AAC plans farmer outreach workshops; subcommittee to craft flyer for April meeting

The Agricultural Advisory Committee agreed on Feb. 10 to form a subcommittee and begin organizing a series of farmer outreach workshops, with a target to hold the first session during the AAC meeting on April 14.

Committee members said the goal is to invite a broad cross‑section of farmers on the San Mateo County coast, collect ideas about needs and county assistance, and increase regular public participation in AAC meetings. Olivia (county staff) said she would check with management this week on scheduling and logistics; she added, “I can start the conversation this week.”

The committee discussed logistics at length. Members proposed holding a longer meeting block — 5:30 to 8 p.m. for the first few sessions — so the public workshop could occur first, followed by regular AAC business, or that the workshop be held as a separate evening session. The group noted the Grand Oak Room at Shoreline Station can seat roughly 50 (and offers up to 150 chairs), but the venue requires a 20‑person minimum for the room rental. Corinne Will’s office offered to cover postage for mailed flyers; staff reported an initial mailing list of roughly 149 addresses of farm operators in the county.

Several operational details were assigned to the subcommittee: draft a flyer, decide how to segment agricultural sectors for follow‑up meetings (committee members proposed grouping similar commodity types), collect questions/topics for the first event, and coordinate room setup. Committee members also offered alternate venues as backups (Resource Conservation District conference room in Half Moon Bay was offered as a contingency). Members who signed up for the subcommittee were asked to meet immediately to produce the flyer and mailing so outreach could go out in March to support an April event.

No formal vote was recorded; committee members reached consensus to form the subcommittee and proceed with planning. Olivia will report back on management approval for the changed start time (5:30 p.m. preferred by several members) and on any scheduling constraints; if management does not approve 5:30 p.m., the committee will proceed with a 6 p.m. start.

The committee emphasized that subcommittee work should keep the public event focused and manageable so invited farmers can participate without the meeting turning into an unfocused public forum. Staff and members discussed staging, table/chair setup, and volunteer support for room preparation.

If management approves the earlier start, the committee expects to publish a flyer and mailing for the April 14 meeting; if not, the workshop will proceed timed to a 6 p.m. start. The subcommittee will return to the full AAC with a draft flyer, outreach list, and agenda for the workshop.