California Ag Network

Tag: California Farmland Trust

  • Ron Dolinsek joins California Farmland Trustee Council

    California Farmland Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Dolinsek as a Trustee. With a deep-rooted commitment to agriculture and a strong belief in the importance of preserving California’s prime farmland, Ron brings valuable experience and passion to the organization.

    Ron Dolinsek, a resident of Lincoln, has spent a significant portion of his life connected to agriculture. Growing up in Santa Rosa, he was an active member of the local Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he gained hands-on experience working with livestock and dairy. After a successful 34-year career in the Farm Credit System, Ron is now dedicated to ensuring that California’s agricultural heritage endures.

    “The California Farmland Trust is diligent and highly effective in preserving prime farmland in the area we serve and enjoys an excellent reputation for its commitment and service to agriculture,” Ron stated. “We are good at what we do!” Ron previously served on the Board of Directors for ten years and is also a past President.

    With his wife Georgetta, Ron has raised two married daughters and is the proud grandfather of five. Together, they enjoy overseas travel, where Ron often reflects on the unique blessings of living in California, particularly its rich agricultural landscape.

    As California faces an accelerated rate of housing and commercial development encroaching on its most fertile lands, Ron emphasizes the urgent need to protect what remains. He believes that safeguarding this precious resource is essential for future generations to enjoy the agricultural legacy that has shaped the state.

    “I see the necessity to protect our farmland for the sake of future generations,” Ron said. “It’s crucial that we take action now to preserve what we have.”

    California Farmland Trust is thrilled to welcome Ron Dolinsek as a Trustee and looks forward to his contributions to its mission of preserving California’s agricultural land for generations to come.

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 18,260 acres of farmland on 85 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • Carrie Isaacson Joins California Farmland Trust Board of Directors

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is excited to announce the appointment of Carrie Isaacson to its Board of Directors. With over a decade of experience in agricultural marketing and a deep-rooted passion for California agriculture, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization.

    While not born on a farming operation, Carrie’s connection to agriculture began early through her involvement in 4-H and FFA. She pursued her passion further by studying agricultural communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This educational foundation paved the way for a successful career at broadhead, a full-service marketing agency with a strong agricultural focus, where she currently serves as Vice President and Account Director. In her role at broadhead, Carrie leads cross-functional marketing campaigns across various sectors, including animal health, dairy nutrition, crop nutrition, and specialty crop marketing orders. Her leadership and innovative approach have made significant impacts in the agricultural community.

    Carrie’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her professional work. She has been actively involved with California Young Farmers and Ranchers and the National Agri-Marketing Association. As a graduate of Class 51 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, she has gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture today.

    Since 2020, Carrie has been a dedicated member of CFT’s Strategic Marketing and Philanthropy Committee, contributing to the organization’s mission to support sustainable farming practices and community engagement. She is eager to expand her involvement and support CFT’s vision as a member of the Board of Directors.

    “I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at California Farm Trust,” said Carrie. “I look forward to working collaboratively to further our mission of fostering sustainable agriculture and supporting California farmers.”

    California Farmland Trust welcomes Carrie Isaacson and looks forward to her contributions to advancing its mission in the years to come.

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 18,260 acres of farmland on 85 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • Mike Wade joins California Farmland Trust Board of Directors

    California Farmland Trust (CFT), a non-profit dedicated to preserving the nation’s finest farmland, is eager to welcome Mike Wade as its newest board member. With over three decades of experience in various leadership roles within agriculture, Wade’s new involvement is a great asset to CFT’s mission of protecting California’s agricultural legacy.

    “I’ve been lucky to devote my career to agriculture and work in a capacity that I hope has been helpful to the industry,” Wade said. “I hope I can continue that effort as a board member and be a part of the success of California agriculture.”

    Wade currently serves as the executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition where he has devoted over 20 years to advocating for the needs of farmers and advancing California agriculture. His extensive background in policy, communications and management has been a great support to farmers.

    Prior to his role at CFWC, Wade served as executive director of the Merced County Farm Bureau for 11 years and program director of the California Farm Bureau Federation for two and a half years. His journey into agriculture began on his family’s farm in Merced County. When Wade began high school, he became a member of Future Farmers of America, leading him to join Young Farmers and Ranchers. From there, Wade said it was ag all the way. He attended Merced College where he pursued an associate degree in agriculture, beginning a career in the industry that he cherishes.

    “We are excited to have Mike join the organization as a board member,” said CFT Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell. “His knowledge of agriculture along with his experience in water policy will be valuable to CFT and our work moving forward.”

    Wade is looking forward to getting to know members of CFT and furthering his contribution to California agriculture.

    “It’s important that we’re self-sufficient and we provide through the resources that we have in our country,” Wade said. “California is a critical part of that. We are the number one ag state, producing over 400 commodities efficiently, with environmental sensitivity and with an abundance that benefits the rest of the country.”

    About the California Farmland Trust

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • California Farmland Trust Race to Slow the Pace 5k/10k, Sept. 17

    California Farmland Trust (CFT), a non-profit dedicated to preserving the best farmland in the country, is proud to announce the title and presenting sponsors of the third annual Race to Slow the Pace 5k/10k on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi, CA.

