Today’s edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a timely and candid conversation with Margaret Mims, longtime agriculture advocate and candidate for Fresno County Supervisor, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill discussed leadership, water policy, and the future of California agriculture.
Papagni joined the show from Anaheim, where he was attending the American Farm Bureau Federation meeting, offering a national backdrop to a discussion firmly rooted in Central Valley concerns. McGill returned to the program after paternity leave, but the focus quickly turned to Mims and her decision to once again step into public service.
Mims explained that her campaign for Fresno County Supervisor is driven by a belief that local leadership matters more than ever, especially for agriculture. “So many of the decisions that affect farming — land use, water, infrastructure, public safety — are made at the county level,” she said. “If you want to protect agriculture, you have to be involved locally.”
Water was a central theme throughout the discussion. While California has seen improved rainfall, Mims warned against complacency. “We’ve learned this lesson over and over,” she said. “Rain doesn’t equal water security. Without storage, conveyance, and recharge, we’re still one dry year away from crisis.” She emphasized that counties play a critical role in coordinating groundwater management, recharge projects, and long-term planning.
Mims also spoke about the importance of balanced decision-making, especially in a county as agriculturally diverse as Fresno. “Farmers are environmental stewards,” she said. “They want clean air, clean water, and healthy land — but they also need policies that recognize food production as essential.”
Papagni noted that while national agriculture leaders were meeting in Anaheim, the real impact is often felt closer to home. Mims agreed, saying county supervisors are often the last line of defense for agriculture. “If you don’t have people at the table who understand farming, you end up with policies that look good on paper but fail in the real world,” she said.
She encouraged growers, ranchers, and ag-adjacent businesses to stay engaged and informed. “Elections matter,” Mims said. “Who represents you locally will shape the future of agriculture just as much as what happens in Sacramento or Washington.”
The conversation closed with Papagni calling Mims “a steady, experienced voice who understands both policy and people,” while McGill added that her deep knowledge of Fresno County agriculture makes her a natural fit for the role she’s seeking.
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