A “first-in-the-nation” program, Focus Agriculture is designed for selected community leaders to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The program consists of once-a-month, daylong seminars, held over a period of nine months. Speakers, ranging from elected officials to representatives from environmental groups, address the class.
The sessions cover such topics as: • Environment and technology • Ethnic groups in agriculture • Regional diversity of commodities produced • Many farm tours and hands-on experiences.
Twenty-one people will be selected for Class XXIX. Agri-Culture President, Steve Bontadelli, stated, “Many people who are involved in the community are interested in agriculture. Focus Agriculture was created to allow community leaders an opportunity to learn, through discussions and hands-on experiences, about local agriculture.” Bontadelli continued, “We are proud that the program received both State and National Awards.”
Alumni of the program include: John Laird, California Secretary of Resources Agency; Zach Friend, 2nd District Supervisor; Greg Caput, 4th District Supervisor; Congressman Jimmy Panetta; Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank; Mary Anne Carson, Santa Cruz County Bank; Bud Colligan, Co-Chair, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership; Ted Burke, Owner, Shadowbrook Restaurant; Michael Watkins, Superintendent of County Office of Education; and Ceil Cirillo, Tannery Arts Center.
Seminars will be held one full day per month commencing March 9, 2018 and ending October 19, 2018.
Applications are available online at www.agri-culture.us or at the Agri-Culture office, 141 Monte Vista Avenue, Watsonville and by calling (831) 722-6622.
Applications are due Friday, Jan. 12, 2018