This year’s 2010 Core Training Program successfully concluded when 33 global Stewards from Peru, Ecuador, Thailand and Ghana reunited in the Bay Area to attend MESA’s November exit seminar. Over the course of several days, Stewards trekked across the Golden Gate bridge and “escaped” from Alcrataz, received a warm welcome to the SF Ferry Building Farmers Market by CUESA staff, engaged in lively discussions about rural marketing systems and inner city food justice with Dave Runsten of CAFF and Haleh Zandi of Planting Justice, and were held in rapt attention by UC Berkeley Professor of Entomology, Miguel Altieri, who presented a rousing lecture about agro-ecological alternatives to the global agro-industrial model. Urban farming was also explored during tours of West Oakland’s City Slicker Farm and the Berkeley’s renowned Edible Schoolyard.

Gathering Stewards, Staff and Supporters to celebrate MESA’s 2010 Core Training Program graduates, the weeklong seminar concluded with our annual Cultural Cuisine Dinner, where Stewards made heartfelt presentations about the work ahead and received their completion certificates, while guests enjoyed dishes culled from various global regions and were entertained by amazing dance performances.

As Stewards embark for their home countries or the next phase of their MESA training, hopes are high for their continued success and the transfer of ideas that may flourish in both their native countries, as well as on the farms each Steward has called home for eight months. Stay tuned for more stories that highlight the individual ventures, triumphs and opportunities of MESA’s 2010 Steward alumni.