including citrus, almonds and pistachios, along with nursery trees and beneficial insects. Mulholland’s eight-year-old daughter Olivia currently attends the Fairmont. In fact, it was Torosian-Klistoff’s passion and appreciation for agriculture that aided in Mulholland’s decision to enroll her daughter there, she said. “Christine is the greatest gift. She touches so many students’ lives and impacts them positively with creating love and knowledge for agriculture,” Mulholland said. Mulholland noted that Olivia has embraced the program enthusiastically, even insisting on attending school on days she’s not feeling well because she doesn’t want to miss Ag Day. The curriculum is comprehensive—covering a wide range of topics, including soil science, seed germination, pollination, plant sciences, fertilizers, agtech, irrigation, crop cycles and propagation. Engineering, drones and robotics, sustainable energy and 3-D printing are taught by Charlene Greisner and Tisha Jett, two other teachers who are part of Fairmont’s ag team. Students also benefit from field trips to packing plants and engaging lessons from local college students who are enrolled in ag-related programs. “When I was in third grade, I definitely didn’t learn about irrigation systems or robotics or propagation,” Mulholland joked. A standout feature of the program is the on-campus market, which not only teaches students about the business side of agriculture but also allows them to compete by selling produce. Torosian-Klistoff notes that the school collaborates with a local produce company, which provides the students with favorable pricing on goods. “The students get to choose off a list what produce they’d like to sell. They then decide on the price, when to sell their produce and how to best market it on social media. Parents and community members can purchase the produce at the school’s temporary
market. The goal of the students is to achieve a good profit,” Torosian-Klistoff said. The school has seen an increase in enrollees since the start of its ag program, going from 500 students eight years ago to more than 700 today. The program has captured the attention of not only parents from around Fresno, but also other school districts. “This program is the first of its kind in California, and many
L-R: Christine Torosian-Klistoff, student Olivia, Heather Mulholland
17 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com November | December 2024
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