As part of the California Forward Economic Summit in mid-October, VISTA F3 Executive Director, Dr. Leigh Bernacchi, participated in a tour of regional workforce development and ag innovation programs hosted by BEAM Circular. The tour started at Delicato Winery where participants were shown the process of producing packaging for box wine. It then moved on to the VOLT Institute in Modesto where students are trained in industrial manufacturing skills.
While at VOLT, Dr. Bernacchi participated in a panel on workforce development where she spoke about the important work UC Merced is doing to support the next generation of Ag Innovators. Some of the programs she highlighted included VISTA F3’s funded research opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as well as our partnership with F3i on the Terratech Summer Internships for undergraduates. Following the panel discussion, the tour continued on to visit the agricultural equipment manufacturer Flory and Caribou Biofuels.
