As part of our “Know Your Pests” series leading up to California’s Invasive Species Council summit on October 1-2 in Sacramento, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is highlighting invasive pests and species that Californians should be aware of, and CDFA is also providing information on how to report any suspect pests.
Knowing what to look for and reporting a suspected pest or invasive species can help protect California’s agriculture, communities and natural resources.
Know it
The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) is an invasive insect that feeds on a wide variety of plants.
GWSS is especially concerning because it can spread serious plant diseases, including Pierce’s disease, which kills grapevines. The pest can be very hard and expensive to control, which is why it’s critical to stop it from spreading beyond Southern California and the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Earlier this year, GWSS was found on grapevines and desert willows sold at select Costco locations, triggering immediate and widespread containment efforts by CDFA and county agricultural commissioners throughout Northern California. Officials are responding to public reports, conducting inspections and public outreach and trapping near stores and locations where purchased plants were taken. These efforts help contain infested plants to prevent GWSS from spreading.
Note: Contact Your Local County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Right Away. Anyone who purchased these vines should contact their local agricultural commissioner immediately. To prevent the potential spread of the pest, CDFA officials urge customers to immediately contact their county agricultural commissioner.
Spot it
Adult GWSS are about one-half inch long and are dark brown to black with yellow or cream-colored spots on the head and back. Their wings are transparent with prominent dark brown/black to reddish-brown veins, and appear somewhat smoky or glassy, giving the insect its common name.
GWSS can be found on a wide variety of plants, including grapes, citrus, stone fruit, oleander, Crape myrtle, privet and other crops, landscape plants and shade trees. Look for the insect on plant stems and leaves.
Why it matters?
GWSS poses a significant threat to California vineyards and crops because it spreads serious plant diseases.
GWSS can also make a mess around homes and neighborhoods. When feeding, it leaves sticky liquid that dries white on plants, fruits, cars, patios and other outdoor surfaces.
Keeping GWSS out of new areas is much easier and less costly than eliminating it after it becomes established. CDFA’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program helps prevent the spread of GWSS through trapping, inspections and treatments in urban areas and nurseries; nursery shipment safeguards; bulk citrus inspections; biological control; and rapid response when GWSS is found in new areas.
What to do?
Do you think you may have found GWSS?
Don’t move the insect or plants.
Take a photo, if possible, and report the suspected pest to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899
You can help stop the spread of GWSS by not moving plants in or out of your area and buying plants locally from licensed nurseries or retailers.
Protect your neighborhood by allowing agricultural crews to access your property for trapping, inspections and treatment, if needed.
What you need to know: California and Queensland are developing a new partnership to advance agricultural innovation and climate resilience
SACRAMENTO – California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and representatives from Governor Newsom’s administration recently welcomed Premier and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli, Member of Parliament for the Government of Queensland, Australia, to ink a new memorandum of cooperation focused on agricultural innovation, biotechnology, and productivity.
As world leaders in agricultural production, Queensland and California are deepening opportunities to advance climate action on working lands and further innovation in agricultural technology and farm productivity.
Pictured, L-R – CDFA Acting Undersecretary Joshua Eddy; Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli; Tanya Bennett, Australian Consul-General in Los Angeles.
Australia and Queensland are not only important partners for California, but share similar ambitions on climate, agriculture, and trade. This partnership provides the foundation for California and Queensland to leverage opportunities for our respective economies and further resilience on our working lands.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis
The historic visit marks a new chapter in the partnership between California and Queensland. The partnership will collaborate on agricultural innovation, biotechnology and productivity through cooperation on:
Research and innovation
Commercialization and industry engagement
Trade, investment and market development
Skills and capability development
Government collaboration
Under this partnership, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries will create an action plan to implement the objectives of the memorandum of cooperation.
