By Pat Burns, President
The Sonoma County Farm Bureau stands as a cornerstone of local agriculture. For over a century, it has served as both a voice and a shield for farmers and ranchers in the region. In today’s world, with all of the new challenges, climate variability, regulatory pressures that continue to be piled on to us, consumer expectations, and water or lack thereof, the importance of the Farm Bureau, its engaged members, and dedicated staff has never been clearer.
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is more than just an advocacy organization. It is an institution that brings together a diverse group of growers, ranchers, farmers, etc., from small to large; it encompasses all of agriculture. Through education, legislation, and grassroots coordination, the Farm Bureau ensures that agriculture remains viable, not just economically but socially and environmentally. None of these is an easy task. With the amount of opposition that agriculture faces daily, Farm Bureau is there to do what it can to ensure that all understand where their food comes from and how important it is to keep local growers in business. Without local growers, our quality and availability of a secure, safe food supply would be in jeopardy.
The true power of the Farm Bureau is its membership. The men and women who chose to work the land, care for livestock, and manage intricate operations of modern farms. These individuals bring experience, local knowledge, and a passion for their work that would be hard to find anywhere else. Participation isn’t just encouraged; it is essential to keep agriculture relevant and the driving industry of Sonoma County. That being said, we encourage our members to participate. No one is being asked to come to every meeting that we have, but if you have an issue, bring it to our attention. If you can’t make it to a meeting, talk to a board member and ask them to bring it to the board. If you don’t say anything, no one will know that you are facing a problem that we may be able to help with. Attend fundraisers. Sonoma County Farm Bureau organizes some of the best fundraisers around. The monies raised are put to use, helping with education and fighting more regulations. Being a member is much appreciated, but being an active member is what really keeps the momentum going.
As board members, we sometimes hear things that really get to us. Depending on who is talking, some believe that Farm Bureau focuses too much on a single commodity and not on the one particular commodity that they may be part of. I can tell you that, in all honesty, we have a very diverse board of directors representing all parts of the county and many commodities that do their best to ensure that all of agriculture is represented and looked at when issues arise. Again, if you have an issue, bring it forward.
So, membership is the power, but a dedicated staff is the backbone, and we have it! The success of our county farm bureau is dependent on our staff. The staff at Sonoma County Farm Bureau does an amazing job keeping up with not only local issues but statewide issues that could affect us all. With their understanding of practical farming issues and policy issues, they serve as the bridge between all of us and the governing bodies, which tend to go astray a lot. They are the first to engage these governing bodies, encouraging them to be mindful of what their decisions will do to agriculture and the people farming. Try to educate them on what it really means to be a farmer or rancher. Staff work tirelessly to promote and protect Sonoma County agriculture. When you have the chance, give them a thank you.
The point(s) I’m trying to make are to support Farm Bureau, encourage others to become members, be active in some form or another, volunteer, expect Farm Bureau to continue to do the hard work, and be thankful for the people that do it.
