California ┃ Agriculture

Tour Code: PL-AG-USA

Agriculture PD Tour

CALIFORNIA

7 Days - April 12 - 18, 2026
Professional Development Program - For Educators
During the School Term Break

First Hand Insight

global epicentres

World-Class Lectures

Join a group of passionate agriculture educators on a week-long professional learning tour across California, packed with hands-on experiences and expert-led sessions. Explore cutting-edge research, food innovation, and sustainable farming.

Attend lectures and interactive workshops at UC Davis, one of the world’s top agricultural science universities, and engage directly with leading researchers and faculty. Visit Sacramento’s vibrant urban farms, Indigenous-managed agriculture projects, and world-renowned wine producers. Hear directly from leading scientists, agricultural innovators, and education specialists, with time built in for reflection and networking, plus a full day exploring San Francisco.

Designed for agricultural educators across all sectors, this enriching experience blends science, culture, and professional development in one memorable journey.

PROFESSIONAL Development

This tour includes 26 hours of PD as related to syllabus content. Teachers should add the PD to eTAMS or their personal log.

Tax deductible for Australian teachers*

*Self-education expenses directly related to employment for Australian teachers, may be tax deductible. Seek advice from your tax agent or the ATO

Price Per Person:

*Twin-share accommodation
or $8,900 per person (single room upon request)

AUD$7,500 *

Inspiring Educators ┃ Leading Scientists ┃ Real Impact

The following speakers represent a dynamic cross-section of leaders in agriculture, education, sustainability, and food systems.

Each brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to our 2026 Professional Development Tour. Their sessions will offer teachers the opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and inspiring perspectives
— empowering educators to bring fresh insights back to their classrooms and communities.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Alison Van
Eenennaam

Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialist
Department of Animal Science – UC Davis

  • Leads research on animal genomics and biotechnology

  • Focuses on gene editing to improve livestock sustainability, health, and welfare

  • Renowned science communicator known for making complex topics accessible

  • Will discuss how biotechnology is shaping the future of agriculture and education

Mr. Matt Patton

Executive Director, FFA Foundation and
California Agricultural Teachers' Association (CATA)

  • The CATA consists of 1000 Ag teachers from across California

  • 18 years in the classroom as an Agricultural teacher in the Elk Grove Unified School District. 

  • Bachelors of Science in Agriculture and Agriculture Specialist Teaching Credential - California State University

  • Masters of Arts in Teaching from National University. 

  • Will share teaching strategies - high school vocational agriculture

Dr. Gabriele Maier

Associate Professor of Clinical Livestock Medicine
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

  • Specialises in beef cattle health, disease prevention, and production management

  • Focuses on responsible antibiotic use and food safety

  • Brings practical veterinary science insights aligned with real-world livestock systems

  • Will offer perspectives on animal care and its role in food systems

Dr. Ermias Kebreab

Professor, Associate Dean of Global Engagement
Director World Food Center – UC Davis

  • Internationally recognized for work on livestock nutrition and methane reduction

  • Contributor to IPCC and UN FAO climate and agriculture reports

  • Research shapes global policies on food security and sustainability

  • Will present on climate-smart agriculture and food production

Mr. Jim Etters

Director of Land Management
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

  • Oversees sustainable farming and conservation for the Tribe

  • Leads development of Séka Hills agricultural enterprises

  • Integrates Indigenous knowledge with regenerative practices

  • Will speak on Indigenous culture and sustainable land stewardship

Ms. Janvier Velilla

Market Garden Farmer and Educator
UC Davis Student Farm

  • 20+ years of experience in sustainable agriculture

  • Former farm manager at Full Belly Farm

  • Emphasizes community, collaboration, and experiential education

  • Will lead a session on hands-on, sustainable agriculture teaching methods

TOUR DETAILS

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday April 12

PM: Group drinks & dinner
Sacramento / Davis CA

Day 2 - Monday April 13

AM: Field visit to Riverfront Farm
West Sacramento Urban Farm Program
Centre for Land-Based Learning

Lecture: Urban farming:
Incubator projects / climate resilience
Community Food Program Manager (TBC)

PM: Talks on Food and Wine Sciences (TBC)
Robert Mondavi Institute (TBC)

Day 3 - Tuesday April 14

AM: Field visit – Seka Farm
 The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s sustainably managed farming enterprise rooted in Indigenous land stewardship.

