By Raiza Giorgi

Santa Ynez Valley area cattle rancher Tony Branquinho will be recognized for his family’s longtime participation in the cattle ranching industry, and for his role as the President of the Santa Barbara County Cattleman’s Association at the upcoming “Growing Possibilities” AG Forum on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

The event is organized by EconAlliance, a nonprofit organization that organized agriculture forums in North County in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

The Ag Forum will bring together policymakers, media, influencers, non-ag industries, non-profit organizations, and other community stakeholders to celebrate our Northern Santa Barbara County Ag community, and foster its ongoing vitality and sustainability.

The 2020 “Growing Possibilities” Ag Forum will feature, as they have in the past, an informative presentation by Santa Barbara County Ag Commissioner Cathy Fisher on the County picture, as well as other speakers and at least one panel of local agriculturalists.

The program includes several speakers such as “The Art & Science of Food Safety” by Scott Horsfall, CEO of CA Leafy Green Marketing Assoc., and “The Cattle Industry Today” by Kevin Kester, past President of the Cattlemen’s Assoc., and “Land Use, Water and Housing” a panel discussion as well as the keynote presentation.

An update will be given on Allan Hancock College and EconAlliance, in cooperation with the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, are co-facilitating the establishment of the area as a “Community Prosperity” area, which hopefully will open some new opportunities for Northern Santa Barbara communities and other communities.

Registration is available at www.eventbrite.com/e/econalliance-growing-possibilities-ag-forum-tickets-88669421627. The cost is $65 for individuals. Table seating together may be arranged by emailing Victoria Conner at initiatives@EconAlliance.org.