Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Don Horsley, District 3
Subject: Appointments to the Agricultural Advisory Committee
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Recommendation for appointments to the Agricultural Advisory Committee, each for an initial partial term ending September 30, 2025:
A) Ryan Casey, representing Farmer/Growers; and
B) James Oku, representing Farmers/Growers; and
C) Jonathan Winslow, representing Public member.
body
BACKGROUND:
The Agricultural Advisory Committee actively assists in the preservation of agriculture throughout San Mateo County through advice and recommendation to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
DISCUSSION:
Ryan Casey, James Oku, and Jonathan Winslow are being recommended for appointment on the Agricultural Advisory Committee each for an initial partial term ending September 30, 2025 to seats formerly held by Robert Marsh, BJ Burns, and Cynthia Duenas, respectively.
Ryan Casey is the owner and operator of Blue House Farm, in business since 2005 in Pescadero. He is dedicated to making an agricultural farm successful in the hectic and challenging world of contemporary farming. He also has been able to participate in upgrading farmworker housing through a San Mateo County Housing initiative, something that could be helpful for future farmers to learn. Ryan brings a fresh eye to an age-old profession and would be extremely helpful in advising the Board of Supervisors on agricultural issues.
James Oku is the General Manager of Oku Inc., a longtime family farming company in San Mateo County. He has been involved in operating two cut flower wholesale stores as well as all aspects of overall farm operation. His background also includes membership on the Farm Bureau for San Mateo County. His historic Pescadero family farm has been involved in cut flowers, deep water hydroponic greens and more recently, cannabis cultivation in San Mateo County. He is a member of the Coastside Cannabis Coalition. He has a deep connection to the San Mateo County agricultural scene and as a local farmer in his early 30’s, he will bring a forward-thinking vision to his role as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors on agricultural issues.
Jonathan Winslow is uniquely qualified to represent the public on the Agricultural Advisory Committee. He has an extensive educational background and professional experience in biological testing of soils related to pest management and soil fertility, giving him a deep understanding of complex issues facing farmers. A lifelong resident of the San Mateo County Coastside, he has an appreciation for the special challenges affecting the local agricultural landscape. His scientific and professional experience will be especially helpful in advocating for the future of agricultural support on the Coastside and helping the Board of Supervisors understand the varied nuances of the agricultural environment and its community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.