Lecture: Indigenous culture – reclaiming agriculture & sustainable land practices
 Jim Etters
– Director of Land Management at Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

PM: Lecture: Veterinary practice / farm animals
 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Gabriele Maier 
– Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension; Population Health & Reproduction 

Day 4 - Wednesday April 15

 Group sightseeing + day tour
 San Francisco

Day 5 - Thursday April 16

AM: Field visit – Student Farm
UC Davis – Agricultural Sustainability Institute 

Lecture: Experiential teaching techniques – sustainable agriculture, food systems & farm technologies
 Janvier Velilla
– Market Garden Farmer and Educator

PM: Lecture: Approaches to teaching vocational agriculture in high schools
 California Agricultural Teachers Association
 Matt Patton
– CATA - Executive Director 

Day 6 - Friday April 17

AM: Agricultural Experiment Station Visit
UC Davis - College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Lecture: Projects impacting food production
Dr Ermias Kebreab
 – Professor & Sesnon Endowed Chair
– Associate Dean: Global Engagement
– CA&ES & Director World Food Center

PM: Lab visit
UC Davis Dept of Animal Science

Lecture: Breed Better Animals Program / Animal Biotechnology & Genomics
 Dr Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD
– Extension Specialist: Animal Biotechnology and Genomics

Day 7 - Saturday April 18

AM: Picnic Day Event
UC Davis
UC Davis’s biggest community event with
200+ exhibits, open labs, and agricultural demos — a vibrant celebration of education and engagement.
Agricultural Education Showcase / Community Engagement in Agriculture

PM: Vineyard Visit
 + Lecture about viticulture and wine production
(Vineyard TBC)

*Program subject to change

Inclusions

  • Twin-share accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Davis, California (single supplement available at own cost)

  • Daily breakfast

  • Group welcome drinks & dinner

  • Private land transportation by coach throughout tour

  • Expert-led sessions with leading figures in the agricultural industry and education

  • Lectures and interactive workshops at UC Davis

  • Guided visit to a UC Davis laboratory

  • Field visits to student and urban farms

  • Session at the UC Davis Agricultural Experiment Station

  • Lunch at Séka Hills Farm’s Deli following the site tour and tasting

  • Participation in UC Davis Picnic Day – Agricultural Education Showcase & Community Engagement in Agriculture

  • Vineyard experience including guided tour and tasting focused on viticulture, sustainability, and innovation in wine production

  • Comprehensive tour packs and pre-departure information

  • Tipping for included services

  • On-Tour Expert Guide

Not Included

  • Return international / domestic airfares

  • Airport transfers

  • Travel insurance
    Note: travel insurance is mandatory. Libertas Travel is partnered with Cover-More travel insurance. If you would like a quote, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Passport and ESTA visa costs

  • Personal spending

  • Some meals

FAQ’s

  • Age:  Participants must be over 18 years of age to participate in the program

    Travel documentation:  

    Participants must ensure that they:

    • Have a valid passport with six months’ validity from their return date to Australia

    • Obtain any required visas for travel to the destination country, plus any additional visas required for holders of non-Australian passports

    • Obtain their own travel insurance

  • This tour includes hours of PD as related to syllabus content. Teachers should add the PD to eTAMS or their personal log.

  • Register Interest to join the mailing list for updates on this tour. Once the tour reaches its minimum interest requirement of attending teachers, you will receive a copy of the booking form and tour payment schedule. A non-refundable deposit will then be payable to confirm your place.

    The final balance of the tour price is due 120 days prior to departure.

  • You certainly can! Anyone can travel on our PL tours, however, non-teachers should be aware the content will be targeted to the relevant syllabus and based on a certain level of prior knowledge. Should any participant choose not to attend one of the planned activities, there would be no refund for an unused portion of the tour.

