Growing Together Fall 2026

Since January, California agricultural organizations and companies have been highlighting and celebrating the significant contributions of women in agriculture, in recognition of the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer campaign.

Women play a dynamic and essential role in the strength, success and competitiveness of California agriculture. They are involved in virtually all aspects of the industry, whether they work in an office, shop, processing facility or field. One of their most powerful contributions is advocacy – and that’s where California Women for Agriculture (CWA) has made a tremendous impact.

Nanette Simonian, State CWA president elect.

What is CWA?

Since 1975, CWA members have joined together to promote, protect and educate others about the state’s food and ag industry. The grassroots organization promotes leadership within local communities; advocacy on key local, state and federal issues; public service and outreach; and agriculture literacy in schools.

With more than 20 chapters across the state, its 1,500 members consist of not only farmers and ranchers, but any professional who works in the industry or any consumer who supports it. These passionate volunteers donate their time, expertise and energy to make their voices heard and advocate for the future of California agriculture.

Nanette Simonian serves as CWA state president-elect. She has been involved in agriculture her entire life – growing up on a farm, as a student at Fresno State and through her 40-year career as a PCA – so being a CWA member and leader is a role she embraces.

Simonian believes that the International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative is a wonderful way to shine the spotlight on women in ag and the efforts of CWA.

“The work that the women do for agriculture is important and immeasurable, so I think it’s great that women are being recognized for the role they play in the industry,” Simonian said.

CWA members at the 2026 California Ag Day at the Capitol.

Advocacy at the State Capitol

Simonian shared that the collective efforts of CWA members are highly beneficial for the industry. One of the organization’s main activities is gathering in Sacramento annually to meet with legislators.

“When we go to the State Capitol, we are not paid lobbyists; we are volunteer advocates,” Simonian said. “Our legislative committee reviews bills and chooses several that we feel are most critical to agriculture. We are there to tell our story and how a particular bill would impact us. If we have a personal experience, it makes our advocacy even stronger. I believe that legislators consider CWA to be a very trustworthy organization.”

Simonian added that many CWA members are also members of California Farm Bureau, county Farm Bureaus and other prominent California ag organizations.

“These connections are valuable,” she said. “If we visit a legislative office, we’re representing not only CWA, but other  well-respected industry organizations.”

Issues CWA has focused on include water, pesticide regulations, farmworkers, wages and certain ballot propositions. An example of a bill on CWA’s list this year is SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act).

“It was a big focus for us because part of it dealt with plastics being excluded from farming,” Simonian said. “The projected cost was going to be in the tens of billions and negatively impact farms and ag businesses. We wanted to put a two-year pause on the bill to allow more time for review. Unfortunately, it did not go our way, but we might have an opportunity for discussion in the future.

“We may lose a battle here, but win another battle down the road. We will continue to fight for sound policies that protect farming and sustain agriculture in our state.”

Education and Outreach

CWA members also participate in numerous educational efforts.

California Ag Day at the Capitol – hosted by CWA, California Department of Food and Agriculture and California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom – is an annual celebration recognizing California ag commodities. Farmers and ranchers also show their appreciation by bringing together state legislators, government leaders and the public for ag education.

CWA’s local chapters provide educational scholarships to California students majoring in agriculture. In addition, the CWA Foundation provides scholarships and leadership programs to equip young women with the education, experiences and networks they need to shape California agriculture for generations.

October 2026: In celebration of International Year of the Woman Farmer, the CWA Sacramento Valley Chapter hosted California

Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry for a tour of Northern California ag businesses.

Visit californiagrown.org/yearofthewomanfarmer

Sustaining CWA for the Future

CWA has been powered by dedicated individuals and generous supporters for 51 years, so the goal is to sustain those for many more decades.

Recruiting new members is a top priority. Efforts include connecting with students from agricultural colleges; sending letters to non-members in the industry; and encouraging existing members to spread the word to family, friends and co-workers.

“We’d love to bring in more people,” Simonian said. “You don’t need to be employed in the ag industry. You could simply be someone who appreciates food and farming and wants to work with other women to support the industry.”

Financial support is also critical. CWA’s largest fundraising event is its annual Ag Boosters BBQ, which raises money through silent and live auctions and sponsorships. Simonian said other industry donations supplement the fundraiser and allow CWA to keep functioning.

Grow West has been a longtime supporter of CWA. “We greatly appreciate the financial contributions from Grow West at the state level and for local chapters,” Simonian said. “Grow West believes in the mission of CWA and everything the organization stands for.”