Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program 2023-2024 Graduation
Washington Winegrowers Association is passionate about the Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program (LAEP) and looks forward to the program each year because it is a vital part of what we do and are about—education. This program reaches those who are at the heart of our industry. LAEP provides professional development for agricultural employees, leading to management roles and other opportunities within our Washington wine community.
Washington Winegrowers Association initiated LAEP in 2006 (17 years of LAEP participants!), and the program has continued to grow thanks to the partnership with Wenatchee Valley College and Yakima Valley College. Francisco Sarmiento (Francisco Sr.), Francisco (Frank Jr.) Sarmiento, and Trent Ball are passionate faculty, sharing their knowledge and devotion to LAEP participants and our Washington wine industry.
From November through March each year, participants of LAEP remain committed to furthering their education, moving through Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses in viticulture. We are excited to celebrate together the accomplishments of this year’s LAEP participants who completed Level 2 and Level 3 courses and enjoyed graduation on March 22, 2024, at the Walter Clore Wine Center in Prosser, Washington.
To this year’s LAEP graduates, Washington Winegrowers Association congratulates each of you in your success and future steps. Your commitment, dedication, and choice in prioritizing education is an achievement that you should be incredibly proud of. We hope that you continue to pursue lifelong learning, even while you demonstrate the skills you have learned throughout LAEP, to keep advancing our Washington wine industry. Congratulations!
Our commitment to ongoing education including LAEP and other programs in viticulture and enology is an essential part of what sets Washington Winegrowers Association apart. This year’s LAEP graduates showcase that our wine industry is thriving and it starts in the vineyard with the quality of the winegrapes and the commitment of our people to keep advancing our industry.
Interested in participating in LAEP courses? Registration will begin this autumn for LAEP 2024-2025 Level 1 and Level 3 courses.
Want to show your commitment to education with LAEP sponsorship? Reach out to Washington Winegrowers Association for sponsorship information (info@WAwinegrowers.org).
Level 2 Graduating Class
Level 3 Graduating Class