Title
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. (MCAE), not to exceed $60,000 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.
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 Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. (MCAE), not to exceed $60,000, 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.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Since FY 2009-10 the County Board of Supervisors has directed the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to provide support of agricultural education efforts in Monterey County. The intent was to collaborate 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.
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 Workshops, and Education and Agriculture Together (EAT). Under its MOU, MCAE collaborates with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to develop and deliver three (3) Farm Day Experience programs (Salinas, Monterey, and King City) and other events.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
MCAE supports this action.
FINANCING:
The funds are contained in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Budget for FY 2024-2025. There are no changes to appropriations. Ongoing funding is subject to availability as determined through the County’s annual Adopted Budget review and approval process.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
MCAE is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs. Agricultural education programs support the economic vitality of the industry by educating children and the public about how their food is produced and about careers in agriculture.
_x_Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Henry Esler, Finance Manager, x7381
Approved by: Juan Hidalgo, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures x7302
Attachments:
Board Report
MCAE MOU