollar immediate donation, Farmers held a countrywide “blue jean” day on Jan. 22 when Farmers employees wore blue jeans to work in exchange for a monetary donation to be given to the American Red Cross to further support relief efforts in Haiti.

“This earthquake may have happened half a world away from us, but as a California based company we know all too well the devastation and fear that comes with a large scale earthquake, and our hearts go out to the nation of Haiti,” said Woudstra.

“Farmers Insurance and their agents are always there to support people in their times of great need” said Paul Schulz, CEO of the Los Angeles Red Cross. “With their generous support of the Haitian recovery it is clear their mission of recovery extends across national boundaries. Farmers’ pledge of support is most appreciated and needed at this early stage in this disaster.”

For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com .