New agritourism coordinator named

With a background in urban farming and local food systems, Rachael Callahan will become statewide agritourism coordinator for the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

Callahan will succeed Penny Leff, who announced her retirement via the program's email newsletter.

In an introductory message, Callahan said she has worked for nonprofit organizations promoting urban farming and food security in Washington, D.C.; building a local food system on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts; and promoting sustainable agroforestry techniques in Belize.

In each role, Callahan said, she has seen "the power of direct farmer-public interactions through agritourism to provide resiliency to farmers, inspire and educate the public, and connect the community."