In California, this memorandum of cooperation aligns with the state’s investment in the Jobs First California AgTech Alliance and the Farms, Food, Future (F3) initiative. The state’s AgTech Alliance brings together founders, growers, and industry leaders to scale proven technologies, create career pathways for agricultural workers, and strengthen regional partnerships. F3 is supporting agriculture in California’s Central Valley by developing new ag technology, enhancing sustainable farming practices, and supporting workforce development. Together, these complementary initiatives enhance innovation, ag tech, and workforce development across the state.
In Queensland, the government has launched the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, a $AU30 million investment fund to advance long-term agricultural production by supporting commercially focused innovation.
The visit also marked California and Queensland’s shared commitment to supporting the success of the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As hosts to back-to-back Games, California and Queensland have a unique opportunity to deepen our partnership, share best practices, and build a lasting legacy that extends well beyond 2032.
How we got here
California has long been a key player on the international stage — from taking joint action on climate change to identifying new pathways and partnerships for sustained economic growth. During the Newsom Administration alone, California has formed over 70 international partnerships that lay critical groundwork for our continued economic success, while prioritizing workers and businesses that benefit from these new opportunities.
Golden State and global partnerships
United Kingdom (2026): California and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development together. The memorandum of understanding builds on an already strong history of cooperation, and focuses on areas for collaboration including clean energy technologies, climate resilience, decarbonizing transportation, and protecting the natural environment.
Chile (2025): California and Chile signed a memorandum of understanding regarding exchanging information, developing best practices, and cooperating on methane emissions reduction. Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, and the partnership between California and Chile opens up new opportunities for both partners to cooperate on methane reduction in waste, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Colombia (2025): California and Colombia signed a partnership to advance joint efforts on forest conservation, methane reduction, climate resilience, and clean energy development. The memorandum of understanding deepens coordination on protecting the Amazon, strengthening biodiversity, and expanding nature-based climate solutions that support sustainable and equitable economic growth.
Nigeria (2025): California signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria on sustainable urban transportation, green ports, low-carbon transportation fuels, climate adaptation, methane detection and abatement policies, greenhouse gas emissions and air quality, and academic exchange and university partnerships. The partnership will build upon our shared commitment to sustainable growth, accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation, and expand opportunities for the next generation.
Brazil (2025): California signed a memorandum of understanding with the Brazilian federal government to scale up cooperation on climate, clean energy, cutting pollution, and job-creating climate opportunities. This new partnership, announced in September 2025, will advance market-based carbon pricing programs, expand clean transportation, including zero-emission vehicles and low-carbon fuels, and strengthen air quality management through enhanced monitoring and regulatory controls. The partnership also focuses on conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030, including nature-based solutions and biodiversity protection. In 2025, California also advanced a partnership with the State of Pará to strengthen cooperation on wildfire prevention and response — enhancing forest monitoring, identifying areas most at risk, and sharing research and expertise to improve firefighting and emergency management.
Kenya (2025): California signed a partnership focused on cutting pollution and supporting trade. The partnership advances medium- and long-term low-carbon development, policy research, development, and innovation in sustainable land use and urban planning that reduces long commutes and urban sprawl, while promoting integrated land use and transport systems.
Noord-Holland (2024): California and Noord-Holland signed a Letter of Intent advancing next-generation air mobility — from drones to zero-emission aircraft. Joint innovation missions are producing pilot projects that inform California’s Advanced Air Mobility Implementation Plan and readiness for major global events.
Australia (2023): California signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australia that helped inform the country’s first-ever vehicle emissions standards through input from the California Air Resources Board. The California Public Utilities Commission and California ISO have also advised Australia on electricity market reform to better align incentives for renewable energy.
British Columbia (2023): California and British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual wildfire assistance that is delivering results. British Columbia sent incident management experts to support California’s Palisades Fire in 2025, while CAL FIRE deployed personnel during British Columbia’s 2025 fire season. These exchanges established a lasting framework for cross-border wildfire support.
China (2023): California signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu, and the municipalities of Beijing and Shanghai to advance cooperation in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and developing clean energy.
