Joined by industry participants such as the Almond Board, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Milk Advisory Board, FFA & 4-H, California Cattleman's Association, and the Dairy Council of California, UC ANR and others gathered at the State Capital in Sacramento to showcase the many contributions of agriculture in honor of National Ag Day as done across the country.

Proudly representing UC ANR Research and Extension Center System, Tammy Majcherek (Community Educator, South Coast REC), Nikolai Schweitzer (Staff Research Assistant, Sierra Foothill REC), and Chris Greer (Vice Provost) were on hand to answer questions and build awareness of the UC ANR REC system and its many contributions to issues concerning sustainable food production both on a local and global level.

Consisting primarily of the general public and State legislative employees, the thousands of attendees turned out to celebrate the abundance provided by California agriculture.  Participants were free to visit the various booths learning how food and fiber products are produced and how agriculture plays such an important role in the economy.

Creating a buzz through the crowd were the various fruits on display generously provided by the RECs – cotton samples and neatly packaged wheat berries (recipes included), oranges, raisins, and avocados. Appreciating the morning and/or afternoon snack, visitors were especially fascinated by the spectacle of unusual avocados and the rare atamoyas from the South Coast REC collection giving way to wonderful conversations not only about the research and extension being done at the various Centers throughout the state but also how we are caretakers of our natural resources and strive to improve the lives of Californians.

 A fun and educational day was had by all!