MCC's Economic and Workforce Development: Annual Impact Report, September 2013 - January 2015

Grow Monroe promotes buying local and eating fresh. It also provides opportunities for our ALSI students to gain valuable work experience.

Let’s grow Monroe. The ALSI advocates land use issues, offers marketing education and provides academic instruction for existing and future agribusiness professionals.

Learn more about the Agricultural and Life Science Institute here: www.monroecc.edu/go/agriculture Grow Monroe is a partnership of Monroe County, ALSI and the Monroe County Farm Bureau that provides support to the local farming community. The program also provides an opportunity for students to connect classroom to field to producers by gaining hands-on experience. Farmers benefit from our interest and assistance. Students gain awareness and technical skills.

Skills training is offered in a variety of ways: workshops held at MCC facilities, on-location consultations, webcast seminars, direct television conferences, and training sessions using other innovative technologies and approaches. Recent high school graduates and others interested in entering an agricultural and food related field can study in MCC’s 24-credit certificate program In 2014, we: Launched an Agriculture and Food Studies Certificate – emphasizes food science and business management as well as problem solving and computer expertise. Provided participatory assistance to municipalities, farmers and landowners to promote, protect, and plan for agriculture land use and economic development. Hosted farm owner estate and succession planning workshops. Provided trainings, assistance and interpretations to farmers, landowners, public safety agencies and the Office of Emergency Management, regarding rules, regulations, codes and laws involving agriculture land use and commerce. The ALSI sponsored, award winning documentary, Locally Grown: An Essential Part of Our Economy , continues to make an impact on local television today.

The Grow Monroe program promotes buying local, eating fresh. Partners our ALSI students with Monroe County and the Monroe County Farm Bureau.

Honors and Recognition Awards: MCC’s Agricultural and Life Science Institute’s program was nominated for the Bellwether Award. An annual award that recognizes outstanding practices that are innovative and successfully lead community colleges into the future. It’s an honor just to be nominated.

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