Denmark (2021): California and Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on groundwater mapping, leak detection, and water efficiency, which has modernized California’s data systems and informed key state programs, like the Airborne Electromagnetic Survey. Danish technologies and expertise have helped strengthen drought and water-supply resilience statewide.
Mexico (Baja California & Sonora): California signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora to advance zero-emission freight corridors, clean ports, and battery manufacturing — strengthening North American supply chains and workforce readiness. Joint forums have already produced new research collaborations and training programs advancing clean-tech.
From unexpected pairings to new ways to explore wine country, California Wine Month invites people to enjoy wine on their own terms
California Wine Month returns this September with a fresh invitation to rethink when, where and how wine fits into everyday life. This year’s statewide theme, “Pour Outside the Lines,” encourages consumers to discover unexpected pairings, new experiences and their own ways to enjoy California wine. Officially recognized by the California State Legislature, California Wine Month celebrates the wines, people, places and experiences that make the Golden State one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse wine regions.
“Harvest is a special time in California wine country because it brings you closer to the people, land and agricultural traditions behind every bottle,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “California’s winegrape growers and vintners have always combined a deep respect for the land with a willingness to innovate. California Wine Month is a wonderful opportunity to experience both.”
“Wine doesn’t need a special occasion to make a moment special,” said Steve Gross, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “The opportunity for our wine community is to broaden the way people think about where wine fits in their lives. That means making wine easier to discover, helping it feel relevant to more everyday moments and giving people the confidence to explore it on their own terms. California has always been a place where people are encouraged to explore, experiment and do things a little differently. We believe the way people enjoy wine should have that same sense of possibility.”
That sense of possibility will come to life throughout September, both in wine country and across social media, as wineries and wine regions throughout California share their own ways to “Pour Outside the Lines.” Across the state, wineries and wine regions are inviting people to experience California wine differently — through unexpected pairings, only-in-September events and new ways to explore wine country. And the invitation to pour outside the lines doesn’t end when September does.
PAIRING PLOT TWIST
California wine adds more flavor and possibility to the foods you already love. There’s no single perfect match, so mix it up and taste what happens. Think wine with brunch, empanadas, pizza or cookies — and pairings don’t have to stop at food. Your favorite combination might be the one you haven’t tried yet.
Wine with Empanadas
Keller Estate in Petaluma leans into the founding family’s Mexican heritage with empanada pairings. Savory hand pies are part of the winery’s Terroir Experience, which includes a tour of the winery, cave and scenic grounds. Guests can also add empanadas to any tasting.
Wine with Dim Sum
The Prisoner Wine Company in St. Helena takes wine pairing after hours with a tasting of five small-lot wines alongside dim sum. Offered on select Friday evenings in September, the experience turns a traditional tasting into more of a night out and offers a playful look at how unexpected flavors can bring out new sides of a wine.
Wine with Cookies
The Cookie Pairing at Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg matches five different sweet treats with the winery’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more.
Wine with Popcorn At J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, the seasonal Spritz on the Terrace pairs a Cuvée 20 spritz and two additional wines with warm, house-made popcorn. Proof that a great wine pairing can be buttery, salty and served by the handful.
Wine with Paella
At Six Sigma Ranch & Winery in Lower Lake, Paella Night brings wine, food and community together for a casual evening on the ranch. Held the first Wednesday of each month, the dinner features paella from rotating local chefs, with Six Sigma wines available by the glass or bottle.
POUR OUTSIDE THE LINES THIS SEPTEMBER
September is one of the most exciting times to visit California wine country. Harvest is in full swing, and wineries and wine regions across the state are opening their doors for special events and hands-on experiences that bring visitors closer to the people, places and creativity behind California wine. From crush-pad access and vineyard adventures to unexpected ways to taste and explore, there are plenty of reasons to experience wine country a little differently this month.
R&B Through the Decades at Darcie Kent
Darcie Kent Estate Winery in Livermore turns back the clock on Sept. 12 with an R&B Vinyl Night spanning the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Guests can dress for their favorite decade, bring records to spin and settle in with wine, music and casual bites from a local food truck. The free-to-attend evening is designed as much for swapping stories and meeting people as it is for sipping wine.
