Help ensure California agriculture has secure future

By Steven Fenaroli

California’s agricultural industry is diverse and vast, contributing more than $50 billion to the state’s economy. It touches nearly every corner of life in the state— from the food we eat to the jobs that sustain our rural communities. Yet, the complexity of agriculture often means that many decision-makers may not have direct experience with farming or ranching. In such a world, it is essential to have a strong voice in the political process.

Through FarmPAC, the political action committee of the California Farm Bureau, the organization raises money and supports rural and agriculture-focused candidates, and forges relationships with urban and suburban officials to educate them on how policies impact farmers, ranchers and their constituency. 

State and federal elections happen every two years without fail. Newly elected officials arrive, and incumbents depart. In a year that demanded unity, advocacy and strategic political engagement, FarmPAC rose to the occasion. Through Farm Bureau member engagement and financial backing of candidates, FarmPAC had an impressive success rate of 92%—the percentage of candidates who won elections with our support. We demonstrated just how critical our role is in supporting candidates who are attuned to the needs of California agriculture but who help introduce agricultural perspectives to those who may not have previously understood the challenges and opportunities farmers and ranchers face.

Our high success rate in 2024 reflects our strategic planning and the deep understanding that we have developed for candidates who champion the needs of farmers and ranchers both in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We make decisions based on more than just political affiliation. We consider the values, vision and willingness of each candidate to collaborate with the agriculture community to address complex challenges and to hear our perspective on potential law.

Don’t be mistaken. This doesn’t come without losses and doesn’t mean that every elected official agrees with us 100% of the time. After all, we don’t agree with our friends or family all the time. But we continue to educate officials and meet with representatives, communicating the stories of farmers—or, when possible, ask farmers and ranchers to share their stories directly. 

A key aspect of FarmPAC’s success is our ability to identify and support candidates who are willing to listen to and learn about the needs of agriculture. For many candidates, the world of farming and ranching is unfamiliar, and we have played a key role in bridging that gap. 

We’ve created opportunities for candidates to meet with farmers, tour local farms and learn firsthand about the policies that shape the agricultural landscape. These interactions provide a
real-world education that many politicians can’t get elsewhere. It allows them to see the hard work, ingenuity and dedication that goes into every harvest, every ranch operation and every decision that impacts agriculture.

One of the most gratifying aspects of our success has been the relationships we’ve built with candidates from both sides of the aisle. By working across the aisle and with a diverse range of candidates, we’ve been able to build coalitions to help secure the future of California agriculture, no matter a lawmaker’s party affiliation. We helped elect new candidates such as state Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, R-Coachella Valley, who has been an ally for agriculture during his short time in Sacramento. 

We also supported Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, chair of the state Assembly Agriculture Committee, who without hesitation visited a Merced County field to see the impacts of a lygus infestation. 

As we look ahead, FarmPAC’s mission remains steadfast. We will continue to advocate for policies that support farmers and ranchers—from improving water infrastructure to streamlining labor regulations—to ensure that our rural communities thrive. But our work goes beyond electing legislators who pass legislation. It’s about continuing to build relationships with lawmakers and candidates, educating them about agriculture and ensuring that the next generation of leadership is equipped to address the challenges of the future.

The success of FarmPAC is a testament to the strength of the California Farm Bureau and our unwavering commitment to agriculture. Our work is far from over. The future of California agriculture depends on strong, informed and committed leaders, and FarmPAC will continue to play a vital role in making sure that the agricultural community is well represented at every level of government. 

Together, we will ensure that California agriculture remains a thriving, sustainable industry for years to come. 

How can you continue to help? Every time you renew your California Farm Bureau membership, consider adding a donation on your renewal for FarmPAC. Additionally, donations can be made online at cfbf.com/farmpac. 

Steven Fenaroli is a director of policy advocacy for the California Farm Bureau and director of FarmPAC. He may be reached at sfenaroli@cfbf.com.