SALINAS — “America’s Heartland,” the first nationally broadcast agriculture series of its kind in the United States, has returned for its 18th season with 10 new episodes featuring unique crops grown on diverse, locally-owned farms.
This season, “America’s Heartland” highlights the Salinas Valley’s Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), a nonprofit organization that helps farmworkers launch their own farms by providing classes, equipment and access to land.
Founded in 2001 in Salinas, ALBA focuses on providing practical training in sustainable agriculture, land access and business skills to help participants establish successful farming operations. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship and access to resources, ALBA empowers new farmers to cultivate crops using environmentally friendly practices, while also addressing food security and economic development in the region.
Produced by PBS KVIE, the weekly half-hour series can be viewed on public television stations across the nation. The episode featuring ALBA (#1807) is available to stream on the PBS app as of Sept. 16. Viewers can also find the episode on YouTube or at americasheartland.org.
“We’re pleased to offer these new episodes to PBS viewers,” said Michael Sanford, Associate GM for Production at PBS KVIE. “Our focus on specialty crops, small and diverse farmers and their unique crops, and their shared commitment to sustainability has allowed us to discover and share some amazing new stories.”
First launched in 2005, “America’s Heartland” shines a light on the efforts of farmers around the United States to adopt sustainable practices, bring specialty crops to consumers and nourish their communities. The series can be seen on PBS stations in more than 88% of U.S. television markets, including stations in all top 25 markets.
“America’s Heartland” also features farm-fresh recipes developed by chef Sharon Profis as well as an all-new segment in season 18 exploring health, the environment and cultural farming practices with Dr. Daphne Miller, a practicing family physician, clinical professor at the University of California San Francisco and research scientist at the University of California Berkeley.
Support for “America’s Heartland” is provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
