Cherie Watte

I was raised by a farmer and a teacher. As a child, it didn't occur to me that people actually needed to be educated about farming. Why didn't they know where their food came from and the many challenges associated with raising crops in a harsh environment?

It wasn't until I left my small rural farm home that I met a large population of contemporaries who knew nothing about my way of life but were oddly interested in the agricultural education I took for granted. Their questions were many and I happily referred many to a new foundation, California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC). The visionaries within the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) understood that more and more California citizens were losing a direct connection with the state's farmers and ag industry. More importantly, they understood that winning the industry's economic, social, environmental, and political battles hinged on our ability to tell our story and reconnect urban citizens with the many ways agriculture does indeed affect their lives.

I've had the pleasure of working with CFAITC for most of its 25 year history. I first worked with the staff when I worked for CFBF. As a young professional, I was also very involved in California Women for Agriculture (CWA) and participated in the numerous partnerships between CWA and AITC—two organizations dedicated to educating consumers about the importance of agriculture in their lives.

Today, I use CFAITC as a professional resource. I am Executive Director of the California Asparagus Commission (CAC). The Commission Board of Directors shares my view that increased consumption of asparagus is best accomplished by introducing the younger generation to this delicious and nutritious vegetable. With this goal in mind, CAC has partnered with CFAITC for the past 10 years to develop and distribute educational resource materials on asparagus. Our Asparagus Fact Sheet is an invaluable resource. For many years, Foundation staff has participated in CAC's education pavilion during the annual Stockton Asparagus Festival. The resources offered by AITC are the first to go! Visitors quickly and gratefully absorb as much information as we offer which is a testament to the continued need of an organization dedicated to agricultural education. The Foundation staff is continuously developing new educational opportunities for organizations like CAC and we look forward to partnering with AITC on new projects in the near future.

Farm Bureau's establishment of AITC was a smart investment and the dividends continue on the Foundation's 25th anniversary. I personally wish to congratulate the Foundation leadership and staff on its many accomplishments and hope to be involved in future successes both as an industry professional and a parent. Thank you AITC for "planting the seeds" of knowledge throughout California. Your efforts make my job easier and my life better!

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