I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Yuba- Sutter Harvest dinner, sponsored by Visit Yuba-Sutter, the Yuba –Sutter Farm Bureau and many other area businesses, on a recent beautiful Saturday night in downtown Yuba City.  The dinner was held at former site of the Del Monte Cannery, which packed peaches for many years, but is now a medical complex.  For one evening the area returned directly to its agriculture roots as over 130 people enjoyed a wonderful meal that was collaboration between region’s farmers and chefs.

Cocktails and appetizers, sponsored by Sunsweet, were served in an area with large fountain that made a beautiful background setting.  I had the opportunity to visit with many of the attendees on why they were there, many who were directly involved in agriculture and all were very supportive of efforts to support farm to fork and the region’s agriculture tourism efforts.

The guests were seated at long tables, and I had the pleasure of sitting next to the Mayor of Yuba City, John Buckland, several city councilmen and the city manager.  The city is very supportive of efforts to promote agriculture tourism.   The meal, which is part of the areas Farm-To-Fork program, featured walnuts, rice, lamb, kiwi, dried beans, prunes, squash, and many other commodities the area is known for.  Of course, there was also wine from the local area.  What made it special for me, being from “across the river” in Colusa County I was familiar with many of the growers, chefs and winemakers.

The evening’s meal included (Clockwise) – Arugula and Frisee Salad with Almond Crusted Goat Cheese; Cranberry Bean Soup with Lacinato Kale; Mustard Crusted Organic Rack of Lamb with Portabella Mushroom Risotto; and Rustic Olalleberry Tart with Cardamom Infused Cream.

Over $10,000 was raised that evening that will be used to continue to develop the area’s agriculture tourism.  We are fortunate in the Sacramento Valley that produce and commodities are available year round, so treat yourself to a farm to fork dinner by going to a farmers market and grocery store and choosing from the great variety of locally grown commodities.