Nominate a farmer or an educator for a Pedro Ilic Award

Calling all small-scale farmers and their supporters! Now is the season of awards and conferences in the agricultural world — and that goes for small-scale farmers too. At the moment, we are seeking nominations for the Pedro Ilic Awards, which honor dedication to small-scale farming.

These awards are named for Pedro Ilic, Fresno County small-scale farm advisor, whose death in 1994 prompted the UC Small Farm Program to annually honor those who carry out his legacy of personal commitment to small-scale and family farming. Ilic was one of the original advisors when the Small Farm Program was established in 1979.

Each year, the awards honor an educator and a farmer who embody characteristics that helped make Ilic a success.

Anyone can write a nomination. Take a look at the nomination form, which is now online. The deadline for nominations is February 4.

The awards will be presented at the California Small Farm Conference, March 10-12 in Fresno.

This conference, which rotates location each year, is the state's premier gathering of small farmers, agricultural students, farmers market managers and others involved in the small-farm industry. The three-day educational conference includes day-long short courses and on-farm tours; 25 focused workshops; keynote addresses  and many networking opportunities.

Do you know an outstanding farmer or agricultural educator? Honor him or her with a nomination for the Pedro Ilic Award!