Ventura County’s huge strawberry crop is all picked by hand. Planning for the busy harvest period, and recruiting and retaining the skilled labor force needed to bring in the berries, are vital. On Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 3:00 p.m., two local labor experts will discuss the challenges at a Strawberry Symposium held at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Anyone interested in agriculture in Ventura County is encouraged to attend the free event.

At 3:00 p.m., Alvaro Valerio, Strawberry Production Manager, Reiter Brothers, Inc., will talk about how he plans and manages Reiter’s strawberry production throughout Ventura County. He will explain how innovations in strawberry cultural practices and developments in harvest machinery help workers earn more money as well as help the company’s bottom line.

At 3:45, Saul Aguilar, Manager of Strategic Labor Initiatives, Reiter Affiliated Companies, will discuss labor recruitment and retention strategies. Reiter Affiliated Companies grows strawberries around the world and Mr. Aguilar oversees an international program. Both speakers will talk about their career paths in agriculture. Time for questions and answers will follow the presentations.

The Strawberry Symposium is made possible in part by a grant from the Thelma Hansen Trust and a sponsorship from the California Strawberry Commission. Those attending can also visit current Museum exhibitions including: “Strawberry Fields Forever?,” “Art About Agriculture VI” and “Vintage Valentines and Candy Boxes.”
The Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue in Santa Paula, across the railroad tracks from the historic railroad depot. Ample parking is available.