NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Petaluma was the site of the California Women for Agriculture’s 39th annual convention and statewide meeting Jan. 10 through Jan. 12.

Attendees who arrived on Friday were treated to a local tour of the Petaluma Creamery hosted by Larry Peter, Dairy Dell hosted by Camilla Gray-Nelson, and Lagunitas Brewing Co.  

The convention was attended by nearly 100 members from 17 of the state’s 20 chapters in good standing.  

Toni Scully, Lori Hedstrom, Terry Dereniuk and Kathy Koehler attended the convention from the Lake County Chapter of CWA (LCCWA).  

These members oversaw the convention’s hospitality booth, giving convention attendees a literal taste of Lake County by serving pear and persimmon treats to guests.  

A Powerpoint about the AgVenture program played in the background, initiating interest in LCCWA’s vital educational program about local agriculture.

California Assembly Member Mark Levine and Sonoma County Second District Supervisor David Rabbitt welcomed convention attendees on Saturday and Sunday respectively.  

Attendees went to workshops specifically designed for newly installed local chapter officers. They also were offered a Legislative Boot Camp to prepare for CWA’s yearly visit to Sacramento to communicate the agricultural industry’s concerns to elected officials.  

California Women for Agriculture is a nonprofit organization boasting 2,000 plus members across the state.

CWA is the most active, all volunteer agricultural organization in the state and members are actively engaged in public relations, education and legislative advocacy on behalf of agriculture.

To learn more about the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, visit www.lakecountycwa.org .