A Pacific Council Consular Advisory Board delegation recently traveled to Fresno, California, to learn about the effect of California’s crippling drought on its Central Valley. Briefings covered an overview of the region’s economic potential, educational exchange initiatives, regional legislation and policies, and emerging agricultural technologies.

The delegation was led by Dr. Jerrold D. Green, President & CEO of the Pacific Council, and included Amb. Rudi Veestraeten, Consul General of Belgium; Amb. Zerihun Retta, Consul General of Ethiopia; Amb. Hans Jörg Neumann, Consul General of Germany; Mr. Carlos M. Sada, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles; Amb. Liliana Cino, Consul General of Peru; Mr. Mariusz Brymora, Consul General of the Republic of Poland; Mr. Khalid Al-Sada, Consul General of the State of Qatar; and Mr. Abdulla Ali Alsaboosi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates.

According to a UC Davis study, California’s agricultural economy is estimated to lose roughly $1.84 billion in 2015, along with more than 10,000 jobs. Infrastructural and educational funding in the Central Valley is tied to the success of the agriculture industry, as schools face drastic cuts in aid and enrollment. The drought is putting at risk California’s farming communities, rural educational opportunities, and a $46.4 billion industry.

Central Valley leaders are therefore faced with a daunting task: they need come up with innovative ways to reinvigorate agricultural growth during a major drought. During the two-day visit, delegates learned about the new agricultural technologies, strategic local and international educational partnerships, and regional legislation and policies, aimed at doing just that. 

Key meetings during the visit included:

• A discussion with the Consul General of Mexico in Fresno, Vicente Sánchez Ventura, for a general overview of the Central Valley’s potential;
• A meeting with CSUF’s president, Dr. Joseph I. Castro, on agriculture-based educational opportunities and cooperation with the international arena;
• A meeting with the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, District 3, and Representative Henry Perea, on legislation and policies in the region, especially in matters regarding families’ access to resources; and
• A discussion with Nisei Farmers League president, Manuel Cuhna, and “Farmer of the Year” Joe Del Bosque, on the various new technologies used in the area to maximize productivity in the agriculture sector.
   

Check out some photos from the delegation’s visit to Fresno. Learn more about Pacific Council delegations and our Consular Advisory Board.