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AG EDUCATION BETTER THAN EVER

Fall Transition to see this time of year- those are our local lemon or Inspiring Local Philanthropy

avocado orchards!
As I have mentioned before, fruits and vegetables are
in the Ag seasonal, meaning certain products grow in our region for Tips for Year-End Giving
a certain time and then the weather signals them to shut
Industry down, flower, ripen, etc. depending on the commodity. BY AMANDA HOLDER, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
You won’t see a complete disappearance of all vegetables
in our area; broccoli will be a predominant player grown
over winter still, and before you know it, farmers will be
planting again soon for their first crop of 2025 that will be is tax-free). The remainder creates a fund at the Foundation
Seasonal produce available in our region ready for harvest as early as March or April. to benefit any nonprofit you choose.
On the processing side of the industry, it is amazing
BY JYNEL GULARTE, RIVER RD. to see all of the equipment from our local salad plants 4) USE YOUR IRA FOR GIVING
be packed up and shipped down to Yuma. Many of the If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable
Howdy neighbors! It’s Jynel again, your local farm friend here to workers will also head down south for about 5 months as Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to the CFMC for the causes you
talk about agriculture and fall transition! As I had described back well to work the winter season in Arizona. care about. Gifts made from your IRA (up to $100,000 per year) are
in our March issue, the transition was happening from Yuma, As the weather cools down and farm work slows for not taxable income and may qualify towards your RMD.
Arizona, back to the Salinas Valley. Now, at the end of our Salinas those of us who do not do the winter season down south,
season, we will transition to Yuma or Oxnard from Salinas! it is a great time to catch up on any odds and ends on You can make an IRA gift to the Foundation to pass through to one
Looking around the county, you may see more “empty” or the farm. Tasks that were put off during the year can be or more nonprofits, add to a fund (excluding DAFs), or create a
bare fields- the technical term is fallow ground. This basically attended to, projects like updating infrastructure can now Charitable Gift Annuity. You can even make an IRA QCD through
means that no crop is being grown, and the ground is unplanted. be taken care of, a lot of equipment gets fixed, budgets are Monterey County Gives! to benefit multiple nonprofits with one set
If you look out onto our most famous wine region, the Santa assessed, seeds are ordered, and planting schedules form of instructions and receive a partial match.
Lucia Highlands, you will see bare vineyards or leaves falling to prepare for the coming year. It is a busy time in farm Living life to the fullest and being better than ever in the 50+ crowd is celebrated on this page. Contact
as the vines begin to shut down for the winter. I like noticing offices, too, as year-end planning and reporting begins. Laurie.Martin@n2co.com or phone 272-4620 to share your accomplishments.
all the patches of green still in the Highlands, which are easier I have included what is in season for November. I hope
you all give thanks for the blessings in your life and take
a moment to appreciate all of the hard work that farmers, Though the Community Foundation for Monterey County
farm workers, tractor drivers, irrigators, and ranchers (CFMC) works with individuals, families, and businesses
have done to bring food to your Thanksgiving table! to enhance their philanthropy throughout the year, many
people focus their donations during the year-end giving
Jynel Gularte lives in the River Road season. Here are five giving options to help you make a
community and works for her family’s meaningful difference.
local farm. She is excited to help spread
awareness about the agricultural way of 1) CREATE A DONOR ADVISED FUND
life in the Salinas Valley and the bountiful This is a great way to claim a tax deduction now and
produce that’s grown here. support your favorite nonprofits over time.
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) can be created quickly
Ag is crucial to our economy, our livelihood, and our dinner tables. Learn more about our and easily at the CFMC with a gift of $5,000 or more.
local ag industry as Jynel Gularte takes us through a farmer’s life. Contact Laurie.Martin@ With a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds, you
n2co.com with any questions you have for Jynel.
avoid paying capital gains tax and receive an immediate
income tax deduction.
IN SEASON NOW
November 2) DONATE REAL ESTATE OR STOCK
Gifts of real estate or stock are good options to benefit
both the nonprofit recipient and donor with an income
VEGGIES FRUIT tax deduction and capital gains tax savings. A gift of
Artichokes Apples appreciated stock is one of the most tax-savvy ways to
Beets Grapes support your favorite causes. Rather than selling the stock
Brussels Sprouts Kiwi and donating cash, capital gains tax can be avoided by
Mushrooms Lemons donating the stock directly to the Foundation or nonprofit
Peppers Oranges of your choice.
Potatoes Pears
Radishes Persimmons 3) CONSIDER LIFE-INCOME GIFTS
Sweet Potatoes Pomegranates Life income gifts such as Charitable Remainder
Winter Squash Walnuts Trusts and Charitable Gift Annuities offer immediate
tax deductions and income for life (a portion of which

36 November 2024 Greet HWY 68 Loop 37