Today, 40% of the California wine industry does not have a Farm Advisor. Four industry veterans discuss retirements and recruitment for UC Cooperative Extension. Larry Bettiga, long time UCCE Farm Advisor Monterey County, discusses how reduction in staff looks from the perspective of a Farm Advisor. Chris Storm, Viticulturist of Vino Farms covers his experience with Farm Advisors and their import to the industry to assist smaller growers and facilitate research. Dr. Wendy Powers, Associate Vice President, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Cliff Ohmart facilitate a brainstorming session on how the industry can fill this void through PCAs, consultants and organizations like the Vineyard Team and Lodi Winegrowers.

This discussion is an excerpt from the 2020 virtual Sustainable Ag Expo course on Current Status of UC Cooperative Extension - Retirements and Recruitment. Use the link below to register for the course and hear the full discussion between November 9 and December 4, 2020.

References:

• 52: The Long View on Sustainable Winegrowing with Cliff Ohmart (podcast)
• Dr. Wendy Powers, Associate Vice President, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Larry Bettiga, UCCE Farm Advisor Monterey County
• Lodi Wine Growers
• UC Cooperative Extension
• Sustainable Ag Expo
• SIP Certified
• Vineyard Team

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