Title
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM), for one time funding not to exceed $75,000 to provide support of agricultural education efforts in Monterey County.
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make payments in accordance with the terms of the MOU.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM), for one time funding not to exceed $75,000 to provide support of agricultural education efforts in Monterey County.
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make payments in accordance with the terms of the MOU.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Monterey (County) has a long history of recognizing the importance of agriculture in our County and the importance of supporting agricultural education efforts that provide youth with an appreciation for the bounty of produce grown in our area and the opportunities that exist in pursuing careers in agriculture. The County’s support of agricultural education efforts has the mutual benefit of being directly related to programs implemented locally by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to protect agriculture and our communities related to pest management and control, invasive species monitoring, fruit and vegetable standardization, and crop statistics. Support of agricultural education efforts is an investment in our communities.
MCARLM is a nonprofit organization that provides educational program opportunities to teachers, students and the public through the preservation of agricultural landmarks at various museums and exhibits located in San Lorenzo County Park in King City. The exhibits include the irrigation museum and tractor shed which track the evolution of agriculture in our County, innovation and transformation into one of the most productive agricultural counties in the nation. This one-time funding support to MCARLM will expand their agricultural educational program serving K-12 students countywide, enhance knowledge of agriculture to schools throughout the County by developing a mobile outreach program, and increase access and transportation equity to schools in rural communities where transportation costs for a field trip to visit the agricultural museums and exhibits located at San Lorenzo Park in King City can be a barrier.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The MCARLM supports this action.
FINANCING:
The funds are contained in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Budget for FY 2025-2026. This one-time funding for the MOU between the County and MCARLM is sourced by General Fund contribution at 28% and state revenues to the County Agricultural Commissioner at 72%.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The MCARLM is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs. Agricultural education programs support the economic vitality of the County by exposing children to the importance of agriculture in our County, how food is produced, and careers in agriculture.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
_x__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Henry Esler, Finance Manager, x7381
Approved by: Juan Hidalgo, Agricultural Commissioner, x7302
Attachments:
Board Report
MOU