Every year, our community honors individuals, farms, and businesses who are making a positive difference in California. Selected from nominations from all over the state, these inspirational change-makers are blazing trails for regenerative agriculture, strengthening our local food systems, and working tirelessly to grow a healthier and more just future for us all. We’re thrilled to introduce you to this year’s awardees:
NEW FARMER OF THE YEAR:
Rizpah Bellard, Nova Farming
LEGACY FARMER OF THE YEAR:
Russ Lester, Dixon Ridge Farms
Russ Lester, co-owner of Dixon Ridge Farms and a fourth-generation California farmer, has been a pioneer in organic farming since 1989, shaping innovative practices for sustainable orchard management. As a participant in the BIOS program run by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Russ collaborated with fellow orchard farmers to share best practices for ecological farming, furthering his commitment to environmental stewardship. A passionate advocate for farmland protection, he has served on the Board of Directors for Solano Land Trust and the Solano County Agricultural Advisory Board. Russ has shared his expertise as a featured speaker at national conferences on energy, farmland conservation, and organic agriculture. He is also a past president of the Winters Joint Unified School District, a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, and an alumnus of the University of California, Davis. Under his leadership, Dixon Ridge Farms has achieved carbon-negative status by meeting all of its electricity needs through renewable energy, exemplifying Russ’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.
Photo by Joan Cusick
ECOLOGICAL FARMER OF THE YEAR:
Rancho Las Palmas
Nestled along the coast in Davenport, California, Rancho Las Palmas exemplifies ecological stewardship through its holistic and innovative farming practices. Producing certified organic artichokes, brussels sprouts, and peas, the farm integrates crops and livestock to create a balanced ecosystem that prioritizes soil health and biodiversity. Their practices include rotational grazing and planting, hedgerows for dust control and soil stability, and bird boxes to naturally manage rodent populations. With a deep understanding of their land’s unique needs, Rancho Las Palmas fosters a thriving agricultural environment while holding both organic and food safety certifications. Their commitment to sustainable farming showcases how thoughtful land management can harmonize productivity with ecological care.
FARM ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR:
Moises Plascencia, Santa Ana Unified School District
Moises Plascencia, Farm to School Coordinator at Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), exemplifies the farm-to-school movement through his unwavering commitment to local farmers and the community he serves. Leading efforts in California’s ninth-largest district, Moises has transformed SAUSD’s farm-to-school programming by prioritizing local procurement, ensuring students receive fresh, sustainable, and healthy food while directly supporting regional farmers. Moises’ work not only strengthens the local food system in a high-need community but also empowers farmers to sustain their livelihoods. His tireless leadership has made Santa Ana’s robust program a model of how schools can nourish both students and the agricultural community.
FARM POLICY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR:
Assemblymember Lori Wilson
Assemblymember Lori Wilson has emerged as a steadfast advocate for family farms, farmworkers, and climate-resilient agriculture in California. As a legislative champion behind the California Climate Bond, she played a pivotal role in not only ensuring its placement on the ballot, but securing over $1 billion in investments for equitable, sustainable food and farming systems. Through her leadership, Assemblymember Wilson helped the California Food & Farm Resilience Coalition build bipartisan support and guided the bill through the Assembly and Senate policy committees. Her deep understanding of the interconnected issues of farming practices, farmworker health, healthy food access, and local food infrastructure underscores her commitment to creating a more resilient and equitable food system. Assemblymember Wilson’s tireless efforts exemplify her dedication to supporting California’s family farms and ensuring a sustainable agricultural future.
FARMERS MARKET CHAMPION OF THE YEAR:
Jaclyn Allen, The Hens Roost
Jaclyn Allen is a passionate advocate for farmers markets, sustainable food systems, and the small farm community in Bakersfield. As the founder of Hen’s Roost, she has revitalized the local food economy through three thriving farmers markets: G Street, Riverlakes, and Haggin Oaks. Her work connects local farmers with the community, fostering access to fresh, seasonal produce while supporting small-scale agriculture in one of the world’s largest agricultural regions. Jaclyn’s dedication extends beyond the markets through her leadership in the Apple Core Project Inc., which she helped establish in 2012. Driven by her own experiences with food insecurity, she has worked tirelessly to combat hunger and improve food accessibility by collaborating with like-minded organizations to create sustainable practices. Over the years, Jaclyn’s efforts have provided thousands of meals, groceries, and essentials to those in need while inspiring a community-wide commitment to a more equitable and resilient food system.
FOOD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Magpie Cafe
Sacramento’s Magpie Cafe is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant farm-to-table movement, celebrating the agricultural richness of California’s Central Valley. Since its beginnings as a catering company in 2005, co-owners and Sacramento natives Janel Inouye and Ed Roehr have championed local sourcing and sustainable agriculture. Magpie partners with small farms like Azolla Farm and Twin Peaks Orchards to craft a seasonal, ever-changing menu inspired by farmers market finds and fresh produce. This dynamic collaboration fosters not only exceptional dishes but also meaningful relationships with growers who share their ethos of sustainability and quality. Magpie’s casual yet refined approach to dining creates a welcoming space where guests can savor the flavors of the region, while their commitment to equitable practices in the restaurant industry underscores a holistic vision of sustainability.