Harvest Live! at St. Supéry
Daily throughout September, visitors to the Napa Valley winery can get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the excitement of harvest and the art of winemaking. The immersive tour includes a visit to the crush pad to see the winemaking process in action and a chance to taste wines from the new vintage directly from the tank and barrel.
Harvest in Action: Twilight Tasting at Hope Family Wines
On Sept. 17, at Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, guests can step into the role of enologist during a hands-on Twilight Tasting as harvest unfolds around them. The experience includes berry sampling and Brix testing, offering a rare chance to get closer to the science, energy and excitement behind the vintage while the vineyard is in full harvest mode.
Wine Cocktail Class at Rodney Strong Vineyards
On Sept. 18, at Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg, guests can shake things up with a hands-on wine cocktail class led by a mixologist. The experience includes crafting two signature low-alcohol cocktails made with Rodney Strong wines, along with cheese and charcuterie bites, all set against views of the winery’s Event Green.
E-Bike Vineyard Tour at Concannon Vineyard On Sept. 20, join winemaker Brett Fikse for the Estate Blocks E-Bike Tour, a guided pedal through the Livermore Valley winery’s estate vineyard blocks during the peak of harvest. The ride finishes with a curated tasting flight.
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO WINE COUNTRY
Pouring outside the lines doesn’t end when September does. Across California, wineries are reimagining what a day in wine country can look like, bringing wine together with art, movement, food and the outdoors. A little less itinerary. A little more adventure.
“The best part of California wine country is that there are endless ways to experience it,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Across the state, wine regions invite travelers to connect with California through incredible food, art, outdoor adventure, and, of course, wine. That variety is part of what makes a trip to California so memorable. Every visitor can make the experience their own.”
Ziplining at Santa MargaritaRanch
At Santa Margarita Ranch, the sprawling vineyard estate for Ancient Peaks Winery in Santa Margarita, you can “fly” over the vines on six different ziplines before heading to the tasting room for lunch and wine tasting. The ranch also offers wildlife and foraging tours.
Forest Bathing at Bartholomew Estate
Tag along with a certified nature therapy guide for a forest bathing session at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. The Japanese meditative practice opens all five senses to the land and vines, followed by a curated wine tasting.
Horseback Adventure at Presqu’ile
Saddle up for a horseback tour through the Santa Maria winery’s 400-acre estate, featuring gorgeous views of the surrounding vineyards and the San Rafael Mountains—plus a post-ride mezze and wine tasting.
Sculpture Walk at The Donum Estate
Explore 70 monumental sculptures created by world-famous artists on the winery’s 200-acre Carneros estate. Some tours conclude with a seated wine tasting paired with seasonal bites.
Off-Roading at Halter Ranch
Hop aboard the Paso Robles winery’s classic Land Rover Defender for a tour of rolling vineyards and the far reaches of Halter Ranch’s wild, 2,700-acre estate.
Winemaker for a Day
During the Wine Blending Lab at Bottaia Winery in Temecula, would-be winemakers mix barrel samples to craft the perfect blend. Each guest makes a custom label for their take-home creation.
For more information about winery events, activities and wine regions across California, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute represents nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses and serves as a leading voice for California wine. Wine Institute works to strengthen and advance California’s wine sector by bringing together public policy advocacy, strategic communications, sustainability leadership and global marketing. As the only organization advocating for wine at the state, federal and international levels, it helps create an environment that supports the responsible production, marketing and enjoyment of wine. Wine Institute members account for more than 80% of the nation’s wine production and 95% of U.S. wine exports. Learn more at wineinstitute.org.
At the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), protecting the food supply is central to our mission. California’s farmers and ranchers feed millions of people in our state, across the country, and around the world. CDFA’s responsibility is to ensure that the food grown and produced here meets the highest standards of safety, and we hold ourselves fully accountable to those standards.
