SALINAS VALLEY – Hartnell College hosted a special version of the annual Ag Tech summit – a half-day face-to-face program called AgTechX Ed – last month on the main Salinas campus.
The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology has teamed up with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to focus on developing the next generation of technology-savvy farm workers. That goal is closely aligned with Hartnell’s mission to meet the educational and workforce needs of his communities.
“The Salinas Valley and its fresh produce industry are at the forefront of fundamental change in agricultural production, processing and packaging, all of which demand new strategies to meet the changing needs of the workforce,” Hartnell said in a press release.
On April 13, AgTechX Ed participants listened to local leaders such as Josh Ruiz of Church Brothers, Tom Nunes of The Nunes Company, and Ted Taylor of Taylor Farms. Educators, such as Richard Chapman of Hartnell and Becca Fenwick of UC Santa Cruz, also offered their ideas.
In a concluding “chat,” CDFA secretary Karen Ross shared her vision for cultivating local talent through partnerships between government, industry, and academia. Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce President Steve McShane moderated the debate.
Afterwards, the camera hosted a reception with Ross which was combined with a robotics showcase.
Hartnell hosts conference on agriculture industry’s changing workforce needs – Salinas Valley Tribune Source link Hartnell hosts conference on agriculture industry’s changing workforce needs – Salinas Valley Tribune