    Title sponsors of Race to Slow the Pace, The John and Jeani Ferrari Family Foundation are local long-term supporters of farmland protection. As growers and landowners themselves, the Ferrari’s passion for agriculture is deeply rooted throughout Stanislaus and Merced counties.

    “John and I are committed to fighting irresponsible land development,” Jeani Ferrari said. “Our nation depends on the highly productive farmland of the Central Valley of California, not only for food security, but also for quality, variety and affordable food. It has to be organizations like CFT to keep this region from becoming another L.A. County. We feel good about our support of Race to Slow the Pace because it’s a good concept that people can get involved in.”

    Presenting sponsors of Race to Slow the Pace, Farm Credit Alliance institutions AgWest Farm Credit, American Farm Credit and CoBank are avid supporters of the agriculture community. The cooperatively owned lending institutions’ specialization in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses make them a trustworthy source for farmers and landowners.

    Located in Contra Costa County, our presenting sponsor Dwelley Family Farms has maintained the sustainable production of a large variety of premium fruits and vegetables since 1921. Their conventional and organic produce can be found at their local fruit stand or at retail outlets across the Bay Area. Generations of diligence have led Dwelley Family Farms to provide communities with tasty, healthy, sustainably grown products.

    “We’re thrilled to have the support of agriculture advocates in this event geared towards connecting consumers with farmland protection,” said California Farmland Trust Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell. “All sponsors have demonstrated commitment to our farmlands and we’re grateful that they’ve chosen to support CFT and our efforts to protect California farms.”

    For details and how to register, visit www.cafarmtrust.org/racetoslowthepace.

    The California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • Michaela Friedrich Joins California Farmland Trust as Communications Associate

    California Farmland Trust (CFT), a non-profit dedicated to preserving the best farmland in the country, welcomes Michaela Friedrich as its new communications associate to add a creative lens and earnest attitude to the CFT team, starting after her graduation in May.

    Friedrich is a recent graduate from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA with a B.A. in Journalism with minors in English Writing and Visual Literacy. During her time as a Zag, Friedrich held writing and editing positions on multiple student publication teams within GU’s student media department. During the summer she stayed in Spokane, Friedrich worked as a full-time reporter at Cheney Free Press, a small town weekly newspaper. It was in these positions that she developed technical and interpersonal skills that will assist her as CFT’s communications associate.

    In her communications associate position, Friedrich will be contributing to CFT’s mission by producing digital content for CFT’s website and affiliated social media platforms, curating written and visual content for related media outlets and developing design assets. She will work closely to coordinate with CFT’s executive, development and conservation directors.

    “When I saw there was an opportunity to work within a company that aligns so seamlessly with my personal beliefs, I knew I had to go for it,” Friedrich said. “I’m excited to transfer and grow the skills that I’ve developed during my time at Gonzaga to serve the community that raised me.”

    Growing up on her dad’s ranch in Patterson, Calif. is what Friedrich says gave her the opportunity to develop a passion for the agriculture industry. Her family’s roots are what inspired Friedrich to become an advocate for farming families and their land. “I’m looking forward to getting to know more people in the California agriculture industry and sharing their stories through words and visual media,” Friedrich said.

    “It will be a real pleasure to support California Farmland Trust’s mission through my role as communications associate.”

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • Gerad Borrego Joins California Farmland Trust as New Development Director

    Gerad brings over twenty years of wealth management and commercial banking experience within the financial service sector to California Farmland Trust (CFT). While at SAFE Credit Union, Gerad developed and oversaw SAFE’s nonprofit platform, “SAFE Cares,” which provided financial resources and services to our region’s nonprofit organizations. While working directly with our region’s largest nonprofit organizations, Gerad was introduced to and developed a strong passion for fundraising and fund development.

    Over the next seven years, Gerad would serve our region’s largest Food Banks, building and caring for relationships with supporters, donors, and volunteers who provide these organizations with the support they need to do outstanding work within our shared communities. To ensure that the philanthropic vision of the donors he serves is honored and fulfilled, Gerad utilizes the most up-to-date development practices and resources, which includes his accreditation as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

    While Gerad spent time at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, he longed to work with an organization closer to his hometown roots that can be found in the fertile soil of the Central Valley town of Caruthers in Fresno County. For these reasons, we are thrilled that Gerad has joined the CFT team and feel that his knowledge of finances and experience in managing major gift relationships within large-scale nonprofit organizations are valuable to our team and supporters.

    When you meet Gerad, ask him what he does in his abundance of free time outside the office. An abundance of time may be a bit of a stretch because he keeps very busy as a father of 8 children with his wife, Gina. Gerald spends every moment outside work with his family, enjoying the various sports and activities his children are involved in while sharing his love of hunting and fishing with them.

  • Amy Wolfe Joins California Farmland Trust in Management Role

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to welcome Amy Wolfe to the CFT team. Amy will serve as the strategic marketing and development manager.

