Greetings
California Agriculture: Leading the Way.
The theme for the 94th California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting couldn't be more timely or appropriate. I hope you will join us in Pasadena, Dec. 1-5, 2012.
Just as Pasadena is home to the parade of all parades, the Tournament of Roses, California leads our nation in agricultural production. We also lead the way in forward-thinking farming methods, technology—and in regulation, scrutiny and, occasionally, controversy.
Food and the means by which it is produced is the subject of much review and debate. California farmers and ranchers—operating in the most populous state in the U.S. while leading the nation in agricultural production—often find ourselves on the front lines of public debates about sustainable, economically viable and efficient food and horticultural production.
It has long been realized that "as goes California, so goes the rest of the nation." California farmers and ranchers continue to meet the challenges before them—but at financial and human costs that could become unsustainable.
The challenges we face as farmers and ranchers in California—and how we respond—will not only have direct impacts on our state's agricultural base, but will also guide farmers across the rest of the nation.
That's why it's important for you to attend the CFBF Annual Meeting. Farm Bureau is the only organization representing all agricultural commodities and regions of our state. The Annual Meeting allows Farm Bureau members the opportunity to review and hone the policies that guide our organization as we advocate for our members.
Along with the serious business, we will also celebrate our state's unique agricultural heritage, develop strategies and share ideas to help farmers and ranchers continue to farm successfully, leading the way in providing for a growing world.
I hope to see you in Pasadena this December. Until then, have a great fall harvest season.
Paul Wenger, President • California Farm Bureau Federation
