Sneak peek into our panel conversation at San Francisco Climate Week

In California, more than half of farms (63% to be precise) include at least one woman as part of the ownership, and there’s been a 13% uptick in the number of female farmers across the state over the past decade, as tracked by the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA). We’re celebrating this! 

As part of San Francisco Climate Week, we’re convening a group of agricultural leaders helping shape the future of California agriculture. You can learn more about our event and register to attend here. As additional context for the conversation, we’re pleased to introduce the panelists:

Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA)

Since 2003, shortly after publication of the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing, Allison has led CSWA and served as Vice President, Environmental Affairs for Wine Institute, the premiere public policy advocacy association of California wineries. She brings a long track record of impact in the industry, previously holding roles with SureHarvest and the Resource Renewal Institute.

Dr. Evelyn Young Spath, Founder and Executive Director of the Kern County Black Farmers Association

Evelyn leads this movement to reframe, rename, and reclaim Black farming as a sacred heritage and a dignified pathway to prosperity. Known as “The Agrivangelist,” she believes small hinges swing big doors. Through her own Amor Backyard Farm in Bakersfield, she demonstrates that small-plot farming is essential infrastructure for growing local food systems and building food-secure communities. She partners with the City of Bakersfield to transform blighted lots into bountiful community gardens and brings fresh food access to underserved communities through a local farmers’ market. She advocates for small and mid-sized producers through CAFF and serves as Kern County’s Minority Advisor for the USDA FSA County Committee.

Jenny Lester Moffitt, Vice President of Farmland Protection and Strategic Priorities at American Farmland Trust

Jenny brings decades of experience in agricultural policy, conservation, and food systems transformation. From 2021-2025, Jenny served as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, becoming the first woman to hold this position. At USDA, she championed efforts to create market opportunities for U.S. producers and safeguard agricultural and natural resources. She previously served as Undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, leading the state’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives. A fifth-generation California farmer, Jenny is deeply committed to caring for the land and the people who farm it.

Kat Taylor, President of TomKat Foundation

Kat is dedicated to building a fairer, more sustainable food system. In 2008, she and her husband, Tom Steyer, founded TomKat Ranch, a 1,800-acre cattle ranch in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kat also serves as President of TomKat Foundation, and champions environmental sustainability and serves on boards supporting regenerative farming and healthier communities. As Co-Founder and Board Chair of Beneficial State Bank, a certified B Corporation, Kat leads community development finance efforts. She also co-sponsored California's School Meals for All initiative, uniting over 200 organizations to address food insecurity and advance access to fresh, California-grown meals for schoolchildren.

Virginia Jameson, Deputy Secretary of Climate and Working Lands at the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA)

In her role, Virginia is responsible for developing, managing, and implementing CDFA’s contribution to California’s strategy to address climate change. She’s played a leading role in engaging stakeholders across the state in creating and finalizing the Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture (RSA), which will be published Spring 2026. Prior to her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom, Virginia served as the Climate and Conservation Program Manager at the California Department of Conservation.

The conversation will be moderated by HARVEST California Executive Director Kathryn Beros, founder of KAP Industry, an agrivoltaics solution provider focused on water conservation and community building. 

What can you expect?

A lively conversation centered on practical solutions to some of the most vexing challenges facing today’s farmers and agricultural leaders. The discussion will draw actionable takeaways from the 2026 Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture, addressing multiple dimensions of opportunity across regions and operations as well as intersections with local communities, energy systems, and emerging financial opportunities. Panelists will share their hard-won lessons learned as well as the successes that are charting the course to a bright future for agriculture generally and women farmers specifically - in California and beyond.

Have a question you’d like to hear our panelists address? Share it with us.