Title
a. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Grower Shipper Association Foundation for $50,000 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 the Grower Shipper Association Foundation for $50,000 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.
The Grower Shipper Association Foundation (GSAF) is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to professionals and the public throughout Monterey County. GSAF programs include: The "AgKnowledge" program. Under its MOU, GSAF collaborates with the Agricultural Commissioner's Office to develop and deliver a nine (9) month professional development program to community leaders within Monterey County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Grower Shipper Association Foundation supports this action. The County Administrative Office supports this action. The Office of the County Counsel has approved the proposed MOU as to form and legality.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund. Sufficient funds are available in the Agricultural Commissioner's Office Budget for FY 2014-15. Ongoing funding is subject to availability as determined through the County's annual budget review and approval process.
Prepared by:
Sheila Salazar, Finance Manager, 759-7381
Approved by:
Eric Lauritzen, Agricultural Commissioner, 759-7325
Attachments:
GSAF MOU