California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Plastic and Organic Ag: How to Break the Connection

    Plastic is everywhere. Since the invention of plastic in the 1950s, its use has exploded throughout the world. Plastic is used in construction, cars, furniture, toys, textiles, medical devices, countless household products, and throughout our agriculture and food system. It’s been a miracle product, as well as a scourge on our environment and sometimes even our health.

    The production of plastic contributes high quantities of pollutants to the environment, with one pound of plastic creating three pounds of carbon dioxide during manufacturing, which disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Society’s overuse of plastic causes chemical leaching into soils and waterways, and the poisoning of wildlife on land and in water. With only a small proportion of plastic being recycled, most plastics end up in waste systems, permeating our soils, or flowing through waterways into oceans. And in addition to the environmental risks, the health of our bodies can be compromised in a wide variety of ways by the thousands of chemicals used to make plastic.

    The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is partnering with The Organic Center (TOC) to present the 2023 Organic Confluences: Reducing Plastics Along the Entire Organic Supply Chain on May 9 and 10 in the nation’s capital to convene scientists, industry experts and organic stakeholders from across the supply chain to strategize on how to break the plastic cycle and reduce plastic use from the farm to the table.

    The Organic Confluences sessions are part of OTA’s 2023 Organic Week in Washington, D.C. The sessions will take place throughout the day on Tuesday and the morning of Conference Day on Wednesday. Registration for Organic Week and Organic Confluences is open here.

    “The organic sector’s use of plastics is a key concern for everyone involved in the organic food system – from the organic farmer to the organic retailer,” said Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center. “The use of synthetics such as plastics is at odds with traditional organic values, but plastic is used for critical tools that serve important functions. For instance, farmers can replace herbicide and pesticide sprays, and reduce water consumption with tools like plastic mulch and drip tape. Available alternatives to plastic that also meet the National Organic Program’s standards just aren’t there yet. Our conference is gathering individuals from every aspect of organic because finding a solution to this critical issue requires input and collaboration across the sector. This isn’t just organic’s problem to solve, but we can be leaders on the path to change.”

    The food chain uses lots of plastic. Farmers use it for row covers, in mulch, irrigation tubing, nursery containers and more.  Distributors use it to pack and ship food. Plastic packaging has proliferated in grocery stores for everything from fresh produce to take-out containers from the deli.

    Plastic is essential on many organic farms. Sheets of plastic are commonly used as a form of mulch to control weeds and conserve water. But most of this plastic usually ends up in a landfill, and many organic farmers are searching for a better and more environmentally-friendly way. That’s where biodegradable plastic mulches come in. Plastic mulch made of polyethylene is the most widely used plastic mulch because it is easy to manufacture, durable and affordable. But it is not biodegradable. Biodegradable plastic mulches have been developed, but are still open to questions about how completely they break down, and if their use in organic would comply with organic standards.

    Off the farm, organic distributors and retailers are searching for safe and cost-efficient alternative packaging to plastic. The issue of BPA (Bisphenol A) in plastic packaging and whether it should be allowed in certified organic packaging has long been under discussion at the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). While several independent companies and farmers have developed suitable packaging substitutes for plastic, a cohesive strategy and framework for plastic alternatives has not been developed and this remains an NOSB research priority.

    “Because of the multifaceted nature of the issue of reducing plastic use in organic production, processing, and distribution, effective discussions investigating strategies for plastic alternatives and organic regulations of plastic use require input and collaboration across the organic sector. I’m excited to have representatives from the whole supply chain in the same room having this discussion together, instead of tackling each component separately, as is typically done,” said Sciligo.

    The Organic Center’s conference will address the challenges of plastic from the perspective of waste, climate change, and environmental and human health. It will bring together scientists with farmers, retailers, processors, distributors and policymakers. Farmers will be able to share their needs, priorities and experiences with plastic and alternatives; researchers and plastic-alternative innovators can offer potential solutions; and policy experts can guide the discussion in the context of current National Organic Program (NOP) requirements and future NOP direction.

    “Our long-term goal is to increase the sustainability of organic production by reducing the use of plastic across the entire organic food chain. Our overall objective is to expand communication and collaboration across the diverse organic sector with policymakers and researchers at the table so that the industry can reimagine plastic use in organic production,” said Sciligo.

