[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E319-E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 17, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) Agricultural and Natural Resources 
Department. SRJC is celebrating its 50th year of providing high-quality 
agricultural and natural resource education and certification 
opportunities in California's 4th Congressional District.
  Founded in 1969 by professors John Edwards, Steve Olson, and Rich 
Thomas, the department has grown to serve approximately 2,700 students 
per year. Since its inception, the department has enabled 135,000 
students to graduate with degrees and certifications in sustainable 
agriculture, animal science, natural resource conservation, argi-
business, and viniculture. Many of those graduates have gone on to hold 
key leadership positions as college trustees, county department heads, 
owners of large agricultural enterprises, and board members of major 
commodity groups.
  Since 1972, the department has operated Shone Farm, a 365-acre 
federal surplus property that was transformed into a hands-on learning 
laboratory for agriculture and natural resource students. The Shone 
Farm Foundation, the nonprofit operator of the Shone Farm Winery, grows 
90-acres of premium wine grapes that are then sold to many North Coast 
wineries. Shone Farm recently became the center of operations for the 
SRJC's new Fire Resilient Training program which prepares student 
interns to combat wildfires in California and the country. Shone Farm 
has also been honored twice by the California Agricultural Teacher's 
Association as the top community college agriculture department in the 
state of California.
  By producing such knowledgeable and experienced graduates in the 
field of agriculture, SRJC's programs have helped to strengthen our 
community's vibrant economy. Many of our business leaders in 
agriculture continue to donate and partner with the SRJC Foundation's 
Friends of SRJC Agriculture program. This program has raised millions 
of dollars for new farm improvements, department programs, and student 
scholarships.
  Mr. Speaker, though their 50th anniversary celebration was delayed by 
the COVID pandemic, the Santa Rosa Junior College Agricultural and 
Natural Resources Department deserves to be commemorated for its impact 
on our district. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor 
their half-century of work here today.

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