From Ag Director to Celebrity Chef: Dolcini to Serve as Celebrity Chef at A Day in the Country

Yolo Land Trust press release

The Yolo Land Trust announces that Val Dolcini, California State Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be attending the Yolo Land Trust’s annual fundraising event – A Day in the Country – on September 8, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   Dolcini will be the event’s “Celebrity Chef” as the Yolo Land Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Dolcini is responsible for all USDA farm programs and policies in the California. He oversees thirty county offices from Mt. Shasta to Imperial Valley delivering USDA programs and services to the nation’s most productive agricultural economy.  Dolcini was appointed to his current position by President Obama in 2009, and also served in the same capacity in the Clinton Administration. 

Dolcini is a fifth generation Californian with deep roots in Yolo County.  He has been active in the community for many years on several boards and foundations, including serving as a director with the Yolo Land Trust.  Prior to being appointed State Executive Director, Dolcini managed all government relations activities in the western United States for Accenture LLC, a global consulting firm.  Dolcini has also served in senior staff positions for California’s governor and lieutenant governor, and for California members of the House of Representatives. 

A Day in the Country will be held this year at Taber Ranch Vineyard and Event Center in Capay.  Over 20 restaurants, 13 wineries and 2 breweries will be serving delicious food, wine and beer.  Twelve local farms and ranches will also be there to meet with the community and talk about their family-run operations.  Silent auction items include dinner for 8 at the Inn at Park Winters, passes to Disneyland and California Adventure, Mondavi tickets, a jeep tour of Yolo Land & Cattle Co. ranch, B Street Theatre tickets and many others. The Plainfield Pickers will provide music. 

“This event sold out last year,” said Michele Clark, Executive Director of the Yolo Land Trust.  “Buy your tickets now so you can attend the historic celebration.  We are grateful to the owners of Taber Ranch Vineyard, Martin and Dawn Armstrong, for opening their beautiful venue as we celebrate the Land Trust’s 25th anniversary.  Our guests will be able to enjoy delicious food, lively music and stunning views of Capay Valley.”

To purchase tickets to attend the A Day in the Country, or for more information, contact the Yolo Land Trust at (530) 662-1110 or visit: www.yololandtrust.org.  Adult tickets are $85.00 before September 1 ($90 after that date as long as tickets are available) and a child’s ticket is $20.