    The full agenda for this insightful and important event can be found here. Register here to learn how your business can reduce plastics and create a more sustainable future for organic.

    About The Organic Center

    The Organic Center’s mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental impacts of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.

    About the Organic Trade Association

    The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.

  • Hartnell College Foundation Presents Annual Western Food Safety Conference, May 3-4

    Nearly 500 people with a professional stake in the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed worldwide will gather at Sherwood Hall in Salinas on May 3-4 for the 18th Annual Western Food Safety Conference.

    The conference will be held at Sherwood Hall at 940 N. Main St., in Salinas, and will focus on the theme, “Food Safety: The State of the Industry” through speakers,  intensive dialogue and education concerning how to keep consumers safe and maintain their confidence.

    The conference will provide participants with current produce safety information, research, and regulatory developments in the fresh produce industry that they can apply to today’s environment. The event features industry-leading scientists, executives, and professionals for the latest science-based industry information and networking opportunities. Speakers and panelists include experts in water quality, data science, sustainable agriculture and state and federal regulation.

    The May 3 keynote speaker will be William (Bill) Marler, attorney and national expert in food safety with Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm. The May 4 keynote speaker will be Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

    Topics for the 2023 conference include:

    •  FDA Field Sampling
    • Rethinking Recalls and Communication in the Supply Chain
    • Technology Advancements for Enhanced Traceability
    • FSMA Inspections
    • Ag Water Regulation Update
    • Field Equipment Sanitation

    Who should attend this conference:

    • Executive Management: growers, shippers, processors, cooling facilities, shipping facilities, and suppliers
    • Food safety directors, managers, and supervisors
    •  Quality assurance foremen and crew leaders
    • Recall team and farm labor contractors
    • Auditors
    • College students

    Registration fees and sponsors’ support in 2022 helped raise $15,000 for scholarships for Hartnell College agricultural students, adding to more than $100,000 previously shared as a result of the conference.

    The Western Food Safety Conference is committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities participating in the event. Online activities are designed to be accessible, meeting the Rehabilitation Act (Section 508). If a person with a disability is requesting reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the event, requests need to be sent to Hartnell College Foundation, (831) 755-6702.  Requests for disability accommodations received three business days in advance of the event will be given priority, although an attempt to fulfill all requests will occur.

    Registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the conference website at: https://thewesternfoodsafetyconference.com/.

  • Water District Receives Grant for Desalination and On-Farm Recycling Project

    Westlands Water District is one step closer to improving the water supply for local communities and farmers. Aligned with the Governor’s California’s Water Supply Strategy, Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) awarded a competitive grant to support Westlands’ Desalination and On-Farm Recycling Project (Project). Grant funding was made available for projects that help produce clean, safe, and reliable water as part of the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014.

    Westlands’ pilot Project features advanced technologies and treatment processes to capture, treat, and put to beneficial use up to 1,460 acre-feet of groundwater per year, previously unsuitable due to its high salt contents. The Project will treat the shallow and upper aquifer groundwater of the Westside Subbasin to create a source of high-quality water for municipal Westside communities and irrigation use for farmers in the District.

    In addition to supplying water for agricultural use, Westlands conveys water to rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties. The District is comprised of nearly 84% disadvantaged communities that during drought conditions, experience limited and expensive water supplies in addition to the economic and social repercussions of fallowed farmland. When this Project is implemented, it will enable Westlands to provide treated water to disadvantaged communities including the cities of Huron, Coalinga, and Avenal.

    “Ensuring Westlands farmers and the surrounding communities we serve have access to clean, reliable and affordable water is mission critical for us and we are thrilled we can get started on this innovative project to help bring additional clean water to the District,” said Jose Gutierrez, Interim General Manager, Westlands Water District. “The Project will increase local water supply and reliability, and could improve shallow groundwater quality, all of which are critical for farmers and the communities we serve.”

    Currently, technology exists utilizing reverse osmosis to treat this source of groundwater cost-effectively. However, treatment plants only purify about 75% of the volume of water that passes through them. The remaining 25% is considered mineralized or concentrated and is considered a waste product.

    Using proprietary plants that are specifically engineered to uptake salts and other constituents, Westlands will irrigate and farm salt-tolerant plantings with the mineralized water to grow a crop that will remove the salts from the water and store it in the plants. Due to this uptake of salts and minerals such as boron and selenium, the crop will be rich in nutrients, making it a valuable source of bio-nutrients for livestock once harvested.

