Title
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Grower Shipper Association Foundation in an amount not to exceed $12,500, and an Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Understanding (Amendment No. 1) with the Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $37,500, to provide support of agricultural education efforts in Monterey County, and
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make payments in accordance with the terms of the MOU and the Amendment No. 1.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Grower Shipper Association Foundation in an amount not to exceed $12,500, and an Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Understanding (Amendment No. 1) with the Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $37,500, to provide support of agricultural education efforts in Monterey County, and
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make payments in accordance with the terms of the MOU and the Amendment No. 1.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In FY 2009-10 the County Board of Supervisors directed the Agricultural Commissioner's Office to provide monetary support of agricultural education efforts in Monterey County. The intent was to facilitate collaboration for mutual benefit with respect to agricultural education programs and activities, more specifically programs and activities directly related to pest management and control, quarantine and invasive species activities, pesticide use and enforcement, fruit and vegetable standardization, and crop statistics. Accordingly, the Agricultural Commissioner's Office entered into Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. (MCAE) for those purposes. The Amendment No. 1 to that Memorandum will provide for the respective payment to MCAE for programs were conducted or commenced in fiscal year 2012-13. In addition, the Agricultural Commissioner is recommending that the County enter into an MOU with the Grower Shipper Association Foundation (Foundation) for the same purposes.
MCAE is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to teachers, administrators, and students throughout Monterey County. MCAE programs include: The Farm Day Experience, Careers in Agriculture, Teacher Workshop, and Education and Agriculture Together (EAT). Under its MOU, MCAE collaborates with the Agricultural Commissioner's Office to develop and deliver the three Farm Day Experience programs (Salinas, Monterey, and King City) and the other events.
The Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing the public factual and educational information about the agricultural industry. The Foundation helps support local education, training, scholarship and leadership programs, community outreach and philanthropic endeavors and delivers a nine month professional development program, AgKnowledge, to community leaders within Monterey County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office supports this action. The Office of the County Counsel has approved the MOUs as to form and legality.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund. Sufficient funds are available in FY 2012-13 Agricultural Commissioner's Office Budget. Ongoing funding is subject to availability as determined through the County's annual budget review and approval process.
Prepared by: Sheila S. Salazar, Finance Manager, 759-7381
Approved by: Eric Lauritzen, Agricultural Commissioner, 759-7325
Attachments:
Foundation MOU
Amendment No. 1 to MCAE MOU