Agricultural Science PD Tour | CALIFORNIA
7 Days | April 12-18, 2026 | 26+ Professional Development Hours | For Educators
During the School Term Break
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.
cutting-edge agriculture + inspiring perspectives
sustainability ┃food systems ┃ agricultural innovators ┃education specialists
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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.
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Tour price
The tour price is AUD $7,500 per person.Tour inclusions
-Twin-share accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Davis, California
(single supplement available on request
-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 GuideTour exclusions
-Return international / domestic airfares
-Airport transfers
-Travel insurance
-Passport and ESTA visa costs
-Personal spending
-Some mealsTour deposit
By submitting this form, you are expressing your interest in the tour. A minimum number of bookings is required for the tour to proceed. Once the number is reached, you will be contacted and asked to pay your non-refundable deposit of $1,500. -
Participants on this tour will be able to register for 26+ hours of PD (depending on subjects taught) in your NESA teacher accreditation hours in ETAMS.
CLICK HERE
for detailed syllabus links -
For further information:
VIEW FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS -
You certainly can!
Anyone can travel on our PD 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 - Attendees who are not teachers in Australia may not be able to acquire PD hours or tax deductions.
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*In most cases, this tour will be fully tax deductible for full or part-time teachers. Please speak to your tax agent for professional advice. Refer to the ATO website for further information.
Some teachers may be able to have all or part of their tour fee subsidised by their school’s professional development program (letter of support available on request).
Academic experts
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.
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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
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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.
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Dr. Gabriele MaierNew List Item
Associate Professor of Clinical Livestock Medicine |
UC Davis School of Veterinary MedicineSpecialises 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
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Dr. Ermias Kebreab
Professor, Associate Dean of Global Engagement |
Director World Food Center – UC DavisInternationally 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
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Mr. Jim EttersNew List Item
Director of Land Management |
Yocha Dehe Wintun NationOversees 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
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Ms. Janvier Velilla
Market Garden Farmer and Educator |
UC Davis Student Farm20+ 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
Limited Places Available!
AUD$7,500 *
*Price Per Person: Twin-Share Accommodation
Single Accommodation: AUD$8,900
Itinerary
Empowering Teachers ┃ Transforming Learning
Every session delivers fresh research, practical strategies, and global perspectives—equipping teachers to modernise lessons, boost student outcomes, and lead innovation in Australian schools.
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
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Tour price
The tour price is AUD $7,500 per person.
Tour inclusions
Twin-share accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Davis, California (single supplement available on request)
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
Tour exclusions
Return international / domestic airfares
Airport transfers
Travel insurance
Passport and ESTA visa costs
Personal spending
Some meals
Tour deposit
By submitting this form, you are expressing your interest in the tour. A minimum number of bookings is required for the tour to proceed. Once the number is reached, you will be contacted and asked to pay your non-refundable deposit of $1,500.
Payment may be made by EFT to the Libertas Travel bank account, or you may pay online by Visa or Masterrcard (a surcharge of 1.7% applies).
Tour balance payments
You will receive invoices for balance payments and final payment is due 90 days before the tour start date. Failure to make your final payment by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking and loss of any payments made to date.
Changes by us
Every effort will be made to adhere to the agreed touring itinerary. However, LIBERTAS TRAVEL reserves the right to change or modify the agreed itinerary whenever, in its judgement, conditions warrant or if it deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour.
If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we will attempt to substitute the best alternative available.
Force Majeure
Force majeure includes any event which Libertas Travel or its suppliers could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid (e.g. advice against travel from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics, pandemic, health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline or main charterer, the alteration of airline or aircraft type).
Cancellation by us
Libertas Travel reserves the right to cancel a tour for any reason, including failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers. Except for force majeure (as outlined above) or your failure to pay the final balance, we will make a final decision to proceed or cancel a tour no less than 90 days before departure.
If you have paid in full, we will refund all moneys paid, excluding an administration fee and any payment made for travel insurance. No other compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Libertas Travel. The refund of moneys paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability.
Cancellation by you
If you decide to cancel your tour booking the following charges apply, based on the day we receive written notification:
More than 90 days before departure: Forfeit of non-refundable deposit
90-45 days: Cancellation fee of 25% of the total amount due
44-35 days: Cancellation fee of 75% of the total amount due
34 days or less: Cancellation fee of 100% of the total amount due
No show: Cancellation fee of 100% of the total amount due
Unused portion of the tour
Refunds are not provided for any unused portions of the tour.
Travel insurance
LIBERTAS TRAVEL requires all tour participants to obtain personal travel insurance covering the full duration of their time on tour. Libertas Travel can arrange a policy with our insurance partner, Cover-More if requested.
In the event of any act, omission or otherwise whilst on tour, relating to or arising from the tour, travellers must call on the terms of their own travel Insurance before any call or claim is made on Libertas Travel or its insurers. Travellers must agree to indemnify Libertas Travel and all its entities against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of their participation in the tour.
Passport and visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport for your travel, together with all necessary visas, innoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the tour duration. Passports must be valid for six months after the last date of travel with Libertas Travel as set out in the tour itinerary. Any information about these matters provided by Libertas Travel is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Libertas Travel.
Illness or disability
If you have a disability or medical condition and need special assistance whilst on tour, please notify Libertas Travel at the time you pay the non-refundable tour deposit. We will use our best efforts to work with Third Party suppliers to make reasonable accommodation for you. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and may result in you being excluded from the tour, in which case all moneys paid will be forfeited.
Third Party suppliers
LIBERTAS TRAVEL makes bookings with airlines, accommodation providers, coach companies, tour and local guides, and other suppliers to provide some or all components of the tour. Third Party suppliers may also engage the services of local operators and sub-contractors. Although LIBERTAS TRAVEL takes all reasonable care in selecting Third Party suppliers, it does not supervise their activities and therefore cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions. Any services provided by Third Party suppliers are subject to the terms and conditions they impose including their respective cancellation policies.
Privacy and personal information protection
To process tour bookings, Libertas Travel must collect personal (and possibly sensitive) information about travellers so that it can provide essential identifying information to Third Party suppliers. Libertas Travel may share the following information with suppliers: name, address, birth date, gender, dietary or medical requirements, and any other information required by law.
LIBERTAS TRAVEL will not use this personal information for any other purpose unless otherwise notified to the traveller or where expressly permitted by the traveller.
The limit of our liability
We accept responsibility for all ingredients of your tour, except those to which the principle of force majeure prevails, as set out herein. Our obligations and responsibilities are limited to those to which international conventions apply in respect of air, sea or rail carriers, including the Warsaw Convention and its various updates.