    Working closely with the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the success of this program will demonstrate that the upper aquifer groundwater can be treated cost-effectively, and the mineralized water can be put to beneficial use by Westlands and the communities it serves.

    Planning for the project has begun and the pilot Project is anticipated to start fall of 2023. Once permitted, it will run for two years to demonstrate proof of concept.

    About Westlands Water District

    Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than seven decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.

  • USDA Still Accepting 2022 Census of Ag forms from California producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding California farmers and ranchers that the window is closing on the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. NASS is encouraging U.S. producers who have not returned their completed ag census questionnaires to do so as soon as possible to avoid additional mail, phone, email, text, and in- person follow-up, which is currently underway.

    “Thank you to everyone that has responded.” said NASS Pacific Regional Director Gary Keough. “To those that haven’t responded, there is still time to make your voice heard. The Census data shows the importance of agriculture at the local, county, state, and national levels and is an indispensable tool for developing and administering programs that impact the agricultural community.”

    NASS is reminding producers that if they produced and sold $1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2022, or normally would have produced and sold that much, they meet USDA’s definition of a farm. However, federal law requires everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it, even if they do not currently meet this definition. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.

    “If you received the ag census but do not fit the definition of a farm, are no longer farming, never farmed, or are a landowner who leases your land to a producer, please write your status on the form and mail it back,” said Keough.

    The Census of Agriculture remains the only comprehensive and impartial source of agriculture data for every state and county in the nation. Census data are used by policymakers, trade associations, researchers, agribusinesses, educators, and many others. The information helps inform decisions on farm policy, rural development, the development of farm technologies, and more. It also aids in the creation and funding of loans and insurance programs and other forms of assistance.

    The ag census differs from other NASS surveys. Beyond being conducted just once every five years, it provides important demographic information and data on certain commodities, such as horses, bison, and Christmas trees, that would not otherwise be available. The Census of Agriculture collects information on nearly every aspect of American agriculture for a complete picture of the health of the industry. Changes to the 2022 questionnaire include new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep and updates to internet access questions.

    Federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113 requires that NASS keep all submissions confidential, use the information for statistical purposes only, and publish aggregate data to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

    NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on Twitter at @usda_nass.

  • North American Meat Institute Recognizes Environmental Achievement Award Winners

    The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) recognized more than 200 meat and poultry plants at the 2023 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference in Carlsbad, California for their positive environmental impact achievements. Fifteen additional establishments that went above and beyond were granted Environmental Achievement Awards for their progress with emissions reduction, energy conservation, packaging/food waste reduction, technological innovation, and water conservation.

    “NAMI congratulates these companies and their leadership for ensuring their products contribute to a sustainable food system,” said NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Their hard work and innovation will ensure the meat and poultry industry continues to employ the highest standards and latest technology to produce wholesome, safe, nutritious products that consumers can be proud to put on their plates.”

    The NAMI Environmental Achievement Awards are given to NAMI member companies that go beyond environmental compliance by designing and successfully implementing an innovative plant upgrade or environmental program. The Environmental Achievement Award winners represent establishments operated by JBS, Pilgrim’s, Smithfield and SugarCreek. The winners are as follows:

    Category
    1st Place
    2nd Place
    3rd Place
    Emissions Reduction
    JBS – Tolleson
    Smithfield – Sioux Falls
    Pilgrim’s – Canton Complex
    Energy Conservation
    JBS – Green Bay
    JBS USA Hyrum Beef
    SugarCreek Packing Co. – Cambridge City
    Packaging and/or Food Waste Reduction
    Smithfield Packaged Meat – Kinston
    JBS USA Grand Island Beef
    Smithfield – Des Moines
    Technological Innovation
    JBS – Plainwell
    Pilgrim’s – Talmo Hatchery
    SugarCreek Packing Co. – Washington Court House
    Water Conservation
    Pilgrim’s – Arcadia
    Smithfield Packaged Meats – Carroll
    Smithfield – Milan

    The Environmental Recognition Awards honor a company’s dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems. The Environmental Recognition Award winners include establishments throughout North America operated by: American Foods Group, Caviness Beef Packers, CS Beef Packers, Clemens Food Group, FPL Foods, Golden State Foods, JBS, Land O’ Frost, Maple Leaf Foods, OSI Group, Pilgrim’s, Smithfield Foods, SugarCreek Packing, Triumph Foods and West Liberty Foods.