    Amy has spent nearly 20 years in executive capacities within the charitable sector, most recently as the Interim Executive Director of the American Leadership Forum – Great Valley Chapter. Prior to that, Amy dedicated 11 years as the President and CEO of AgSafe.  Her career also includes tenure with the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, as a professional staff member with the California State Assembly, and with the creative team for E&J Gallo Winery.

    She currently serves on the Ag Innovations, Modesto Rotary Club, and League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County Boards of Directors. Her previous Board service and leadership includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Protected Harvest, and United Way of Stanislaus County.

    Amy is a partner with Mujeres Poderosas, a collaboration of women who share their wisdom to improve organizations. The CFT team will certainly benefit from her knowledge and skills.

    “I am thrilled that Amy has joined the CFT team, as her knowledge of CFT and previous experience with the organization are invaluable,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at CFT. “In the early years of CFT, Amy assisted the young organization with strategic and philanthropic planning with the board and staff. I am extremely excited to have Amy join our team and lead our marketing and development efforts.”

    Amy possesses a Master of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, she is accredited as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

    She, her husband (a high school agriculture teacher), and their daughter enjoy traveling, outdoor sports, and playing with their Great Dane.

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • California Farmland Trust Announces Race to Slow the Pace 5k/10k Presenting Sponsors

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to announce Farm Credit, Pacific Coast Producers, Burroughs Family Farms, and Dwelley Family Farms as presenting sponsors of the second annual Race to Slow the Pace 5k/10k, set to take place on September 25 at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi, CA.

    Farm Credit’s support of CFT and the Race to Slow the Pace complements their mission of supporting communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Farm Credit members American AgCredit, CoBank, and Farm Credit West are cooperatively-owned lending institutions that specialize in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses, making them a trustworthy source for farmers and landowners.

    Pacific Coast Producers joins as a recurring presenting sponsor, after supporting last year’s inaugural event. Pacific Coast Producers prides themselves as an agricultural cooperative representing over 150 family farms, with a focus in the production and processing of canning fruits and tomatoes for various private brands. With production facilities across the West Coast, Pacific Coast Producers stays true to the same world-class standard of making healthy, sustainable, and affordable products for the world to enjoy.

    Burroughs Family Farms is enriched with five generations of farming heritage in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Their collaborative efforts remain rooted in offering hand-raised and sustainably-grown products directly to the consumer, while protecting soil and water for generations to come. Their products can be found at area grocers and farmer’s markets or picked up at their farm. As regenerative farming advocates, Burroughs Family Farms’ mission clearly aligns with that of CFT, and the purpose behind the Race to Slow the Pace.

    Located in Contra Costa County, Dwelley Family Farms has been growing a large variety of premium fruits and vegetables in the Brentwood area since 1921.Their conventional and organic produce can be found at their local fruit stand or at retail outlets across the Bay Area. With an emphasis on sustainability, all the generations involved in the farm are dedicated to providing the healthiest-quality and best-tasting products to consumers.

    “We could not be more thankful to have the industry support from these robust companies and businesses for our second annual Race to Slow the Pace,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at CFT. “Farm Credit, Pacific Coast Producers, Burroughs Family Farms, and Dwelley Family Farms are industry leaders in each of their respective areas, and our collective efforts will make a greater impact in slowing the pace of development on valuable California farmland.”

    For event details and information on registering, visit www.cafarmtrust.org/racetoslowthepace. 

  • California Farmland Trust Welcomes Lauren Fox as Program Associate

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to welcome Lauren Fox to the CFT team. Lauren will serve as the program associate.

    Lauren joins the organization as a 2021 University of Nevada, Reno graduate, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in community health sciences.

    Growing up in Elk Grove, Lauren is no stranger to the Central Valley and California’s agricultural economy. Her family’s roots stem back to farming, which helped Lauren develop an appreciation for the land and the natural resources it provides. Seeing the push for development in her hometown, Lauren is eager to contribute to more farmland protection in California, as it influences our health and sustainability.

    “Lauren brings unique experiences, a fresh perspective, and forward-thinking mindset to California Farmland Trust,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at CFT. “Given her education in public health and connection to the area, Lauren is motivated to make a positive difference in our local communities. We are happy to welcome her to the organization.”

    As the program associate, Lauren will work in collaboration with the conservation director to assist in facilitating transactions, help monitor project stewardship, and provide administrative support throughout the whole organization.

    “I am excited to join the California Farmland Trust team and have the opportunity to build a bridge between public health and the agriculture industry,” Lauren said. “I have studied how the environment impacts our health, and I am looking forward to creating awareness about the benefits land conservation has on long-term well-being. I hope to be an example of how you do not have to have a direct agriculture background, to be an advocate.”

    The California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • How to Protect Your Farmland for Future Generations in California

    Many California farms are run by families who have cultivated the land for several generations.  It’s not just land, it’s not just an investment — it is part of what defines them and their mission to feed the world. Watch this brief interview with Charlotte Mitchell from the California Farmland Trust as she shares how to protect their legacy of farming for generations to come.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.