Deputy County Executive Consuelo Hernandez presented the draft calendar‑year 2025 agricultural economic development work plan, explaining the county’s rebrand of the asset and economic development function and a focus on two core areas from the 2018 Santa Clara Valley agricultural plan: an economic development strategy and branding/education.

Hernandez described engagement with local stakeholders, including UC Cooperative Extension and Visit Gilroy, and said the county is exploring an advisory council structure that emphasizes open participation rather than rigid representative quotas. She reported administration contributions of $20,000 to a consultant led by UC Cooperative Extension and an ongoing $50,000 allocation to support the work, and said recruitment for a second program manager position is in the final stages.

Supervisors and commissioners suggested using upcoming regional events to highlight South County ag tourism, linking city and county websites and creating interactive maps to drive visitors to local wineries, farms and fairs. A motion (seconded) added a request for quarterly reporting and an assessment of existing departmental efforts; roll call confirmed the motion carried.

The committee approved moving the work plan forward with direction for periodic updates and further interdepartmental coordination on branding and event activation.