Ag One Foundation
April E-News
Join us for the Jordan Agricultural Research Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday,
May 13 at 9 a.m. As the flagship university in the top agricultural region in the
world, Fresno State is a fitting home for a world-class research center to discover
and investigate the most advanced concepts and practices of agriculture, food and
natural resources. The new Jordan Agricultural Research Center at Fresno State fosters
collaboration between some of the brightest minds in agriculture, engineering, science
and mathematics. The 30,000-square-foot facility is reinventing Fresno State as a
leading research institution for decades to come. We hope to see you there! View invitation and campus map | View JARC video
Please join us in congratulating Ag One President Debbie Raven, President and CEO
of Valley Small Business Development Corporation which has been named one of the Farm
Credit 100 Fresh Perspective Honorees in the category of Agriculture Education and
Community Impact. The Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives Honorees include leaders
and visionaries from across the country. Selected by a distinguished panel of industry
representatives, honorees are creating the future of agriculture and rural America
through their dedication and innovation. Congratulations to Debbie and her team!
More 
On April 7, the Jordan College hosted representatives from the government of Angra do Heroismo, Terceira,
Azores, along with board members from the Tulare-Angra Sister City Foundation, Azorean
musicians and Tulare high school students and parents for a farm tour and lunch in
the almond orchard. The visit is part of the partnership to establish a student exchange
program with the University of the Azores. More 
Jordan College representatives Dean Sandra Witte, Sr. Director of Development/Ag One
Executive Director Alcidia Freitas Gomes and Manager of Grants and International Programs
Dr. Bill Erysian visited Angra do Heroismo, on the island of Terceira, Azores the
week of April 11-15 to continue work on the partnership between Fresno State and the
University of the Azores and to finalize plans for their return trip June 20-24 with
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro. The June visit will include the signing of
the agreement with the University of the Azores which will officially establish an
exchange program for students from both universities majoring in agriculture. More 
Join us for a swinging good time at the 45 th Annual Turf Day Golf Classic on Monday, May 9 th at the Belmont Country Club! Enjoy Fresno State farm products during lunch, social
and dinner as well as games throughout the 18 holes and a raffle. Player registration
is $160 thru April 29. The tournament is limited to the first 144 players and spots
are filling quickly, sign up today! For more information about player registration
and sponsorship opportunities visit the Turf Day web page.
Dr. David Zoldoske and his team in the Jordan College received a $5 million grant
from the California Energy Commission to establish the Central Valley Regional Energy
Innovation Cluster. The focus will be to significantly expand incubation services
for entrepreneurs developing energy technologies for water and agriculture sectors
and connecting them with business and economic development organizations in the Central
Valley and Northern California. An additional $3 million was secured from PG&E for
support of the the Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program (APEP); an educational and
incentive program intended to improve overall pumping efficiency and encourage energy
conservation in California.
The Agricultural Business Associates were recognized April 21 st at the Agricultural Business Club Annual Spring Banquet for their contributions to
the Agricultural Business department. Their efforts have raised more than $23,000
for the department and this amount will be matched by President Castro, totaling more
than $46,000. The program helps to build rewarding relationships with students and
faculty through high-impact learning experiences that allow students to participate
directly with industry. To become an Agricultural Business Associate, please join
here.
Planting seeds of success…
Alumna Monique Bienvenue, Director of Communications for Bee Sweet Citrus, was recently featured on the KSEE 24 Valley Delicious program with her recipe for Lemon Vinaigrette salad dressing. View the segment here
Blue Willow will premiere next month at Fresno State starting May 6-8, continuing
May 12-14. The play weaves the past and present voice of the migrant within the Central
Valley, from the Great Depression to the Great Recession.
- University welcomes California FFA state conference to campus
- The Fresno State Alpha Zeta Cal Epsilon student organization received the Founder’s Cup Award at the National Agriculture Leadership Conference March 19 in Gainesville, Fla. Senior Debrah Silva also received its National Treasurer of the Year honor for her fiscal oversight, fundraising and leadership.
- New soil science judging team competes at national contest
- Agricultural business students claim third place at national conference
Important Dates
- April 21 – 26, 2016 – State FFA Leadership Conference
- April 27, 2016 – Documentary screening of “Changing Season: On the Masumoto Family Farm”
- May 2, 2016 – Ag One Board Meeting and Annual Meeting of Members
- May 6-8; 12-14, 2016 – Blue Willow world premiere
- May 9, 2016 – 45 th Annual Turf Day Golf Classic, Belmont Country Club
- May 12, 2016 – Water Technology Conference, Clovis Veteran’s Memorial District
- May 13, 2016 – Jordan Agricultural Research Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- June 20 - 24, 2016 - Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores - President and Mrs. Mary Castro, Dean Dr. Sandra Witte, Sr. Director of Development/Ag One Executive Director Alcidia Freitas Gomes and faculty member John Cordeiro will travel to Angra, Terceira to sign an agreement with the University of the Azores. The agreement will put in place an exchange program for students majoring in agriculture. For more information, visit the Ag One website or contact Ag One at 559-278-4266.
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