Non-technical summarycalifornia's central valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, and the wine and fermentation industries continue to play an important role in the…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Yosemite Community College District $195,000 on March 1, 2026, under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development program (CFDA 10.310) to strengthen agricultural workforce preparation in California's Central Valley wine and fermentation sectors.

Modesto Junior College, operating as the ultimate recipient within the district, will enhance instructional activities and deepen connections between students, faculty, and regional industry partners. The college will work with employers to identify workforce skill needs and integrate that knowledge into classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and experiential learning opportunities including industry tours, career events, and workforce engagement activities. These efforts aim to increase student awareness of agricultural career pathways, provide practical exposure to real-world agricultural operations, and improve understanding of skills and employment expectations in the wine and fermentation sector.

The period of performance runs through February 29, 2028. Place of performance is Modesto, California. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the regional agricultural workforce pipeline by improving career readiness, expanding access to agricultural training, and better preparing students for employment while supporting local agricultural businesses and contributing to long-term regional economic health.

Non-technical summarycalifornia's central valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, and the wine and fermentation industries continue to play an important role in the regional economy. At the same time, agricultural employers are experiencing increasing difficulty finding workers who understand modern production practices, safety expectations, and technical skills needed to enter and advance within these industries. Community colleges serve as an important bridge between education and employment, but training programs must continuously evolve to keep pace with industry needs. Strengthening workforce preparation benefits not only agricultural businesses, but also local communities by supporting economic stability, career opportunities for students, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region. This project focuses on improving workforce preparation by enhancing instructional activities and increasing connections between students, faculty, and regional industry partners. Modesto junior college will work with employers to better understand workforce skill needs and incorporate that knowledge into classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and experiential learning opportunities such as industry tours, career events, and workforce engagement activities. These efforts are designed to increase student awareness of agricultural career pathways and provide practical exposure to real-world agricultural operations, helping students better understand the skills and expectations associated with employment in the wine and fermentation sector. The ultimate goal of the project is to strengthen the regional agricultural workforce pipeline by improving career readiness and expanding access to agricultural training opportunities. By increasing collaboration between education and industry, the project aims to better prepare students for employment, support local agricultural businesses, and contribute to the long-term economic health of the central valley. The anticipated benefits include improved workforce readiness, stronger partnerships between education and industry, and expanded opportunities for students and community members to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture. These outcomes support rural and regional economic development while helping ensure that agriculture remains a viable and sustainable part of the community's future.