California’s female farmers and farmworkers are at the heart of our food system, driving advances in innovation, food safety, quality, and sustainability every day. Whether behind the scenes or in the fields, women are actively shaping the future of agriculture worldwide. To celebrate their contributions, the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Let’s take a look at how women are impacting agriculture in the Golden State.
Women Grow the Future
Women have always played a vital role in California agriculture – and their influence grows stronger every year. Over the last decade, there has been a 13% increase in the number of female farmers in California. As more women assume leadership roles, they are changing the face of agriculture in real time – making key business decisions and leading the next wave of innovation in food production and sustainability.
Cultivating Sustainability
Because 63% of California farms are female-operated (which means at least one woman is part of the ownership), women are responsible for key decisions about protecting the future of family farms. Whether protecting soil health or finding more innovative ways to conserve water, women are helping ensure California’s farmland stays productive for generations to come.
When Women Thrive, Communities Flourish
President John F. Kennedy popularized the phrase, “a rising tide lifts all boats,” and this is especially true in agriculture. When women have equal access to resources, farms are more productive, communities grow stronger, and local families thrive. Supporting women in agriculture means supporting agricultural policies that reflect the diversity of all the people who help put food on our tables and wine in our glasses.
California: Rooted in Equality, Leading the Nation
Californians have always known that women play an essential role in agriculture, so a woman’s right to landownership has been protected since the inception of the state. So, it’s no surprise that California is home to more female-operated farms than any other major agricultural state. Nearly two-thirds of the state’s farms are run by women, and women make up 38% of California’s agricultural producers!
Supporting the Woman Farmer – Choose California Grown
Celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer by choosing California Grown food, wine and flowers. California farmers produce 80% of the nation’s wine, grow half of all U.S. produce and lead the country in dairy production. And, 93% of California farms are still family-owned. When you choose California Grown, you’re supporting farm families, local communities and the women who help make it all possible.
Meet Some of California’s Women Farmers:
(Click on each image to read more)
Granny May’s Strawberry Farm is Elisabeth Saechao’s family legacy. Her Placer County U-pick farm offers visitors a first-hand look at where their food really comes from – and the opportunity to harvest their own fresh fruits.
Gizdich Ranch is a beloved part of the Watsonville community, thanks in no small part to matriarch Nina Gizdich and her famous homemade pies.
Audrey Pascone & Heather Austin
To say that Audrey Pascone and Heather Austin are passionate about organic foods is an understatement. After embracing a healthier, organic diet and experiencing its positive impact firsthand, the two women uprooted their Bay Area lives to found an organic farm in Red Bluff, California – Red Gate Ranch.
Francie Heffernan is part of the future of California agriculture – and one of the “five Marys” behind Five Marys Ranch. Her family’s brand harnesses the power of social media to share the realities of ranch life, educating and entertaining their followers along the way.
Article by Hilary Rance and photography by James Collier and Hilary Rance for CA GROWN.