Programs

AgKnowledge

A partnership program of Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. and Grower-Shipper Foundation.

This Executive Seminar Program provides policy makers, educators, media, and other community leaders the opportunity to "walk in the shoes of a farmer", to see Monterey County through the eyes of those involved in the many facets of agriculture.

AgKnowledge Fellows will better understand the heart of those that work the land or otherwise contribute to the production and distribution of agricultural commodities.

The eight day-long seminars, held once a month, cover topics such as technology, economics, regulations, labor, marketing, cultures, quality assuracne, and heritage.

AgKnowledge Fellows explore the impact agriculuture has on local communities, international nutrition and health, political issues, geography, stewardship, water, and urban interface in personal, hands-on interaction with industry professionals.

By participating in AgKnowledge, Fellows develop an appreciation of the broad spectrum of issues affecting agriculture and gain a better understanding of the people, families, history, and future of the agriculture industry.

The long term goal of AgKnowledge, is to develop and sustain community support for farmers, ranchers and all those involved in Monterey County Agriculture.

Click here for more information on AgKnowledge.

Click here for an Application for AgKnowledge.

Comments from AgKnowledge Inaugural Class Fellows:

"The experience of hearing from generations of family members, speaking passionately about what they do and why they continue to do it is priceless. It really gives a new perspective on agricultural activities."

• Mary Ann Leffel, Vice President, Commercial Lending and Business Development, Wells Fargo Bank

"The good will, integrity, stewardship and expertise of those individuals who were so generous in sharing their knowledge was very impressive and will long remain with me and I'm sure the other participants. I think the benefits we received far out-weigh the tuition so please accept this donation in appreciation for the value I received."

• Peter Kasavan, Kasavan Architects

"Thank you for inviting ….the Health Department to participate in the Inaugural Class of AgKnowledge. I enjoyed it very much and I learned more than I believed possible in only 7 sessions. I found all of the days interesting and I looked forward to each session. The cross section of participants in AgKnowledge also was good, as it allowed us to hear different perspectives about agriculture."

• John C. Ramirez, Assistant Director of Environmental Health, Monterey County Health Department

"It was a full sensory experience to hear, see, smell, taste and touch the wide variety of .... Monterey County agricultural industry. Perfectly complimenting this experience was the cadre of industry leaders who graciously shared their knowledge. Without a doubt, I strongly recommend the program."

• Wayne Tanda, Director, Monterey County Office of Resource Management

"AgKnowledge was an amazing experience. I walked in thinking I knew a good deal about the agricultural industry. Wrong. The program opened my eyes and taught me far more than I ever imagined. Industry leaders shared their insight in farm fields, board rooms and research labs. Their depth of agricultural knowledge made the program worthwhile and challenging. I would recommend this program to fellow journalists and anyone else who wants to learn more about the county's leading industry."

• Carolina Garcia, Executive Editor, The Monterey County Herald.

Agriculture in Space

Agriculture in Space premiered in May 2003. Sponsored by Monterey County Agricultural Education, NASA and Hartnell College, this innovative program for middle school and high school teachers combines the high technology and science of the NASA space program with the technology and science of food production. In the first program of its kind in the United States, fifty area educators and ag industry leaders duplicated actual space station experiments on propagating specially developed crops, such as miniature wheat, broccoli, rapini, lettuce and tomatoes. NASA was so pleased with the program that plans are in the works for a National Conference modeled after our event!

Careers in Agriculture

Careers in Agriculture is a day-long program for approximately 400 high school students coming from 12 schools. The students get to meet with and ask questions of those working in the ag industry. Each tour covers a wide range of careers, as well as their education requirements. The second half of the day shows students an array of possible post high school education programs, from training programs to universities. Each student is required to complete a fact finding questionnaire, which, coupled with raffle prizes, helps students gain the most from the experience. Monterey County Ag Education, Inc. wants to reach all high school students to change overall perception of opportunities in agriculture; to develop the work force of the future; to encourage students to stay in high school; and to increase the basic knowledge of agriculture.

Teacher Workshop

The Farm Day Experience is provided at entirely no cost to school districts or individual schools. The only requirement for participation is teacher attendance at a Workshop prior to the event. The Workshop adds another, very valuable dimension to The Farm Day Experience. Each year, The Workshop presents a variety of new and current curriculum materials, as well as methods to incorporate these lessons and agriculture into everyday classroom lessons. Through The Workshop teachers reach a level of familiarity with agriculture, and are then more comfortable using ag themes with their students. The Workshop also provides an opportunity for educators to discover facts versus fiction in many controversial topics. By providing teaching materials, ideas, and answers, The Farm Day Experience becomes a more enriching, lasting educational program.

EAT

Education and Agriculture Together (EAT) is an educational program directed toward school superintendents and administrators. Every year EAT allows administrators to connect personally with those involved in the agricultural industry. The administrators learn about science and technology involved in agriculture, the wide variety of careers available, and the potential opportunities for students. It also gives agriculture employers the chance to let educators know what they look for when hiring employees.

Advocacy for Agriculture

Monterey County Agricultural Education offers community awareness with a huge variety of advocacy and ag visibility presentations. Middle school teachers learn about how to incorporate agriculture into classroom lessons; local youth groups discover the difficulties of harvesting a crop, but feel the satisfaction of providing food for others; government and private industry visitors learn the unique qualities of Monterey County agriculture and the progressive science and modern technology used in the industry. The organization works in as many venues as possible. It offers group and individual tours, speakers for classrooms, and fair and community event exhibits. We do our best to work will all specific requests.

Funded by California Department of Food and Agriculture Specialty Produce Block Grant.

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