Business Details
29 Years
experience
Environmental Stewardship Programs for Agriculture
Founded in 1997, our organization has dedicated over 25 years to advancing environmental stewardship through science-based education and solutions. We collaborate with agricultural, environmental, and governmental stakeholders to develop programs that protect water and air quality while promoting sustainable farming practices. Our expertise lies in creating actionable resources like the 4R Nitrogen Management framework, irrigation efficiency tools, and pollinator protection guidelines.With a team of seasoned professionals and partnerships across California's Central Valley and Coast, we deliver CEU-certified training, technical evaluations, and research-driven materials. Our authority stems from decades of experience addressing pesticide-related challenges and fostering coalitions that bridge urban and rural interests. We maintain transparency through publicly available programs and prioritize trust by adhering to rigorous scientific standards in all our initiatives.
Services
Nitrogen Management
Surface Water Protection
Irrigation Efficiency
Pollinator Conservation
CEU Training Programs
Pesticide Stewardship
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer CEU-certified training programs developed with agricultural experts
- Our irrigation efficiency tools have been field-tested across California for over a decade
- We maintain partnerships with leading agricultural research institutions and grower associations
- Our programs address both regulatory compliance and practical farm management needs
- We provide free technical evaluations and educational resources to support sustainable practices
Services
Nitrogen Management
Our 4R Nitrogen Management program educates growers on applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, time, and place. Through research-based videos and CEU courses, we help farmers optimize crop production while minimizing nitrate leaching into groundwater. This science-driven approach supports regulatory compliance and environmental protection.
Irrigation Efficiency
The DU & ROI Estimator software helps growers improve irrigation system performance through distribution uniformity analysis. By identifying inefficiencies and calculating return on investment, we enable farmers to reduce water usage, lower energy costs, and enhance crop yields while maintaining environmental sustainability through optimized water management.
Surface Water Protection
Our program develops best management practices to prevent agricultural runoff contamination. Through educational videos, publications, and technical guidelines, we provide solutions for reducing pesticide and nutrient impacts on surface water, including buffer zones, vegetated waterways, and irrigation tailwater recirculation systems that protect aquatic ecosystems.
Pollinator Protection
We promote safe pesticide use practices that protect pollinators while maintaining crop protection. Our educational materials and research reports guide growers in preserving pollinator habitats, implementing integrated pest management strategies, and following stewardship practices that support both agricultural productivity and biodiversity in California's agricultural landscapes.
CEU Training Programs
We deliver continuing education units through video-based courses on nitrogen management and irrigation practices. These self-certification programs, approved by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, help agricultural professionals meet regulatory requirements while gaining practical knowledge to improve farm sustainability and operational efficiency.
People
Parry Klassen
Executive Director
With over 25 years of experience in agricultural environmental issues, Parry leads CURES' efforts to develop science-based stewardship programs. He oversees partnerships with grower associations and government agencies to implement sustainable practices across California's agricultural regions.
Gabriele Ludwig
Board Member
Environmental Affairs Director at Almond Board of California, Gabriele contributes expertise in sustainable agriculture practices. She works to integrate environmental stewardship with industry needs through CURES' coalition-building initiatives focused on water quality and air quality protection.
Ben Sacher
Secretary/Treasurer
As Syngenta Crop Protection's State Affairs Director, Ben brings regulatory expertise to CURES' board. He helps shape policy approaches that balance agricultural productivity with environmental protection requirements in California's evolving regulatory landscape.
Renee Pinel
Board Member
Leading Western Plant Health Association, Renee contributes industry perspective to CURES' programs. Her experience in agricultural chemical regulation informs the development of practical stewardship solutions that address both grower needs and environmental concerns.
Courtney Jallo
Associate Director
Courtney manages CURES' educational initiatives and program development. She coordinates the creation of training materials and technical resources that translate complex environmental regulations into actionable practices for California's agricultural community.
Questions
What environmental issues does CURES address?
We focus on nitrogen management, surface water quality protection, irrigation efficiency, and pollinator conservation through science-based educational programs and technical resources.
How can growers access your irrigation efficiency tools?
Growers can request free Distribution Uniformity evaluations or download our DU & ROI Estimator software through our website to improve irrigation system performance.
Do you offer continuing education credits?
Yes, our nitrogen management videos and quizzes provide CEU credits approved by the California Department of Food and Agriculture's FREP program.
How do you support agricultural sustainability?
We develop practical stewardship solutions through grower partnerships, technical training, and research-based resources that balance environmental protection with agricultural productivity needs.
What regions do you serve?
Our programs primarily serve California's Central Valley and Central Coast agricultural regions through local partnerships and technical assistance providers.