California is home to one of the most productive agricultural systems in the world. Our state grows nearly half of the nation’s fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and exports more than one‑third of what we produce. We are the nation’s largest dairy state, supplying about 20 percent of the country’s milk. Our beef industry supports thousands of rural families and contributes significantly to California’s economy. With more than 400 commodities grown here, including 19 produced only in California, our agricultural diversity is unmatched.
With an industry this large, complex, and vital, food safety is non‑negotiable. CDFA is committed to ensuring consumers can trust the products that come from California’s farms, ranches, and processing facilities. We take our responsibility to oversee a safe, transparent, and reliable food system incredibly seriously.
Throughout this month, CDFA will be sharing information about the food safety programs we oversee – what they do, why they exist, and how they help keep food safe for everyone. These programs play an important role in making sure the food people buy and eat every day is held to some of the strongest safety standards in the country. Their work helps ensure that families here in California and around the world can rely on California‑grown food to be safe, healthy, and high‑quality.
(Center) CDFA Secretary Ross and (left) CDFA Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina stand with Maddy Institute summer interns (L-R) Nico Donati, Lisbeth Lopez Cedeno, Rhiana Neri, Sydney Pierce and Anthony Dula-Porter.
CDFA hosted five Maddy Institute Agricultural Policy interns this summer, who each received an in-depth look at the policies shaping agriculture while preparing them for a career in agricultural policy and public service.
“We’re pleased to work with the Maddy Institute each summer to introduce our next generation of agricultural leaders to the scope of work at the California Department of Food and Agriculture,” CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said. “This year’s interns worked hard, received praise from their managers, and I look forward to seeing how this experience will benefit their careers.”
Intern thoughts on their experience at CDFA:
“This internship has been an incredibly fulfilling two months, filled with kind and encouraging leaders, challenging yet meaningful work, and useful learning experiences. I’ve gained such a deep understanding of CDFA’s role in the vast Californian agricultural industry, and I look forward to future interactions with the department as a fourth generation CA farmer and rancher.”
– Nico Donati California State University, Fresno, Agricultural Business Major Internship with CDFA Executive Office
“Throughout my time in the Legal Office, the attorneys and support staff consistently made themselves available to answer questions and to explore all divisions of CDFA. My experience has reinforced my own personal belief that as professionals advance in their careers, they assume a responsibility to develop those who follow. It is a motif I intend to carry forward in my own public service career.”
– Anthony Dula-Porter California State University, Stanislaus, Master of Public Administration Internship with CDFA Legal Office
“I gained a deeper understanding of California’s agricultural, animal health, and food safety systems, as well as regulatory interpretation and emergency response efforts in current, evolving situations. This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career at the intersection of agricultural regulations, food safety/animal health, and public service, and has given me valuable insight into the important work performed by CDFA staff every day.”
– Lisbeth Lopez Cedeno California State University, Fresno, Master of Food and Nutritional Sciences Internship with CDFA Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services / Animal Health Branch
“This internship has provided me the opportunity to gain real-life experience in the government realm of agriculture. While working on Budget Change Proposals (BCPs), I learned how funding is distributed, acquired, and utilized in a CDFA program, such as in the Pierce’s Disease Control Program. I am grateful for this opportunity to work directly with CDFA, learning about its diverse programs, resilient staff, and mission.”
– Rhiana Neri California State University, Stanislaus, Agriculture Major, Sustainable Agriculture Concentration Internship with CDFA Pierce’s Disease Control Program
“The internship allowed me to learn about government work from real industry professionals. I now have a much greater understanding of the field I hope to work in one day. I am very grateful to the Maddy Institute and CDFA for giving me this opportunity to grow professionally in a way I would have never thought possible.”
– Sydney Pierce California State University, Fresno, Agricultural Communications Major Internship with CDFA Marketing Services Division
National Peach Day, celebrated on August 27, is a chance to celebrate the growers, farmers, farmworkers, producers, and everyone across the agricultural community who helps bring California peaches from the orchard to our tables.
