>Programs >Conservation & Farm Innovation

The Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) conducts bi-lingual conservation outreach and education among Spanish-speaking farm operators in Monterey County. We also help farm managers to comply with water quality regulations and plan new conservation strategies. Our focus is to demonstrate farming and conservation working in harmony.

While both ALBA farms are models for conserving soil and water resources, conservation is a primary focus at the Farm Training and Research Center (Triple M Ranch). Located less than one mile from the Elkhorn Slough, the ranch plays a crucial role in the Carneros Creek watershed. Under ALBA’s management since 2001, the Triple M has become a training center for soil conservation, water quality improvement, habitat enhancement and innovative farming practices. Conservation projects include: native plant hedgerows providing habitat for beneficial insects, vegetated swales for erosion control and better water infiltration, and a native grass trial to determine the best varieties for local agricultural conditions.

Limited-resource farmers are able to lease land at the Triple M in order to explore organic production and participate in conservation-intensive crop production. The farm hosts numerous annual field days and organizes tours for hundreds of farmers and others each year.