KNA hears Ag Center update: 40 youth in summer program, Verizon partnership, leased incubator plots

President Yoshi L’Hote reported on the Ag Center’s summer programs and partnerships: the center hosted 40 youth on a state-funded summer work experience program described as '5 farms in 5 weeks,' has a technology partnership with Verizon to modernize farming practices, and has leased the first round of 10½-acre plots to incubate commercial farm operations. Yosh said a state policy change for requisitioning supplies for school lunches may enable local farmers to supply public schools and that the Ag Center expects to be an early participant in that program.

The board noted the Ag Center’s plans as part of community economic development and education initiatives; details of the plan were posted on the KNA blog for public review. No formal board vote was tied to the report.