California is the nation’s leading peach-producing state. In 2025, California produced approximately 528,000 tons of peaches, ranking No. 1 in the country in both production and value, with $636 million in production value. California also ranked No. 1 nationally in bearing peach acreage, with 37,100 acres.
Peach production is an important part of California agriculture, with peaches grown in communities throughout the state. The California counties identified in the available county data include:
Butte
Fresno
Kings
Madera
Merced
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tulare
Yuba
While it has been a challenging time for peach growers, California continues to lead the nation in peach production. That achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the farmers, growers, farmworkers, producers, and agricultural communities who keep California’s peach industry moving forward.
This National Peach Day, we thank California’s peach community for all they do to grow and produce one of summer’s favorite fruits.
Come with us to Placerville to visit Beals’ Orchards to learn about peaches and other produce heading for Certified Farmers’ Market as well as progressive water use to maintain a sustainable operation.
(L – R) Director General of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Graeme Bolton; CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Anthony (Tony) Perrett MP; Western Growers Representative Walt Duflock, and Hort Innovation’s Representative Andrew Francey.
From CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
Queensland is Australia’s largest agricultural state and is leaning into agtech to improve productivity and outcomes for producers. During our first few days, we have engaged with a diverse range of groups, all passionate about collaboration and advancing agtech adoption and climate resilience.
During our bilateral meeting with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), we discussed shared opportunities around agtech, joint research, and building synergies through existing partnerships. Western Growers and F3 Innovate both have agreements in Queensland to further innovation and agtech adoption.
Queensland’s government is also spearheading the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, an AU$30 million investment fund to advance long-term agricultural production by supporting commercially focused innovation, something California could explore as well.
We also visited Kalfresh and Barden Farms, two growing operations investing in innovation and agtech. Kalfresh is leading efforts to establish Australia’s first food and energy precinct in Queensland, combining vegetable production, bioenergy, and food manufacturing. The company is also dedicated to workforce development, fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders through apprenticeships and financial support.
At Barden Farms, a fresh produce company, a variety of agtech and automation technologies are being deployed in the field, from electric weeders to automated farm transport—all aimed at improving farm efficiency. Barden also provided valuable perspectives on the real-world challenges farmers face when deploying automation across diverse soil types and climatic conditions.
We also had the opportunity to visit DPI’s Gatton Smart Farm, the University of Southern Queensland, Boomaroo Nurseries, and SwarmFarm Robotics. Each visit reinforced the many similarities between California and Queensland, as well as the strong ties and opportunities we share around agricultural innovation.
And it’s not just about the site visits, it’s about the networking and relationships built along the way. We joined the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), a regional economic development nonprofit, to discuss the California AgTech Alliance and the potential for this model to support agricultural businesses in the region. Great discussions and equally great company.
I’m looking forward to the days ahead in Bundaberg, Melbourne, and Mildura. The potential for collaboration between California and Australia is tremendous, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.
Secretary Ross is in Australia as part of the California Trade and Climate Policy Mission.
Celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer alongside some of the women shaping the face of California food and agriculture at Cherry Bombe’s Farmers & Makers in Paso Robles September 25-27th, 2026.
In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Cherry Bombe is bringing together farmers, chefs, winemakers, artisans and food lovers for a weekend celebrating the women shaping California agriculture and the food we eat every day.
Through unforgettable meals and wine tastings, hands-on experiences and thought-provoking conversations, the Farmers & Makers event offers a chance to connect with the people behind California’s farms, ranches and food businesses.
What is Cherry Bombe?
If you’re at all involved in the culinary scene, you’ve probably heard of Cherry Bombe. This multi-media powerhouse hosts the popular baking podcast, “She’s My Cherry Pie”, publishes a coveted quarterly magazine and hosts impossibly chic events across the nation – all focused on highlighting some of the incredible women in the world of professional food and beverage. In the process, Cherry Bombe has created a tight-knit community that values great food and celebrates the women behind it.
