Championing California Agriculture

California’s agricultural community took center stage recently as the California Farm Bureau honored California State Treasurer Fiona Ma with its Champion of Agriculture Award, celebrating a career rooted in advocacy for farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Presented during the organization’s annual legislative action day, the award highlights leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the needs of agriculture. Known as “The Urban Cowgirl,” Ma has long bridged urban and rural perspectives, founding the San Francisco Farm Bureau and continuing to champion policies that support California’s diverse farming regions.

“Treasurer Ma has shown a long commitment to California agriculture,” said Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, which represents more than 23,000 farmers and ranchers statewide.

From her time in the state Assembly to her current role as treasurer, Ma has backed efforts that expand market access for small and underserved farmers, strengthen agricultural infrastructure and promote California-grown products. “I’m honored to receive the Champion of Agriculture Award,” Ma said, noting her appreciation for the vital role farmers and ranchers play in feeding communities statewide and beyond.