California Ag Network

Tag: CFT

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • California Farmland Trust Protects 253 Acres of Almonds in East Merced County

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to announce the recent permanent protection of 253 acres of almonds in Merced County, owned by The Myers Irrevocable Flying M Ranch Trust.

    Established in the 1950s, Flying M Ranch began farming and ranching in the area of Merced, plentiful with rich agricultural soils and riparian areas. As generations of the Myers family have taken over the operation, they have remained focused on their farming roots and ways to be leaders in facing agriculture’s most persistent challenges, including the preservation of vital natural resources.

    This 253-acre property placed in an agricultural conservation easement (ACE) with CFT is one of the many conservation easements protecting the working landscapes of Flying M Ranch. Approximately 5,900 acres of grazing land on their farm has been preserved through other conservation organizations, and the Myers are actively pursuing another ACE with CFT.

    “The idea of putting a conservation easement on the property was to keep the ranch in a perpetual state, and we like the idea of keeping it continuous,” said Wes Myers, Flying M Ranch Trust co-trustee. “CFT understands farming and ranching, which is why we chose to work with them on this project.”

    Funding for this conservation project was provided through the Agricultural Land Mitigation Program (ALMP), which is administered by Department of Conservation (DOC) on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

    “The growth pressure from the City of Merced and even surrounding communities like Planada, in combination with the Myers desire to be stewards of the land, are all contributing factors that make this farm a quality project for permanent protection,” said Chelsea Slaton, conservation director at CFT. “Given the resources and geographical features of this farm, protecting this property will help sustain long-term production of agricultural commodities for years to come, and we commend the Myers for their stewardship.”

    CFT’s portfolio of protected farmland is most prevalent in Merced County and Flying M Ranch adds to these efforts. CFT has now protected 11,669 acres of farmland on 36 farms in Merced County.

  • California Farmland Trust Awarded 2021 CalAgPlate Grant Funding

    Thanks to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) California Special Interest License Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program, California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to be awarded funding to distribute an additional 40 Orange You Glad We Have Farmland kits to classrooms all throughout California.

    Geared toward third through fifth grade students, the Orange You Glad We Have Farmland curriculum provides students with a hands-on, poster-based activity, to better understand just how little farmland is left in the world to supply food for our growing population. Students learn fractions in a tangible, sensory-oriented manner by cutting an orange and exploring how the slices resemble various parts of earth. Once they complete the activity, they can enjoy a fresh, California orange as a nutritious and healthy snack.

    “The funds provided by the CalAgPlate grant program have helped connect our youth back to the farmland that grows food for their own families and created conservation-based habits, while also teaching them the importance of farmland protection for their generation and generations to come,” said Katie Otto, development and operations director at CFT. “We are thankful to receive another round of funds from CDFA’s CalAgPlate program.”

    CFT was chosen as one of the five organizations to receive funds under the 2021 CalAgPlate grant, which aims to fund efforts that enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities. The Orange You Glad We Have Farmland curriculum aligns with California Education Standards and includes a Spanish option, to better serve a wider segment of California’s youth.

    CFT previously received funding from the CalAgPlate grant in 2020 to fund initial kit development and disbursement, reaching 1,000 students statewide. The 2021 grant money will supply materials for 1,000 students to complete the activity in-person or virtually, including English and Spanish educational posters, fresh oranges, reusable cutting boards, and student-safe knives. More information on CFT’s education and outreach efforts can be found at cafarmtrust.org/education-outreach/.

  • California Farmland Trust Benefits from Round Seven SALC Funding Awards

    With the support of the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC), California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to be awarded funding for two agricultural conservation easement projects.

    The SALC Program is a collaboration between the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and Department of Conservation (DOC). SALC is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment.

    “Through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, the State invests in conservation projects promoting infill development, reduce climate emissions, and safeguard California’s natural resources for generations to come,” said Lynn von Koch-Liebert, executive director of California Strategic Growth Council. “Immense congratulations to the awardees, landowners, farmers, ranchers, and local leaders that are committed to stewarding California’s environmental and ecological resources.”

    The projects proposed by CFT were two of the 19 projects chosen for funding under the seventh annual round of funding through the SALC Program, which will award more than $65 million for easements throughout California and the development of regional agricultural land conservation strategies.

    “As funding for agricultural conservation easements becomes more difficult to obtain, the support received from the SALC program to fund these two projects is instrumental in ensuring our valuable landscapes can be permanently protected for years to come,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director of CFT. “We are excited to move these projects through the pipeline, thanks to the Strategic Growth Council and Department of Conservation.”

