National Ag Science Center planned
National Ag Science Center planned
SALINAS, CA -- A first-of-its kind National Ag Science Center is planned to be built on the Modesto Junior College campus in Modesto, CA. The projected opening is 2009, according to Michele Laverty, director of the science center.
Ms. Laverty passed through Salinas on March 19 in an effort to drum up support for the project from the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. She met with Jim Bogart, the association's president and general counsel, who showed support for the idea and offered to introduce Ms. Laverty to industry contacts, including those at trade associations.
Since formalizing a business plan in 2005, about $4 million has been raised toward the center. The projected cost from start to finish is $23 million, Ms. Laverty said.
The broad diversity of agriculture in the Central Valley makes Modesto an ideal location for the center, Ms. Laverty said. As well, it's fitting that it be placed in California, where some 350 crops are grown, she said.
The center would be forward-looking, focusing on science, math and careers. Organizers project 145,000 to 165,000 visitors in the first year with $8 million in tourism money drawn to the Central Valley, Ms. Laverty said.
The project has gained political support on Capitol Hill. In April 2006, Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) introduced the National Ag Science Center Act in the 109th Congress. A best-case scenario would have that bill passed in June, Ms. Laverty said.
Permanent exhibits would include an electronic game called "Mighty Mouth," where visitors would be challenged to keep a video character healthy by feeding him a balanced diet.
Another permanent exhibit is a "Time Tractor" that features a large-screen image of U.S. farmland as it appears from high above the earth. As visitors turn the tractor's steering wheel they see things such as glimpses into the past as well as future developments of the land.
Some type of a soil exhibit focusing on microscopic organisms will be a permanent exhibit as well.
The center also will feature traveling exhibits that are not intended to be permanent fixtures at the museum.
There will be conservation kiosks through the center that share information about how agriculturalists serve as stewards of the land.
An Internet-delivered curriculum will serve as virtual field trips. A web site will be updated constantly, according to Ms. Laverty.
The center has the potential to offer exhibits on food safety, organics and so on, Ms. Laverty said.
Marilyn Dolan of the Watsonville, CA-based Alliance for Food & Farming thinks the center could offer engaging hands-on displays and that it could be "an incredible tool." She plans to pass along the word to her organization's major farm group members toward possibly drumming up financial support for the project.
Ms. Laverty passed through Salinas on March 19 in an effort to drum up support for the project from the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. She met with Jim Bogart, the association's president and general counsel, who showed support for the idea and offered to introduce Ms. Laverty to industry contacts, including those at trade associations.
Since formalizing a business plan in 2005, about $4 million has been raised toward the center. The projected cost from start to finish is $23 million, Ms. Laverty said.
The broad diversity of agriculture in the Central Valley makes Modesto an ideal location for the center, Ms. Laverty said. As well, it's fitting that it be placed in California, where some 350 crops are grown, she said.
The center would be forward-looking, focusing on science, math and careers. Organizers project 145,000 to 165,000 visitors in the first year with $8 million in tourism money drawn to the Central Valley, Ms. Laverty said.
The project has gained political support on Capitol Hill. In April 2006, Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) introduced the National Ag Science Center Act in the 109th Congress. A best-case scenario would have that bill passed in June, Ms. Laverty said.
Permanent exhibits would include an electronic game called "Mighty Mouth," where visitors would be challenged to keep a video character healthy by feeding him a balanced diet.
Another permanent exhibit is a "Time Tractor" that features a large-screen image of U.S. farmland as it appears from high above the earth. As visitors turn the tractor's steering wheel they see things such as glimpses into the past as well as future developments of the land.
Some type of a soil exhibit focusing on microscopic organisms will be a permanent exhibit as well.
The center also will feature traveling exhibits that are not intended to be permanent fixtures at the museum.
There will be conservation kiosks through the center that share information about how agriculturalists serve as stewards of the land.
An Internet-delivered curriculum will serve as virtual field trips. A web site will be updated constantly, according to Ms. Laverty.
The center has the potential to offer exhibits on food safety, organics and so on, Ms. Laverty said.
Marilyn Dolan of the Watsonville, CA-based Alliance for Food & Farming thinks the center could offer engaging hands-on displays and that it could be "an incredible tool." She plans to pass along the word to her organization's major farm group members toward possibly drumming up financial support for the project.
