The importance of independent agriculture experiment stations and New Crop Development
Lack of innovation from publicly funded agricultural research stations has created a need for private facilities to take the lead in introducing new crops and cultivation methods adapted to local environments.
Located in the Coachella Valley of the Southern California desert, projects, consulting, and services are designed to facilitate the development and introduction of new perennial desert, arid land and tropical crops for permanent agriculture systems. Providing innovative strategies for low input, sustainable farms and gardens, edible landscaping, commercial Opuntia cactus, agroforestry, family food security, living family pharmacies and post harvest processing.
On-site or remote consulting for planned and existing farms and international agriculture projects, family food production and home orchards, design plans, organic production, post harvest processing, finished products, and product formulation. Educational tours, classes, and internships available.
Services include providing new crops, contract propagation, project implementation/management, farm design, and finished product plus processing development. LBCAS is not involved in animal agriculture.
Mixed desert crops with almonds and improved fruiting Opuntia cactus.
Adapted food and medicinal plants from around the globe are tested for viability in commercial/organic, small farm, and home-use settings. Selected species are propagated and provided to commercial growers, families and individuals, international projects, and for edible landscapes, along with consulting and other services.
New crops are crucial to promote diversification of our food supply which currently utilizes a small number of species, causing dangerous limitations in genetic diversity. This results in periodic catastrophic crop failures from emerging pests and diseases. The use of perennial crops and multipurpose trees in polyculture, agroforestery and permanent agriculture are advantageous for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Crops of interest include improved spineless Opuntia (Nopal pad cactus) for fruit and vegetable production plus biofuel and carbon sequestration, other edible and medicinal cactus, agave, new types of adapted perennial vegetables, orchard crops including Olives, Moringa, fruit trees, almonds, Neem trees, greenhouse crops, and medicinal plants. Multi-level permanent agroforestry and polyculture are also a focus.
The nursery provides wholesale and retail plant sales and contract propagation, Please contact for a nursery appointment.
Greenhouse cucumber on trellis
International tropical agriculture development expertise for new perennial crops, low input sustainability methods, germplasm and propagation resources, family food security projects, and commercial/organic agriculture.
Forward thinking and creativity in the private sector is needed to bring about future agricultural innovations. In the same manner, one hundred years ago in Northern California, the remarkable and self taught horticulturist, Luther Burbank, created and introduced hundreds of valuable new varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spineless edible cactus, far out preforming the public sector. Though forgotten by younger generations, many of his introductions are still in widespread commercial use today, and his spineless Opuntia cactus varieties are found growing around the globe.
A hundred years later, the opportunity still exists for motivated individuals with foresight and the ability to perceive potential, to collect, select, test, and introduce new varieties of useful plants adapted to their local climate. A formal education and expensive tools are not required. Like Burbank, all that is needed is a love for plants and the desire to manifest the dream. For those of any age or background who feel this calling, please do contact us.
Chaya and African Moringa hedgerow in a desert food forest (agroforestry) permanent system
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