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Picture of Craig McNamara with a group of studentsCraig McNamara is the president and owner of Sierra Orchards, a diversified farming operation producing primarily organic walnuts.

By connecting people, policy and agricultural best practices, Craig works to protect the land that feeds us, to promote social justice and support the next generation of farmers.

In that capacity, he serves as the founder and president of the Center for Land-Based Learning, an innovative program that helps high school students build greater social and human capital in their communities.

He is President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, on the UC President's Advisory Commission and the UC Davis Dean's Advisory Council. He is an advisory board member of the Agricultural Sustainability Institute, and active in the American Farmland Trust, Roots of Change, and the Public Policy Institute of California

He is the recipient of several awards including the James Irving Leadership Award, Leopold Conservation Award, the California Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, the UC Davis Award of Distinction and Outstanding Alumnus Award.

He is passionate about sharing his knowledge in sustainable agriculture and leadership with the world around him. Together with his wife and three children he lives in Winters California


Craig McNamara was one of five Californians to receive the 2012 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. He was honored for his role at the Center for Land-Based Learning, which for 18 years has worked to raise a new crop of farmers. This year the center launched California Farm Academy, which provides intensive training...

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Posted on 28 December 2012 by Sacramento Business Journal



Craig McNamara, the son of former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, balances public policy work with organic farming and teaching in the Sacramento Valley.

The gig: Craig McNamara is a sustainable farming expert, organic walnut farmer in the Sacramento Valley town of Winters, founder of the nonprofit Center for Land-Based Learning and the California Farm Academy, and president of the state Board of Food and Agriculture, which advises state officials on farming policies.

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Posted on 28 October 2012 by Los Angeles Times



Officials say the average farmer in California is nearly 60 years old — and nearly 20 percent are older than 70. They say without an influx of younger and more ethnically diverse farmers, the state’s $37 billion industry will suffer.

KQED’s Forum discusses the graying of the agriculture industry in a broadcast from their Sacramento studios.







Posted on 13 February 2012 by KQED’s Forum