LAKE COUNTY >> Thirteen community leaders from a wide range of positions have been selected to participate in the fifth year of the popular AgVenture program.
AgVenture is a concept in agricultural education designed for non-farming community leaders and others who wish to understand more fully the workings of the agricultural industry.
The sessions will cover such topics as economics, labor, history, marketing, water and land use, agro-tourism and sustainability.
Members of the 2014 class include Scott Alonso, field representative; California Assembly member Marc Levine; Paula Britton, environmental director of Upper Lake Pomo Tribe; Jim Brown, health services director of Lake County; Michalyn DelValle, senior planner of Lake County; Rev. Oscar Diaz, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church; Bill Dodd, Napa County supervisor and candidate for state assembly, District 4, and Nanette Dutcher, owner of State Farm Insurance Agency.
The class will also include: Natasha Ibrahim, produce department manager of Nylanders/Oaks Red & White Food Store; Melissa Kinsel, development officer of St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake; Susan Mesick, manager of Tallman Hotel; Kenny Parlet, manager of Lakeview Market and mayor of city of Lakeport; Karlene Rebich, ag liaison; Senate elect Mike McGuire and Jill Ruzicka, senior administrative analyst of Lake County.
Class members will be taught about agriculture and farming in general, and more specifically about the heritage, culture, economy and business of local agriculture.
Community leaders were invited to participate and the members of the class were selected based on their interest in the program, professional position in the community and ability to help maintain a viable agricultural industry in Lake County.
The first session on Aug. 8 will focus on the pear industry in Lake County with orchard and packing house tours. The second session on Sept. 12 will focus on the wine grape industry. The third session on Oct. 17 will focus on the walnut industry in Lake County. The final AgVenture session will be held on Nov. 7 and will include a panel discussion on Lake County agriculture from the farm worker perspective and will conclude with a graduation presentation by each class member sharing the experiences that they will remember from the program.
For information about California Women for Agriculture, visit www.lakecountycwa.org or visit the Lake County California Women for Agriculture on Facebook.
