…are now more engaged and informed than ever before, bringing their own ideas to the table. “There’s more discourse back and forth,” Broad explained. “Instead of us saying, ‘Here’s what…
Alexandra Duarte’s Fight for California’s Future
…“My favorite fundraiser would be to do a dinner where everybody who votes to support agriculture can eat off a table filled with California-grown products. It shows exactly what we’re…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…by 2030 or 2032, the Central Valley here is going to be seeing a lot of avocado plantings going in.” For farmers facing shrinking returns from crops like olives, wine…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…almond exports to dairy markets. Meanwhile, the Farm Bill shapes crop insurance, conservation programs, and rural development. “We’re making sure we’re at the table in Washington,” Douglas said. “If we’re…
Innovation, Water, and Politics Take Center Stage in California Ag
…ahead. With water policy, labor, and innovation all on the table, it’s a must-listen for anyone tied to the future of farming in the Golden State. Catch the full episode…
Farming for the Future: Jake Barcellos and A-Bar Ag Enterprises
…Los Banos and Firebaugh, Barcellos and his family have built a diverse operation that grows everything from almonds and pistachios to asparagus, olives, and tomatoes. With deep roots in agriculture…
Tariffs, Trade, and Table Grapes: Richard Matoian Shares Insights on California Farming Challenges
…Turning to his own farm, Matoian discussed 90 acres of table grapes and 40 acres of pistachios, noting that table grapes remain especially labor-intensive. With about 65 workers in the…
From Olives to Almonds: Melissa Oberti Shares Her Family’s Farming Legacy and the Struggles Facing California Growers
…growers in California. The Legacy of Oberti Olives For decades, the Oberti family was synonymous with olives in the Central Valley. Starting in the 1930s, the Oberti brand became a…
Melissa Oberti on Grapes, Almonds, and Water Challenges
…Olives, now focuses on grape and almond production. Melissa manages 320 acres of grapes and 170 acres of almonds, both facing unique challenges in today’s regulatory and environmental landscape. Central…
California Agriculture: Fires, Wolves & Farm Labor Reform
…Farm Labor: Hard Work Few Will Do Papagni stressed that farm labor is not unskilled work, pointing to strawberry, lettuce, melon, and table grape harvesting as examples requiring years of…
Rachel Nettleton Leads Kern County Farm Bureau
…the nation and the world. From table grapes lining Highway 99 to diverse commodities across the valley, agriculture is the backbone of Kern’s economy and identity. The Role of the…
California Farmers Under Pressure: Andrew Genasci Calls for Advocacy and Common-Sense Policy
…“If we’re not at the table in Sacramento and D.C., someone else is. Whether it’s environmental groups or labor groups, they’re telling their story. We need to tell ours.” He…
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…milk, ice cream, cheese, and pizza. If you understand what it takes to get those products to your table, I hope you’ll appreciate and support us more.” Sponsored Content Let’s…
Fighting for California Agriculture: Rich Kreps
…environment, California risks losing production permanently. The conversation also tackled labor and workforce challenges, particularly immigration reform. Kreps underscored the need for a legal, stable labor supply, arguing that lawmakers…



















