Young Latinos Learning More About Grape Production
April 17, 2011 Now in its 18th year at the Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) in Washington state, the Latino Agriculture Education Program awarded certificates of completion to 47 students at a ceremony held in March in the new Workforce Education Center Conference Room of the Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) Grandview Campus.
The 19-credit viticultural program is a collaborative effort developed between the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers, WVC, and YVCC. Leo Garcia and Francisco Sarmiento, WVC Faculty members, teach the intensive, November-through-March course which is held at YVCC Grandview.
Topics covered in “Introduction to Viticulture” include a history of viticulture in Washington, plan physiology, vineyard establishment, soils, plant nutrition, irrigation, personnel management, basic vineyard economics, harvest, canopy management, applied English and math, computer skills, civics, and everyday life, field trips and hands-on experience.
The second level, “Advanced Viticulture,” includes vineyard site selection, vineyard establishment, soil and site properties, soil management, pest management, water management, human resources, business plans, marketing, community neighbors, and whole farm ecosystems.
Students who complete the Program also earn eight Washington State pesticide credits.
More than 200 family members and employers watched each student receive a Certificate of Completion after a keynote address given by WAWGG Vice Chair, Todd Newhouse of Upland Vineyard, who gave the talk in both English and Spanish. A reception following featured a Mariachi band.
Employers affirm that the Latino Ag Education Program generates more knowledgeable, more self-confident, and more skilled employees.
Students completing “Introduction to Viticulture” were:
Enrique Alvarez, Connor Lee Vineyards
Emilio Beltrain, Royal Mint Co.
Irvin Cervantes, Sagemoor Vineyards
Johnny Chavez, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Bertha Chavez, Kyle Mathison Orchards
Manuel Claustro, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Manual Contreras, Vinagium
Nathan Cortez, King Fuji Ranch
Jose Flores, Kiona
Pedro Flores, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Jorge Garcia, Ash Hollow Vineyard
Salvador Garcia, Sagemoor Vineyards
Saul Godinez, Klipsun Vineyards
Oscar Gonzalez, Columbia River Vineyards
Gilberto Lara, Frenchman Hills Vineyard
Adelfo Martinez, Dineen Family Vineyards
Gerardo Martinez, Royal Mint Co.
Hermenegildo Moreno, Washington Fruit and Produce
Mauricio Navarro, Sagemoor Vineyards
Victor Perez, Sagemoor Vineyards
Carlos Silva, King Fuji Ranch
Mariano Silverio, Angiolina Farm
Daniel Solis, Washington Fruit and Produce
Socorro Torres, Angiolina Farm
Guillermo Valdez
Miguel Zambrano, Klipsun Vineyards
Jose Cueto Garcia
Students completing Advanced Viticulture were:
Miguel Angel Sanchez Contreras, Sagemoor Vineyards
Genaro Cazares, Klipsun Vineyard
Teodoro Cruz, Shaw Vineyards
Edilberto Garcia, Sagemoor Vineyards
Abraham Gonzalez, Naches Heights Vineyard
Jose, Guerrero, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ernesto Hernandez Duran, Seaside Orchards
Crisoforo Lopez, Ash Hollow Vineyard
Gerardo Maldonado Velazquez, Flat Top Orchards
Ramon Martinez, Shaw Vineyards
Genaro Martinez, Shaw Vineyards
Oscar Perez, Shaw Vineyards
Marco Valverde, Familgia LLC
Policarpio Tapia Cilia, Stone Tree Vineyard
Source: Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers
Subscribe Today For