    Companies that earned these awards also reported data in 2022 for The Protein PACT, which is uniting the largest-ever industry effort to strengthen animal protein’s contributions to healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.

    About the North American Meat Institute: The North American Meat Institute is a leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. The Meat Institute’s members process the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as manufactures the equipment and ingredients needed to produce safe, high quality meat and poultry products.

  • New California Freestyle Ad Campaign Supports California Dairy

    Vivid colors, diverse locations and delectable foods made delicious with California cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream bring to life a new installment in the Real California Milk California Freestyle integrated advertising campaign officially launching today. California Freestyle Volume II: The Remix, from the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), features three new music tracks and videos that celebrate the diversity of the Golden State from its people to its landscapes and the vibrant cultures that make it a special place to live and give its milk and dairy foods such great flavor.

    Produced by Deutsch LA, the campaign includes :30, :15 and :06 second bilingual (English/Spanish) video spots, each tapping into a different musical genre to share the story of Real California Milk. From Country to Reggaeton to Latin Pop, each colorful, energetic music video features lyrics paying homage to the original California Freestyle track with a new twist and setting. Each spot ends on an animated, album-art inspired stage to bring home the “Living in the Golden State” tag line.

    “California is a special place to live, eat and enjoy dairy and the Remix campaign brings these elements together in three catchy musical and visually rich executions,” said CMAB CEO John Talbot. “This evolution of California Freestyle continues to connect with consumers. What really makes these new spots ‘sing’ are the decadent dairy dishes – from chicken and waffles and popcorn dripping with melted California butter to nachos, fries and pizza loaded with gooey California cheese.”

    California Freestyle kicked off in April 2022 with the first-ever music record made of California cheese and a title track video debut during the Grammys broadcast in California. All three videos are available at YouTube.com/RealCaliforniaMilk.

    California is the leading producer of fluid milk, butter, and ice cream as well as Mozzarella, Hispanic-style cheese and dairy, and Monterey Jack. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made exclusively with sustainably sourced milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • LeadOn, American Pistachio Growers Leadership Program Introduces Largest Class Ever

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 13th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class.  Selecting motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.  This year-long program is designed to provide a unique experience, consisting of leadership training and industry education seminars led by APG and industry leaders, hands-on educational opportunities that build upon the knowledge base provided by seminar presenters, field experience and a firsthand view of how the pistachio Committees/Board work, to prepare participants for leadership service.<

    En route to graduate at APG’s annual conference in February 2024, this will be the largest class to go through the program.  The LeadOn class this year includes:

    -Mindy Cunha, P Cunha Farms

    -Phillip Cunha, P Cunha Farms

    -Yazmin DeLeon, Horizon Nut Company

    -Adrian Diaz, Chandler Automation

    -Amarinder Dosanjh, Doaba Farming

    -Karandeep Gill, Prestige Ranch LLC

    -Carolyn Gleason, West Hills Farm Services

    -Matthew Guzman, Sol Aureus Farms

    -Martin Herrera, California Ag Solutions

    -Udhay Kahlon, RHM Farms

    -Mitchell Keenan, Keenan Farms

    -Matthew Malcolm, Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

    -Amir Pars, Primex International

    -Julio Ramos, Setton Farms

    -April Ramos, Touchstone Pistachio Company

    -Jonathan Romero, Laborde Land Co LLC

    -Scott Schuil, Schuil Ag Real Estate

    -Jason Searle, Searle Ranch

    -Brandon Spain, Manulife Investment Management Farmland Management Services

    -Holly Sylvester-Lopez, Horizon Nut Company

    -Chase Thomas, Ultra Gro

    -Hector Vaca, M&E Vaca Farms

    -Jimi Valov, Valov Brothers Farms

    -Tyler Zion, Meridian Growers

    Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm

    Pacific Nut Producer is proud to have its Editor-In-Chief, Matthew Malcolm, in the LeadOn program this year.  “I have always admired American Pistachio Growers, the organization’s leadership and members,” Malcolm shared.  “I’m thrilled to participate with my fellow class members in learning to become a stronger advocate and voice for the western pistachio industry through this program.”

