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Alameda County proclaims Agriculture Week, recognizes local farms and hemp processors amid some public pushback
Summary
Supervisors proclaimed March 29–31 as Agriculture Week, highlighted local farms, FFA and urban-ag programs and recognized Terpene Belt Farms for hemp processing work; some public commenters criticized inclusion of cannabis in agricultural proclamations and raised concerns about fairgrounds.
Alameda County supervisors used a set of ceremonial items March 25 to proclaim Agriculture Week and to recognize local producers, FFA and urban-farming projects.
County leaders said the county produces more than $58 million in agricultural products across roughly 143,000 acres, and highlighted local viticulture, nursery operations and school and community gardens. Janessa Hoffman, the new Alameda County Farm Bureau manager, introduced planned events and tire‑recycling programs. Student leaders from Livermore High School FFA described 250–300 active members and invited supervisors to Ag Day activities.
The board also recognized Terpene Belt Farms, an Alameda County hemp processor that county speakers described as operating a large purpose-built processing plant. Sharief El Sisi, identified as CEO of Terpene Belt Farms, and Jack Norton, vice president of field operations, accepted commendations and described jobs and export activity. Supervisor Miley and others credited local leadership in cannabis and hemp agriculture.
Not all public comments were supportive: several callers raised objections to treating cannabis/hemp as agriculture and criticized county policy decisions affecting horse racing and the fairgrounds. Speakers also urged more county action on homelessness and election-observer transparency during later public input.
The proclamations and recognitions were ceremonial; no regulatory or procurement decisions regarding agriculture or hemp were made in open session.