    Please note - Participants must be over 18 years of age to attend the tour, and attendees who are not teachers in Australia may not be able to acquire PL hours or tax deductions.

DON’T MISS OUT!

Limited places available!

1.Agricultural Tours

Curriculum Links:

  • ACARA Geography (Primary): Year 5, The influence of people on the environmental characteristics of places (ACHGK027)

  • ACARA Geography (Secondary): Year 9, Unit 1: Biomes and food security (ACHGK061)

  • SACE Agricultural Systems: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 3: Resource  Management

  • SACE Science as a Human Endeavour: Stage 1 and Stage 2,

  • Investigation and Analysis

2. Wine Tours

Activity: Visiting vineyards and learning about viticulture and wine production. 

Curriculum Links:

  • ACARA Science (Primary): Year 5, Biological Sciences (ACSSU043)

  • ACARA Science (Secondary): Year 9-10, Biological Sciences (ACSSU175)

  • ACARA Science as a Human Endeavour (Secondary): Year 9-10, Use and influence of science (ACSHE160)

  • SACE Agricultural Production: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 1: Plant Production

  • SACE Food and Hospitality: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 1: Food, the Individual, and the Family

  • SACE Science as a Human Endeavour: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Investigation and Analysis

 

3. Historical Tours

Activity: Exploring historical sites and learning about the history of agriculture in the region. 

Curriculum Links:

  • ACARA History (Primary): Year 4, First Contacts (ACHASSK086)

  • ACARA History (Secondary): Year 9, Depth Study 6: The Industrial Revolution (1750 – 1914) (ACDSEH082)

  • ACARA Science as a Human Endeavour (Secondary): Year 9-10, Use and influence of science (ACSHE160)

  • SACE Aboriginal Studies: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 2: Contemporary Issues

  • SACE Science as a Human Endeavour: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Investigation and Analysis

 

Syllabus links

4. Environmental Tours

Activity: Visiting natural reserves and learning about conservation and sustainable practices. 

Curriculum Links:

  • ACARA Science (Primary): Year 5, Biological Sciences (ACSSU043)

  • ACARA Science (Secondary): Year 9-10, Biological Sciences (ACSSU175)

  • ACARA Geography (Primary): Year 5, The influence of people on the environmental characteristics of places (ACHGK027)

  • ACARA Geography (Secondary): Year 9, Unit 1: Biomes and food security (ACHGK061)

  • ACARA Science as a Human Endeavour (Secondary): Year 9-10, Use and influence of science (ACSHE160)

  • SACE Agricultural Systems: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 3: Resource Management

  • SACE Science as a Human Endeavour: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Investigation and Analysis

 

5. Culinary Tours

Activity: Visiting local markets and learning about farm-to-table practices and local cuisine. 

Curriculum Links:

  • ACARA Technologies (Primary): Year 5-6, Food and fibre production (ACTDEK021)

  • ACARA Technologies (Secondary): Year 9-10, Food and fibre production (ACTDEK044)

  • ACARA Science as a Human Endeavour (Secondary): Year 9-10, Use and influence of science (ACSHE160)

  • SACE Food and Hospitality: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 1: Food, the Individual, and the Family

  • SACE Science as a Human Endeavour: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Investigation and Analysis

 

6. Indigenous Cultural Tours

Activity: Learning about the indigenous culture and their sustainable land practices. 

Curriculum Links:

  • ACARA History (Primary): Year 4, First Contacts (ACHASSK086)

  • ACARA History (Secondary): Year 9, Depth Study 6: The Industrial Revolution (1750 – 1914) (ACDSEH082)

  • ACARA Science as a Human Endeavour (Secondary): Year 9-10, Use and influence of science (ACSHE160)

  • SACE Aboriginal Studies: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Topic 2: Contemporary Issues

  • SACE Science as a Human Endeavour: Stage 1 and Stage 2, Investigation and Analysis