We’re excited to introduce you to our first class of the California Young Farmer Political Leadership Fellowship. The Fellowship is aimed to support underrepresented, young farmers in gaining positions within agricultural governance entities and in leading policy campaigns for farmer viability. Young farmers and ranchers of color who use sustainable practices are underrepresented in California’s policy boards, agricultural advocacy groups, local water districts, conservation districts, and other decision-making bodies. As a result, California does not benefit from the knowledge of farmers of color, and these producers are denied a critical opportunity to help shape their conditions for success.
This Fellowship is designed to address these representational gaps and inequities through an educational fellowship that would guide four young farmers and ranchers towards agricultural leadership positions and policy campaigns in California.