On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Vicki Goudreau of the Whole Vine Festival joined the show to preview this year’s event at Fresno State and explain why the festival is about much more than grapes. Later in the program, Luke Lindberg, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, discussed new opportunities for U.S. agriculture through trade with China and other global markets.
The Whole Vine Festival takes place October 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fresno State, bringing together the Central Valley’s table grape, raisin and wine industries. The free event includes live music, food trucks, agricultural exhibits, samples and plenty of activities for families.
For Goudreau, one of the biggest priorities is introducing children to the agriculture happening around them. This year’s kids’ activities include a petting zoo, planting and food preparation activities, honeybees and tractors for younger children. Her goal is to build pride in the Central Valley and help the next generation understand just how important agriculture is to the region.
Goudreau also explained that the festival has a larger mission: changing the way people think and talk about the Central Valley. She believes celebrating the region’s agricultural legacy can help young people recognize the opportunities around them and encourage residents to become more invested in solving the Valley’s challenges.
Later in the program, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg provided an update on the new “30 for 30” framework with China. Lindberg discussed potential opportunities for U.S. fruits, nuts, vegetables and other agricultural products, as well as an upcoming USDA trade mission to China.
Lindberg also explained how USDA is working to remove technical and regulatory barriers that can prevent American specialty crops from reaching overseas customers. He shared where he sees some of the strongest opportunities for U.S. agriculture heading into the final months of the year.
Hear the full conversations with Vicki Goudreau and USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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