    APG convened its 13th LeadOn program at the International Agri-Center in Tulare on March 16th, where APG President, Richard Matoian provided an orientation of the program and overview of the mission of APG, which is to collectively advance the American Pistachio industry through research, promotion, advocacy and programs that directly benefit our members. Following Matoian’s remarks, UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus Bob Beede spent the rest of the day with the group covering Pistachio Production 101.  This was the first of many gatherings for the new LeadOn class.  Those going through the program will invest 62-74 hours over the course of a year participating in board/committee meetings, training seminars, industry tours, and of course, APG’s annual Pistachio Industry Conference.

    American Pistachio Growers President Richard Matoian addressing the 13th LeadOn class for their initial orientation and training in Tulare, CA.

  • American Society of Agronomy Partners with Natural Resources Conservation Service

    The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) announces its partnership with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to expand conservation technical assistance capacity.

    ASA and NRCS recently signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) that furthers conversation efforts targeted at improving nutrient management. With this MOU, ASA and its International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) program establish a framework enabling ASA to recommend individuals for the NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) program. The TSP program enables certified individuals outside of NRCS to provide, among other things, nutrient management plans to producers and landowners.

    ”The ICCA Program is excited to continue our over 20-year relationship with USDA NRCS TSP. This new version of the MOU will create a more streamlined process for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) and Certified Professional Soil Scientists (CPSS) to engage with and expand NRCS’s workforce to meet the needs of US farmers and landowners to increase their conservation practices,” says Luther Smith, Chief Administrative Officer of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

    As trusted on-farm advisers, CCAs are uniquely positioned to become TSPs and assist producers with activities and planning related to nutrient management, soil health, integrated pest management, organics, and grazing management. Technical service providers (TSPs) offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers such as farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners on behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This assistance helps improve the producer’s operation.

    “There are simply not enough TSPs certified currently to cover the increasing workload for the various conservation practices that NRCS will be funding in coming years,” says Dennis Godar, CPAg/CCA. “The MOU between ASA and NRCS is very encouraging and timely to increase numbers by certifying qualified CCAs as TSPs. CCAs are highly trained individuals and trusted advisors already familiar with their clients’ operations. It makes sense to strengthen relationships between NRCS, CCA-TSPs, and farmers/landowners.” Godar has been a TSP since 2003.

    The MOU will benefit ASA by providing ASA/ICCA certified individuals the opportunity to become accepted by NRCS as a TSP through recognition of ASA/ICCA requirements. NRCS will place ASA certified TSPs on the approved list to provide technical service to USDA conservation program participants, thereby expanding their scope of services to existing and future clientele.

    American Society of Agronomy: This professional membership society represents researchers and professionals who specialize in growing our world’s food supply while protecting our environment. Together members work toward solutions to advance scientific knowledge in the areas of agronomy, crop science, and soil science.

  • Common Threads Honors 13 Women in Ag for their Service

    Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

    That is the core of Common Threads, an awards program that recognizes women in agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley and Northern California for their service to agriculture and to their communities. As the Common Threads North awards program put it:

    “Agriculture is the common thread of all honorees. Their contributions are symbolic of the rich, colorful threads used to fashion a multifaceted tapestry, not unlike the agricultural diversity of our region. The common threads of our tapestry display an array of cultures, ages, and regions. Some threads are vivid and bright, like the colorful bounty of our land’s harvest. Some are as soft as well-used denim and a little faded with age. Some have the tensile strength of iron; others the complexity and richness of fine lace.”

    Colleen Cecil, executive director of the Butte County Farm Bureau and a member of the Common Threads North committee, which recognizes women from Stanislaus County north to the Oregon border, said it was important to honor the contributions of women to agriculture.

    “Women are often overlooked because they’re busy working bees in the background and they don’t get the spotlight,” Cecil said.

    “Other programs recognize outstanding people, but this is the only one I know of about women in ag. It’s special to get this award because you’ve been nominated by others who hold you in high regard. I’ve had the opportunity to read the applications and letters of recommendation, and I just want to give everyone an award. We’re grateful to be able to bring attention to these women.”

    Rebecca Quist, the chair of the Common Threads Fresno committee, which recognizes women in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare counties, noted that the committee’s honorees represent a wide variety in ages.

    “Ag has no age limit. The women we recognize are legacy women – whether they’ve done things quietly behind the scenes or they’re part of a newer generation where they’re out-front advocating in a public forum,” she said.

