Convergence

Over the last two years, the Convergence series has been examining industry sectors that are foundational strengths of our region’s economy and seeking to identify future growth and related workforce demand. 

The May 18 Convergence focus on Food, Farming and Agribusiness was enlightening in a variety of ways:

• West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon remarked that the Capital Region has the opportunity to be the “Silicon Valley of Food”; 
• Featured Speaker Craig McNamara noted that in the next ten years, the Capital Region will experience the largest property transfer in agriculture in our nation’s history, citing the critical need to create a pipeline of farmers and agricultural operators; and
• Clare Hasler-Lewis of UC Davis’ Mondavi Center for Wine and Food Science reminded participants that UC Davis is the number one food and agricultural research university in the world, providing our region with a unique global competitive advantage.

What does this mean for our education and workforce systems?  Attendees’ initial reaction was “science education” and entrepreneurism.  Please watch for a subsequent report in the coming weeks at www.leed.org.