Join Western Growers and
CA Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary
Karen Ross for a special industry event!
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF
TECH-SAVVY AG WORKERS
Thursday, March 7, 2023
1:00 PM- 5:00 PM
Merced College
3600 M St.
Merced, CA 95348
Room: AG IT- 130/131
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The Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, California Department of Food and Agriculture and Merced College have partnered to host AgTechX Ed – a half-day event dedicated to developing the next generation of tech-savvy agricultural workers.
The AgTechX Ed Summit at Merced College will be comprised of 3 panels, covering topics including: industry issues and skill identification; education and workforce development strategies; and current and future workforce needs on the farm.
This event is part of the AgTechX Ed Initiative – a statewide effort, led by Western Growers and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, to cultivate a future workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate emerging on-farm technology.
Register for the event to help us develop the skills of tomorrow TODAY!
Welcome
An event welcome by leadership from Merced College and the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology.
Panel #1: Industry Issues and Skill Identification
Industry partners discuss and provide guidance on specific skill gaps, trends, and upcoming skills needs, and how we can address upskilling needs.
Panel #2: Education and Workforce Developmental Strategies
Educators from regional colleges and universities will discuss current and future ag tech workforce development in curriculum implementation, certificates and degrees.
Networking Break
Panel #3: Industry Leaders
Leadership from companies from throughout the region, state and country will delve into strategies and tactics for building a sufficient workforce.
Fireside Chat w/ Karen Ross
Secretary Ross will have an in-depth discussion on how to cultivate local talent through partnerships between government, industry, and education.
Mixer & Dinner with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
A "Meet and Greet" with AgTechX Ed attendees, panelist, members of Merced College, and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
Featuring Karen Ross
Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture
KAREN ROSS was appointed Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture on January 9, 2019, by Governor Gavin Newsom.
In re-appointing Secretary Ross, Governor Newsom cited her unmatched leadership experience in agricultural issues nationally, internationally and in California, in areas including environmental stewardship, climate change adaptation and trade.
Secretary Ross was initially appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2011.
Jason Resnick joined Western Growers in 2003 and now serves as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. His responsibilities include overseeing the organization’s legal department, trade practices department, H-2A Services division, and corporate governance as Western Growers’ corporate secretary. Jason provides advice and counsel on various legal, business and policy matters. Jason has primary staff liaison responsibility over the Western Growers Board of Directors, and the WG Executive and Labor Committees.
Click here for Jason Resnick's full biography.