
On Saturday October 12th the Kern County Farm Bureau celebrated their annual Bounty of Kern County at the Kern County Fairgrounds. This year the Farm Bureau’s Executive Director Ariana Joven was able to obtain a who’s who of local and state leaders in agriculture to share with attendees.

After dinner, Karen Ross, the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, praised Kern County’s agriculture community saying, “No one can top Kern County on how you manage water. Kern County is showing the state how to lead the way in the implementation of the State Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).” Accolades like this from one of the top officials of agriculture in California reveals how Kern County is a true leader.
Jamie Johansson, the President of the California Farm Bureau Federation, followed up by citing the strength of farming in California: “Today over 400 commodities are grown in California. That shows everyone our industry’s entrepreneurship.” SB 1, the bill that would have rolled back California water regulations to pre-President Trump election rules, was a serious discussion for many who were present. The Farm Bureau and its members played a key role in opposing the legislation. “SB 1 would have derailed our efforts to find water solutions. Our efforts in California made a difference. Governor Newsom vetoed SB1!” exclaimed Jamie Johansson. He closed by praising the Kern County Farm Bureau and its members, “You are demonstrating your passion in agriculture and your passion in our communities. Thank you, Kern County, and I look forward to 106 more years from the Kern County Farm Bureau.”

Praises of Kern County agriculture continued as outgoing Kern County Farm Bureau President Tito Martinez took the stage. “We all know Kern County is number one!” shouted Tito. “All of you make farming great. It takes a community to make farming great, to promote and protect Kern County Farms,” added Martinez.
Tito’s dedication to the Farm Bureau didn’t go unnoticed as Assemblyman Vince Fong and Senator Shannon Grove presented President Martinez with a joint resolution honoring his service to the Kern County Farm Bureau. Incoming President John Moore thanked Tito for his leadership and commitment as well. John Moore closed the dinner with these thoughts, “These are challenging times for agriculture. Our innovation is going to help us tackle issues like SGMA and our mission is to protect agriculture in this valley!”