Atlanta, GA, January 7, 2011: The organization Agri-Culture earned national recognition for an innovative program that informs people about local farming and ranching. It will be among 15 programs from throughout the nation that will be showcased during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Meeting this week in Atlanta, Ga. A local delegation of five is currently in Atlanta presenting information about the program. Over 6,000 people are expected to attend the conference.
Agri-Culture earned an “Activity of Excellence” award for its grassroots Focus Agriculture program. The program seeks to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities by annually educating 20 local elected officials and community leaders about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. Participants learn about local agriculture during an intensive, nine-month program, composed of daylong, once-a-month sessions.
The five local representatives now in Atlanta are: Bill Ringe, President; Steve Bontadelli, Vice President; Nita Gizdich and Jane Nelsen, Directors; and Rose Kevern, Program Assistant.
Now in its 22st year, the Focus Agriculture program includes farm experiences aimed at showing participants the current issues affecting local farms and ranches.
There is a waiting list of more than 200 community leaders who hope to be chosen for the program. Agri-Culture President Bill Ringe stated, “Building relationships with local leaders early in their careers is critical to establishing a long-standing support system for local farmers and ranchers.”
Applications are being accepted for Class XXII. Deadline is Friday, January 21, 2011. Applications are available online: http://agri-culture.us/programs/focus-agriculture or call (831) 722-6622.
Source: Agri-Culture