Catching up with Seth Dolinsky

 September 21, 2019 by Fred Allebach

I ran into Seth Dolinsky at the Sonoma Springs Community Hall (SSCH) the other day, and we had a chance to talk about his latest project, the Sonoma Valley Agricultural Cooperative. Seth is a committed ag guy, and a small organic grower advocate. Seth gave me a copy of his co-op brochure.  

The brochure states: “The Sonoma Valley Agricultural Cooperative is a program of the Springs Community Hall (SSCH), a longtime supporter and center for Valley farmers and rural residents. As a 501c3 nonprofit, this program aims to fulfill the mission of the SSCH by supporting and promoting local farmers and food producers with an emphasis on organic methods and ingredients.”

Seth lists some of the main Sonoma Valley area producers: Bee Well Farms, Flatbed Farm, Phoenix Family Farm, Two Moon Farm, Oak Hill Farm, Paul’s Produce, The Patch, Sweetwater Spectrum Farm, The Bekjr, Sonoma Garden Park, Lola Farm, Green String Farm, and Tolay Valley Farm. A map in the brochure shows where the small organic farms are, and where and when farmers markets are. 

Farmers markets can be found Fridays year-round at Arnold Field, 9 AM -12:30 PM; Tuesdays in the Plaza 5PM to dark, and at the Springs Community Farmer’s Market, Boyes Blvd. and Hwy 12, Sundays 6/2 – 12/15, 10AM to 2PM.  

The object of the Co-op program is to develop support for small, local organic farmers, educate the public on local options, and connect producers with consumers. And most importantly, to preserve and honor the “farmers and families past and present who have brought forward this essential component of a healthy economy.”

Residents can help support local organic food farmers by buying local food, patronizing restaurants that use local food, visiting local farm stands, and signing up for community supported agriculture or CSA options. Further support can be given through donations to the Springs Community Hall. 

One solid reason for community support for local organic food farming is staring us all in the face: human caused climate change. With the threat of power outages, fires, supply chain disruptions, etc., the need to be locally self-sufficient for food could never be greater. And with such great land for farming, it would behoove us all to support our farmers and grow the food sector of local ag. 

Sonoma Garden Park recently had guest speakers for an excellent two-hour presentation on permaculture, biochar, and how to mix biochar and various ingredients for gardening and crop benefit. I learned a lot; there’s a whole world of ag and farming, with ongoing opportunities to plug in, right here in the valley. 

As the world seems to be coming apart at the seams, local food ag is one bright spot where solutions are right here for us to make and to support. To meet Seth and ask questions, send an e-mail to svacsonoma@gmail.com