    In the Fresno area, seven honorees were honored on March 1 at a luncheon in Clovis: Lucy Areias, Fresno; Aubrey Bettencourt, Hanford; Juanita Calzadillas-Pedrozo, Merced; Holly Rosa, Hanford; Nanette Simonian, Fowler; Sheri Kanagawa, Hanford; and Tricia Stever Blattler, Honorary Recipient, Tulare.

    And in the north, six women were recognized at a dinner in Winters on April 5:  Geri Byrne, Tulelake; Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Woodland; Bobbin Mulvaney, Sacramento; Audrey Z. Tennis, Chico; Linda Walker, Los Molinos; and Sharron Zoller, Kelseyville.

    North CA Honorees (Left to right): Bobbin Mulvaney (Sacramento), Audrey Z. Tennis (Chico), Sharron Zoller (Kelseyville), Linda Walker (Los Molinos), Geri Byrne (Tulelake), Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli (Woodland).

    AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank and Fresno Madera Farm Credit have collectively contributed more than $35,000 to support Common Threads as top-level sponsors since 2015. The organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System – the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.

    Mark Littlefield, President and CEO of AgWest Farm Credit, said Farm Credit supports Common Threads because of the importance of women in agriculture.

    “Each of the women honored this year has made outstanding contributions to California agriculture, whether managing operations of their family farming business, through work in organizations supporting agriculture or both,” Littlefield said. “And since so many younger women are taking on even more important roles in farming and ranching, they will help ensure a strong future for agriculture in the state.”

    Keith Hesterberg, President and CEO of Fresno Madera Farm Credit, added that the philanthropic efforts of women in agriculture are a cornerstone of the health of farming communities around the state.

    “Since the founding of our nation, rural America has evolved through a unique commitment to volunteerism that has strengthened and improved our communities,” Hesterberg said. “The Common Threads winners truly exemplify this trait as all have given generously of their time over the years to work on projects that have made a real difference.”

    The Common Threads program also benefits the recipients’ communities, Holman noted, as some of the proceeds from the awards events benefit a charity designated by each of the honorees.

    About Farm Credit: AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank and Fresno Madera Farm Credit are cooperatively owned lending institutions providing agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit. We specialize in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses. Farm Credit offers a broad range of loan products and financial services, including long-term real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment and facility loans, cash management and appraisal and leasing services…everything a “growing” business needs. For more information, visit www.farmcreditalliance.com

    About Common Threads: The Common Threads program was launched in 1997 by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and the Ag One Foundation at California State University, Fresno. The Agricultural Leadership Foundation launched Common Threads North in 2003 in conjunction with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis, California Women in Agriculture and nine county Farm Bureaus. For information about Common Threads North, visit https://www.commonthreadsnorth.com and for more information about the Central Valley program, visit https://www.agleaders.org/alumni/common-threads-central-valley/

  • American Agri-Women Decide Legislative Policy Positions

    American Agri-Women (AAW) updated its legislative policy positions in the areas of natural resources, commodities and education, and ag business and economics at its annual mid-year meeting held recently in Jordan, Utah. AAW, a national coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, is in its 48th year of advocating for agriculture.

    American Agri-Women members updated the organization’s legislative policy positions at its Mid-Year meeting held recently in Nashville, Tenn.

    The 2023 AAW Mid-Year meeting was held in beautiful Nashville, Tenn., April 12-15 at the Embassy Suites Hilton – Nashville Airport. Women nationwide gathered to discuss current agricultural issues and policies and voted to create the 2023 AAW Position Statements.

    The meeting began with an afternoon session on April 12, with both the Executive and Foundation committees holding their meetings, followed by a joint planning session between the two committees.

    April 13, began with the Board of Directors meeting followed by mid-year orientation. Following orientation, the group traveled downtown Nashville to the RFD-TV studio. After the RFD-TV tour, we heard about Media Strategies from Genevieve O’Sullivan, VP of Marketing CropLife America. For the remainder of the afternoon, members worked on updating the AAW Position Statements.

    Members finished the position statement on the final day and voted to accept them along with fly-in orientation.

    The AAW Foundation held the mid-year silent auction, where members donated items to be used for the fundraiser. The Foundation promotes and develops educational and leadership programs and opportunities relevant to agriculture.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org.