FRESNO, CA - California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross is hosting a media availability event during the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California (USA) on Tuesday, February 10 to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer; a campaign prompted by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote the essential global role women hold in the agriculture industry from production to trade.

California is home to over 45,000 women producers who collectively steward more than 11 million acres of farmland. Women play essential roles across the food system that are critical to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. Their essential role in every facet of the food and farming system will be celebrated at the World Ag Expo, where more than 100,000 visitors from 70 countries are scheduled to visit. According to the recent release, the event hosts over 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge technology and equipment over a three-day period, as well as educational opportunities, including talks by agricultural experts and cooking demonstrations by California Grown featuring Golden State produce.

• What: International Year of the Woman Farmer Media Availability/Reception: California food and wine and recipe demonstrations
• Who: California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross
  • Speakers and guests will also include:
  • Alison Needham, Recipe Developer/Creator at California Grown
  • Aida Mollenkamp, Food and Travel Expert, Founder at Salt and Wind Travel
  • Invited guests from throughout the California Agricultural Industry
• Where: Tulare World Ag Expo – Women’s Conference Pavilion
  • Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Pacific) - program to begin promptly at 3 PM with Secretary's remarks