Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture Prepares for Third Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day; Mary Maranville Provides Details
SANTA MARIA, CA - Even in our own industry, not everyone may know what goes on behind-the-scenes on the wonderful farms that grow our beloved fresh produce, but Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hoping to change that. Ramping up for its third annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, the nonprofit organization is offering free, in-person farm tours on Saturday, September 18, as part of this year’s “Meet The Hands That Feed You” event theme.
"Farm Day is the one day a year for the public to experience working farms," said Mary Maranville, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "So much goes into producing the foods we eat every day—the lettuce, celery, broccoli, strawberries, blueberries, onions, and herbs—the variety of food that grows in the Santa Maria Valley is enormous. Growing a single strawberry literally requires more than 100 workers—from prepping the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and packaging—to finally shipping the fruit to market."
The Farm Day event was created for all ages and features agricultural activities from farm tours and tastings to fruit and produce giveaways, according to a press release. Those attending will even get the chance to hear from local farmers, ranchers, and growers that produce our food as well as learn about seed science and see the latest in farming technology.
Growers and agricultural partners participating in Farm Day include the likes of Allan Hancock College, Babé Farms, Bonipak Produce, Buttonrwood Winery & Vineyards, Driscoll's, Engel & Gray/Harvest Blend Compost, Gold Coast Packing, Innovative Produce, Main Street Produce, Plantel Nurseries, Primus Labs, Rancho Laguna Farms, Reiter Affiliated Companies and Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, and Zaca Mesa Winery.
SEEAG’s mission in partnering with these industry names is to help children, and the public, understand the farm origins of their food, especially living in an area that is steeped in ag.
"Agriculture is an important part of the Santa Barbara County economy. It is a $1.6 billion a year industry," shared Maranville. "Many of the farms are run by third and fourth generation farmers. We are fortunate to have so many local growers excited to share their knowledge."
For more information about the event, click here.
As more ag-focused events pop up around the industry, AndNowUKnow will keep you in the know.
