Bakersfield, CA – Farming worries permeate the southern San Joaquin Valley as more and more local growers are challenged by the lack of water and other pressing issues such as pests, available land, and environmental requirements. The first ever Kern Agriculture Summit will tackle the hard issues facing our local agricultural economy on Tuesday, October 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Gil Bishop Sports Center at Bakersfield College.

The 2014 Kern Agriculture Summit highlights the strength of agriculture in California, the challenges that affect agriculture, and future trends of sustainability and growth.

“This summit will examine the seeds sown in the past, cultivate the knowledge of today, and prepare for the harvests of tomorrow,” said Leah Carter, chair of the Kern Agriculture Summit.

A special look at agricultural challenges in the political arena will be presented by Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Senator Jean Fuller.

Attendees will hear keynote presentations from leaders on the topics surrounding agriculture in Kern County, including Karen Ross, Secretary of Agriculture for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Paul Wegner, President of the California Farm Bureau.

Panel discussions on farm challenges in Kern County and crop and water trends across California will bring together 10 local professionals and experts for enlightening discussion.

Master of Ceremonies for the Kern Agriculture Summit will be Barry Zoeller from Tejon Ranch, and lunch will feature a blessing and prayer for rain from Father Jack Estes, rector of St. Luke’s Anglican Church and Bakersfield Garden Project member. Lunch will also feature a light look at agriculture with inspirational speaker and humorist Damian Mason. Following the summit, a hosted wine and cheese reception will provide attendees the opportunity to engage with local, state, and national elected officials as Roger Martin, The Lounge Guy, provides entertainment.

Tickets to the first ever Kern Agriculture Summit are $75 per person and can be purchased online through Vallitix. Breakfast, lunch, and a post-conference reception are included in the ticket price. A full schedule of the Kern Agriculture Summit is available online at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/agsummit.

The Kern Agriculture Summit is possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Bolthouse Farms, Paramount Farming, Grimmway Farms, Farm Credit West, CSU Bakersfield School of Business and Public Administration, Kern Agricultural Foundation, Calcot, Bakersfield College, United States Department of Agriculture, Tejon Ranch Company, and Rabobank.