Food Processing & Ag Growers
The San Joaquin Valley did not earn the nickname the Nation’s Salad Bowl without reason. The Food Processing & Ag Growers industry cluster encompasses public and private organizations that are engaged in growing & farming, research & development, manufacturing, and/or delivery of goods and services related to the production, sales, marketing, and distribution of food. The industry includes meat and poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables, beverages, baked goods, candy, and seeds and nuts. These products are sold to food service, retail, wholesale and re-manufacturing firms-the major market for the Valley's food products. Suppliers to food manufacturers, including farms, and suppliers of machinery, engineering, chemicals, packaging and logistics are critical to the success of food manufacturing and are also part of the cluster.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Workforce development
- Research and development through the Institute for Food & Nutrition at Fresno State
- Marketing local products
- Data management, collection or information, and resource mapping
- Public policy and partnership with advocacy entities
The overarching cluster mission is to strengthen and grow the Food Processing/Agriculture Industry in the Fresno region. Please join us as we determine the cluster mission as well as the goals and objectives.
FEATURING:
Careers in Manufacturing Technology (CIMT)
Supervisor Training
Provides professional development opportunities. Training includes: improving efficiency and lowering logistics costs, forums on lean manufacturing, and workshops on supervisor soft skills.
Internship Program
Allows companies to be a part of the workforce solution by providing summer internship opportunities for students in the applied technology programs at local community colleges.
Annual Career Expo
Matches employers with graduating and/or internship students in applied technology programs at local community colleges.
High School Outreach
Multi-media CDs are distributed and presentations are made to counselors, teachers, and high school students about manufacturing career opportunities