Farmers & Makers:
Imagine indulging in an entire weekend of fabulous farm-to-table meals alongside some of the folks who grew the food, while spending your afternoons shopping, sampling and tasting your way through some of the Golden State’s most beloved farms, wineries and food businesses. If that sounds like your vibe, you need to get your tickets for Cherry Bombe Farmers & Makers.
This year’s event takes place September 25-27 in Paso Robles, California. While the region is probably best known for its thriving wine scene, this Central Coast gem is home to a robust agricultural community. During Farmers & Makers, participants will have the opportunity to create connections with the people who put food (and wine) on our tables and gain a deeper understanding of how food is grown – and why that matters.
Love food? This event is for you….
Whether you’re a passionate home cook, female farmer, culinary creator or a business owner, there’s something for everyone at Farmers & Makers. Throughout the weekend, guests will attend events celebrating California agriculture and our state’s female farmers, ranchers, wines and producers. California’s ag industry will have a strong presence at Farmers & Makers, with California Grown, Real California Milk, California Prunes, California Beef, California Figs and several California wineries and winemakers involved in the event.
Friday night, California Grown kicks off the weekend with a Welcome Party at the Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar. Sip on some of Paso Robles’ most celebrated wines while enjoying carefully curated small bites and chatting with fellow food lovers.
On Saturday, the Farmers & Makers Market showcases female-owned farms and food businesses throughout the state. Part farmers market and part specialty food fair, it’s the perfect place to sample products, shop for artisan goods and meet the people behind them. Throughout the event, Cherry Bombe will host various panels and discussions led by some of the most influential women in food and agriculture, including CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
Satisfy your sweet tooth on Saturday night at the She’s My Cherry Pie: After Dark dinner, hosted by California Prunes. Delight in a custom tasting menu created by Chef Sarah Thompson of Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas. Then, enjoy signature desserts from highly recognized female bakers, including Kyra Johnson of Kyra’s Bake Shop, Rose Wilde of Red Bread, and Traci Alderson of Brown Butter Cookie Company.
The event concludes with The Supper Club – the grand finale celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Enjoy cocktail hour, dinner and dessert while learning more about how regenerative agriculture is changing how we grow and think about food.
Tickets + Accommodations
Tickets for individual events are limited and sure to sell out fast. You won’t want to miss these exclusive events, so reserve your space now!
Attendees are invited to take advantage of special room rates at The Paso Robles Inn and The Ava. Both properties are centrally located in bustling downtown Paso Robles, making it easy to walk to most event venues as well as nearby restaurants, coffee shops and tasting rooms.
If you’re not able to join us at Farmers & Makers to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, learn more about some of the California women who are shaping the future of food here!
Pictured: 2025 California State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento; Secretary Ross (center), with FFA students.
Secretary Karen Ross is featured in the July edition of the ONOR Journal in a conversation about leadership, innovation and preparing the next generation for the future. In the feature, Secretary Ross shares insights drawn from her career in agriculture and public service, emphasizing that while technology and innovation are transforming agriculture, people remain at the heart of progress.
“Today’s students are growing up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, global interconnectedness, and unprecedented access to information. Yet many remain unaware of the opportunities available within modern agriculture and food systems,” said Secretary Ross
She also discusses the importance of education, mentorship, curiosity and being open to unexpected opportunities. This advice that offers valuable perspective for farmers, students, parents, educators and community leaders. The feature highlights Secretary Ross’s belief that the future is something we cultivate by investing in people and helping young people see the possibilities ahead.
Companies interested in connecting with foreign buyers have until August 31 to register for the fall edition of the Best of the West Global Buyers Event, taking place September 8-11 in California. Hosted in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the inbound mission will offer participating companies two opportunities to engage with foreign buyers: 1:1 meetings in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and a product showcase in Fresno.
Product focus includes: value-added food products and dried fruit and nuts.
Two Opportunities to Connect
Participating companies can engage with foreign buyers through:
1:1 meetings with buyers in San Francisco and Los Angeles
Product showcase in Fresno
The Best of the West Global Buyers Event will take place September 8-11.
