This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.
Alyssa Burkart Gonzales
Burkart Organics
What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Agriculture has always been a part of my life. I grew up on my family’s farm, started in 1965 by my grandmother, surrounded by orchards, harvest seasons, farmers’ markets and the hard work that goes into producing tree fruit. I watched my dad dedicate his life to farming and it has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the industry and the people who make it possible. Today, I have the privilege of helping carry on a family legacy while finding new ways to connect consumers with the people and stories behind their food.
Could you please describe your farming operation?
I am part of Burkart Organics, a family-owned and operated organic fruit farm located in California’s Central Valley. Our family has been farming for six decades, and we specialize in a wide variety of organic stone fruit, citrus, dried fruit and other tree fruits. I manage our marketing, social media, website, customer communications, sales initiatives and farmers’ market operations. I work closely with our customers, helping bridge the gap between the farm and the communities we serve. We sell directly to consumers through Certified Farmers’ Markets throughout California, allowing us to build relationships with our customers and share firsthand knowledge about our farming practices and products. We also sell wholesale to Earl’s Organic Produce in San Francisco and have for several decades, as well as direct wholesale in the Central Valley and Los Angeles areas.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our operation is being able to connect people directly to the source of their food. Whether it’s explaining how a particular variety was grown, sharing the story behind a harvest, or helping customers discover a new favorite fruit, those interactions are what make direct-to-consumer agriculture so special.
What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means honoring the generations of women who have contributed to farming, often without receiving the recognition they deserved, while helping pave the way for future generations. Agriculture today is incredibly diverse and women are leading in every aspect of the industry – from production and research to marketing, advocacy and business management.
For me, personally, being a woman in agriculture means proving that leadership comes in many forms. While I may not spend every day driving tractors or managing irrigation systems, I play an important role in helping our farm thrive and grow. It means bringing a unique perspective, building relationships, advocating for farmers and helping ensure that agriculture remains strong and sustainable for future generations.
Why did you become a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, and what do your duties entail?
I became involved with the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee because I am passionate about preserving and strengthening California’s direct marketing system. Certified Farmers’ Markets provide farmers with an opportunity to connect directly with consumers, educate the public about agriculture and receive fair value for their products.
As a committee member, I help provide input and recommendations on issues affecting Certified Farmers’ Markets, producers and consumers. The role involves reviewing policies, discussing industry challenges, and helping ensure that the integrity and effectiveness of California’s Certified Farmers’ Market program are maintained. I value the opportunity to represent the perspective of family farmers and contribute to conversations that impact the future of direct agricultural marketing.
What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
Don’t be afraid to pursue a career in agriculture and make your voice heard. Agriculture needs passionate, innovative and dedicated leaders, and there is room for women in every corner of this industry.
Be willing to learn, ask questions and take on challenges even when you don’t feel completely ready. Some of the greatest opportunities come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Build relationships, find mentors and remember that your perspective is valuable.
Most importantly, stay connected to your purpose. Agriculture can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re growing crops, conducting research, advocating for farmers or connecting consumers to food, your work matters. The future of agriculture depends on the next generation bringing fresh ideas while honoring the traditions and values that have sustained our industry for generations.
CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on all matters pertaining to direct marketing of agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets, with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The committee comprises 14 members and their alternates who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, Certified Farmers’ Market operators or representatives of the operator, one public member and one county agricultural commissioner.