Focus Agriculture Accepting Applications for 2016 Seminars

Applications due Friday, January 15, 2016

Applications are currently being accepted for Class XXVII (27) of Focus Agriculture, a “first-in-the-nation” program, 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 XXVII.

In announcing the application process for Class XXVII, 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 a National Award in 2011.”

Alumni of the program include: John Laird, California Secretary of Resources Agency; Zach Friend, Supervisor; 4th District Supervisor Greg Caput; Jimmy Panetta, Monterey County District Attorney; Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank; Bud Colligan, Founder/CEO, South Swell Ventures; 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 11, 2016 and ending October 21, 2016.

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.