    In previous SALC funding rounds, CFT was awarded grants for eight projects, helping protect 1,350 acres in three counties, with one easement currently in process, that will protect 474 acres. The two prospective easements awarded funding in round seven will account for 53 acres protected in San Joaquin County and 59 acres protected in Merced County. To learn more visit: www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • CA Farmland Trust Closes 35th Merced County Easement, Owned by Bowles Farming Co

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to announce the permanent protection of 327 acres of farmland two miles east of Los Banos, California. Farmed and owned by Bowles Farming Company, the addition of the Lone Tree Ranch agricultural conservation easement (ACE) exceeds 17,000 acres of total farmland protected by CFT.

    Bowles Farming Company is a 160-year-old family farm, with agricultural roots stemming back to the mid-1800s. What started as a cattle and meat processing operation, has since vertically integrated into organic and conventional vegetable and fruit operations. The newly protected property is home to various irrigated field crops.

    “California is the right place to grow so many healthy and nutritious crops, and the loss of California farms is a real problem,” said Cannon Michael, president and CEO of Bowles Farming Company. “With our family’s long legacy in farming, we wanted to see this land preserved and not converted to development like so much of the valley’s farmland.”

    The farm involves the sixth generation of the Bowles and Lawrence families, making the desire to protect the historical land even greater. Putting these fields under an easement ensures their farming footprint will be available and secure for years to come.

    “These subset fields under Bowles Farming Company are unique and valuable, in that they contain high quality soils, reliable water sources, produce high-yielding diversified crops, and incorporate practices which help sequester carbon to offset carbon impacts,” said Chelsea Slaton, conservation director at CFT. “With the growth pressure from the City of Los Banos, the protection of this property signifies the importance of productive farmland protection in order to store carbon and sustain the economy in an area designated by the state as a priority population.”

    Funds for this project were made available through the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC), in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC). SALC is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particular in disadvantaged communities.

    “This farm has been cared for by two Californian families for over 150 years, and we are thrilled to see the SALC program contribute to its permanent conservation,” said Lynn von Koch-Liebert, executive director at SGC. “Congratulations to the Bowles and Lawrence families and the California Farmland Trust on the easement of this landmark property, which is home to numerous ecological and cultural treasures.”

    CFT has worked to permanently protect farmland throughout six counties, with the majority of its ACEs located in Merced County. This property adds to that extensive portfolio in Merced County, where CFT now holds 35 ACEs, with 11,416 acres protected.

  • CA Farmland Trust Welcomes Trustee Council Member Reagan Denny, and Extern Chase Steele

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to welcome Reagan Denny and Chase Steele to our organization. Denny will serve as the California Association, FFA representative on CFT’s Trustee Council, while Steele joins the staff under a law school externship.

    Originally from Sutter County, Denny was elected as the California FFA State Sentinel in May. During her year of service, Denny and her team will be educated in various areas of the agriculture industry and will share this knowledge with 95,000 California Association, FFA youth members.

    Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at California Farmland Trust shared that as CFT focuses on building its’ relationship with younger generations, Denny’s perspective will be insightful to help strengthen and advocate the importance of protecting our working lands to this younger demographic.

    “I could not be more thankful to be involved with CFT,” Denny said. “Their focus on education, advocacy, and helping farmers protect the best farmland in the world is truly inspiring.”

    Steele, a Galt native and third-year student at McGeorge School of Law, will work closely with CFT’s legal team and executive management on farmland protection issues and conservation projects.

    “We are looking forward to having Chase’s expertise in the area of law, and his assistance in complex legal assignments will be especially helpful as we work through matters relating to the protection of farmland throughout the state,” Mitchell said.

    Steele’s externship plans to continue through May, while Denny’s role on the Trustee Council will conclude once she retires as a state FFA officer.

    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 17,261 acres of farmland on 79 farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • California Farmland Trust Appoints Clay Daulton As New Board Member

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to welcome well-respected Madera County rancher and community member, Clay Daulton as the newest appointed board member.  With 55 years at Daulton Ranch where he is the current owner, as well as experience in various professional settings, Daulton brings vast agricultural knowledge to California Farmland Trust.

    “Having grown up in Madera County and seeing the large-scale growth that has transpired in the surrounding areas over the years, ensuring farmland is treated fairly and protected in California is a great interest of mine,” Daulton said. “The opportunity to contribute to CFT in pursuit of this mission is something I am looking forward to.”

    Daulton has served on numerous boards and committees including the Madera County Farm Bureau, Madera County Cattleman’s Association, the Foreign Trade Committee at the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, and The Agricultural Foundation of California State University, Fresno.  “Given Clay’s extensive experience and professional involvement in the agriculture industry, we are excited to collaborate with him to further the mission of protecting farmland,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at California Farmland Trust.

    Daulton joins the existing 13 members of California Farmland Trust’s board of directors and will serve on the farmland conservation committee. The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 16,780 acres of farmland on 77 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.