2024 Cotton Farm Tour

Presented by the Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP), California College of the Arts (CCA) with funding from Cotton Incorporated.

Join us on Saturday, October 26, 2024 for a one-day Cotton Farm Tour through the San Joaquin Valley to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the many sides of cotton production. You’ll meet the farmers, see cotton being harvested, ginned and learn about Cleaner Cotton™. 

You’ll see cotton in the field and cotton harvesting along with a tour of a cotton gin, lunch at Cardella Winery and take-home samples of cotton fiber. Throughout the day, leading industry experts and professionals will present an insideperspective about the many facets of cotton cultivation and processing, addressing issues such as water use, carbon sequestration and biologically based cotton farming practices.

We’ll visit the Del Bosque Farms Farm Stand where you will meet with owner and SCP grower Joe Del Bosque. The farm stand offers fresh, organic and sustainably grown produce (so be sure to bring your shopping bag). Joe will share his story about becoming a farmer and landowner. He has served the farming community in many capacities including California Latino Water Coalition, Ag Safe, and is currently on the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Board dedicated to increasing partnerships vital to U.S. agriculture. He will share his thoughts on local agriculture and answer all your farming questions. 

Lunch

Lunch is included at the beautiful Cardella Winery in Mendota. Snacks and water will also be provided on the bus. 

Lodging

Guests are responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements. Rooms are available for you to book at the Best Western Apricot Inn, 46290 W Panoche Rd, Firebaugh, CA The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast for guests.Space in the hotel is limited, so please call (559) 659-1444 to reserve your room as soon as possible. Let them know you are part of the SCP/CCA cotton tour.

Cost + other info

The cost for this tour is $65 per person, which includes travel, lunch, and snacks. Space on the tour is limited. Please reserve your spot by clicking on the following link https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/cf29e0a7-fc2e-44a4-8e3c-2e56b973e207.  The tour begins promptly at 8:30 AM at the Best Western Apricot Inn. Please gather in or just outside the lobby. Breakfast/registration begins at 7:45. Please wear close-toedshoes for walking in fields, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent if you wish. The tour ends around 3:00-4:00PM.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Marcia Gibbs, SCP Director, at (530) 370-5325, or via email atmarcia@sustainablecotton.org. Visit  www.sustainablecotton.org to get more information about SCP.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!