LAEP Program

**Unlocking Success: Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program**

We're excited to bring insights into our transformative Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program (LAEP). Established in 2006, this program is a collaborative effort between the Washington Winegrowers, Wenatchee Valley Community College, and Yakima Valley College, aimed at empowering individuals within the viticulture industry.

Empowerment Through Knowledge:

The heart of the Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program lies in its purpose: to provide participants with hands-on knowledge and practical skills that can be immediately applied to enhance their daily vineyard practices. The program spans an entire grape production season and encompasses critical areas such as marketing, human resources, and vineyard practices. Conducted primarily in English, this approach not only fosters language proficiency but also promotes holistic personal development.

Advancing Expertise with LAEP:

Our program offers various levels of expertise to cater to individuals at different stages of their viticulture journey. Learn more about each level below:

Level 1

Offered 2024-2025

Introduction to Viticulture (taught primarily in Spanish, integrating with English)

The Level 1 program is designed to educate students on the principles and practices of wine grape production and related industries. At the end of the program, students should be able to understand the “why” (the science behind the “how to”) of the different wine grape production practices applied on commercial vineyards of Washington state. This program introduces students to all areas of a full growing season, including but not limited to plant science, soils, plant nutrition, site selection and vineyard establishment, irrigation scheduling and management, fruit set, and crop load management, fruit maturation, harvest planning and management, pruning, and pest control programs – all supported with current technologies and hands-on practices.

Course emphasizes applied math and English winegrape production terminology.

Level 2

NOT offered 2024-2025

Advanced Viticulture (taught primarily in Spanish, integrating with English):

Designed for Latino employees looking to deepen their viticulture expertise, Level 2 builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in Level 1. Participants can expect to delve into advanced production systems, wine grape management, and juice production. Students will study vital aspects, including site selection, vineyard establishment, pest management, and irrigation practices, and hone soft skills, English language proficiency, and management techniques to excel in their roles.

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1.

Level 3

Offered 2024-2025

Vineyard Management and Integrated Pest Management (taught primarily in Spanish, integrating with English):

The Level 3 focuses on all aspects of the management side of a vineyard, including developing a budget, basic record keeping, balance sheet, cash flow, human resources (supervision, hiring/firing, conflict resolution, discrimination, etc.), marketing, cost analysis, revenues/profits, etc.

Geared towards Spanish-speaking vineyard employees aspiring for leadership roles, Level 3 offers intensive technical training, equipping participants for mid-management and leadership positions. Participants will understand advanced pest management techniques and insights into vineyard economics, and gain a refined understanding of management principles for sustainable success.

Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 and Level 2.

2024-2025 Dates:

Level 1 - Introduction to Viticulture and Level 3 - Vineyard Management/IPM Tech

Classes start on Friday, November 8, 2024, and end on March 21, 2025.

Class meets once per week on Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Graduation on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Location:

Yakima Valley Community College - Grandview Campus

Workforce Education Building (next to the wine tasting room)

500 W. Main Street, Grandview, WA 98930

Cost: $325

Requirements:

Ability to read and write Spanish.
English is not required

We will be registering students for both levels until the end of September. But, if we do not have at least 15 students in Level 1 by then, we will have to cancel the class.

Since 2006 the Washington Winegrowers has partnered with the Wenatchee Valley College and the Yakima Valley College for the LAEP program. The purpose of the program is to equip Spanish speaking viticulture employees with the technical expertise and resources that will allow them to advance and flourish within their profession.

For more information, please contact:

Washington Winegrowers (509) 782-8234 info@wawinegrowers.org

Francisco Sarmiento (509) 860-2283 fsarmiento@wvc.edu

Frank Jr. Sarmiento-Torres (509) 415-8489 fsarmiento-torres@wvc.edu