Agriculture Education in Monterey County, CA: Tours, Farms & More

Once upon a time, no one needed to explain the particulars of what we ate. It was no mystery - most Americans lived on farms and knew all about it, since they were actively engaged in growing and harvesting food.

These days, there's a decided disconnect between food's origins and the dinner table.

"Most people think it appears magically in supermarkets. That personal connection has been lost to the newer generation," said Connie Quinlan, executive director of Monterey County Agricultural Education, a nonprofit group that seeks to help the public better understand and appreciate local agriculture, based in what is called the "Salad Bowl of the World" - Salinas, Calif.

Ironically, more outsiders seem to appreciate the scope of Monterey County agriculture than those who live here. Quinlan notes that tour groups from Holland, Italy and Japan have visited the Salinas Valley, and organizations such as the Bay Area-based Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) offer tours of Monterey County farms and facilities.

"We draw people from all over the world because this is where it's happening," said Quinlan.

Luckily, for those who want to know more, there are a variety of ways to learn more about farming and food production in Monterey County. Although most are aimed at young children, there are also some opportunities for teens and adults to increase their knowledge.

In order to give locals the inside scoop, MCAE launched AgKnowledge, a seven-month series of in-depth seminars for community leaders and business executives. The 20 enrolled in the inaugural program tackle tough topics like food safety, technology and the interface between agriculture and urban areas.

"It's to help those outside the industry grasp the enormity of the Monterey County ag industry," said Quinlan. "They're really excited about what they're learning."

But what MCAE is probably best known for is its unique Farm Day Experience, where thousands of elementary school students learn how to shear sheep, the inner workings of tractors, and what makes a seed grow.