MONTEREY COUNTY
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, INC.

In the mid-1980's, a group of local agriculturalists that the lack of general understanding of the needs and benefits of agriculture was affecting the viability of the agriculture industry. The personal connection to the farm, which most of the previous generations enjoyed, no longer existed in the majority of the population. In fact, most citizens were now several generations removed from the farm.

Coupled with that lack of knowledge, was the fact that agriculture had become so efficient that consumers were blessed with a constant and abundant variety of healthy and delicious food. Consumers needed not be concerned over their food supply. Agriculture had become an invisible industry!

To combat this wide - spread agricultural illiteracy, this local group began visiting area schools to teach the importance of agriculture.

Driven by such industry leaders as Bill Barker, John Inman, Claudia Smith, Benny Jefferson, Dorothy Errea, Joanne Nissen, Mary Orradre and many more, the “Mobile Farm Story” became a much requested enrichment program, its very popularity soon made it overwhelming for the supporters and volunteers to manage. Out of this success, Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. was born, and The Farm Day Experience initiated. In 1991, the organization incorporated as a 501©3 non profit organization, and became a pioneer in the field of agricultural literacy and awareness.

Monterey County agriculture has always been a world leader in progressive ideas, science and technology. It is also a leader in agricultural education. The founders of Monterey County Agricultural Education were two decades ahead of most of the industry in recognizing the significance of a community that understand the needs and benefits of agriculture to the viability of the industry. These fore-sighted advocates also knew that accomplishing the monumental task of increasing ag literacy fell to those in agriculture. No one else would step forward to provide the accurate and current information, or implement the education programs. In the years since the creation of Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc., its mission has become increasingly important to all of agriculture, locally, throughout the state and nationally. Today, most, if not all, agriculturalists comprehend the necessity of agriculture literacy and awareness programs, but Monterey County is still one of the only counties in the nation to have an organization, not affiliated with any other organization and with full time staff, dedicated solely to agricultural advocacy.