Sonoma County Farm Bureau is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, a major milestone that causes us to pause and reflect on our great organization and its many accomplishments. For nearly a century, Farm Bureau has been the “voice of Sonoma County agriculture,” working to keep the county’s $3 billion farming industry strong despite urban growth and the sweeping changes in culture, land-use and politics. Through it all, Farm Bureau has adapted to confront the complex challenges while maintaining the grass-roots approach that is the strength of our organization.

During the past 90 years, we have learned that by working together we can accomplish more than by working alone. This collective approach to problem-solving, whether land use issues or burdensome regulations, has made Farm Bureau Sonoma County’s largest and most influential agricultural organization. We face many challenges in the future but, as always, the unity of the Farm Bureau family will help us to meet those challenges.

Even as Farm Bureau protects your interests by monitoring county government and state legislation, we continue to maintain innovative programs in agricultural education and community relations. Farm Bureau is active on many fronts as we work to educate urban residents about the source of their food while bridging the gap between city folks and those living on the land.

Farm Bureau hosts a number of events, one of the most important being our annual Ag Days at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. This year more than 6,000 school children, parents and teachers attended Ag Days, getting a taste of the farm life that unfolds beyond city sidewalks. Another important event is our Summer Ag Seminar for teachers. By taking teachers out of the classroom and educating them about agriculture, they gain a better understanding of what it takes to produce the eggs, meat and milk on their dinner table.

To fund our agricultural education programs and scholarships, we sponsor events like the Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest, which was held on Jan. 21. This year’s Crab Fest, attracting more than 1,000 people, was a tremendous success not only in terms of raising money but in bringing the agricultural community together for what has become a favorite social event on the winter calendar. Thank you to all of our more than 3,500 family members. You are the reason that Farm Bureau remains strong and relevant.

Thank you, too, to our board of directors and committee members for their dedication and service. It takes people with great heart and deep commitment to give so much of their time and energy to protect and preserve agriculture. But as we all know, it’s a cause worthy of our time and effort.

As our membership and programs grow, Sonoma County Farm Bureau increasingly is being recognized as a leader and innovator within the California Farm Bureau Federation. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as President of Sonoma County Farm Bureau, which is leading the way for another generation of farmers and ranchers.

Doug Beretta
Beretta Dairy

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