State Treasurer Fiona Ma announces establishment of San Francisco Farm Bureau to promote urban agriculture

(SAN FRANCISCO) California Treasurer Fiona Ma announced on July 23 the creation of the San Francisco Farm Bureau to promote urban agriculture.

There are 58 counties in California. The newly-founded San Francisco Farm Bureau became the state’s 54th Farm Bureau.

"Discovering the absence of a Farm Bureau in San Francisco, where I have lived for over three decades, was a shock," stated Treasurer Ma when she announced the founding of the San Francisco Farm Bureau.

All the Farm Bureaus in California serve as an organization dedicated to nurturing local agriculture and enhancing urban food security education, according to Ma.

With over 15 years of commitment to understanding California's vast agricultural landscape and having participated in more than 220 farm tours, Ma recognized the vital need for a Farm Bureau in San Francisco, which has been without a Farm Bureau historically.

"This initiative will bridge the gap between urban residents and the origins of their food, fostering an appreciation and understanding that is crucial in today’s world," said Ma.

The San Francisco Farm Bureau was established following a year of diligent planning and collaboration with local agriculture enthusiasts and has been officially chartered by the California Farm Bureau. Delegates of the California Farm Bureau voted in December 2023 to admit the San Francisco Farm Bureau as the State’s 54th Farm Bureau.

"This expansion represents a significant step towards incorporating urban areas into the broader agricultural conversation of our state," said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass.

Ted Fang of Fang Family Farm in the Bayview neighborhood contributed to the founding of the bureau and served as its Founding President. Gary Soiseth serves as its current President. Bill Mattos of the California Poultry Foundation has joined as Treasurer, bringing over 40 years of agricultural experience to the bureau’s leadership.

With over 100 urban farms and community gardens in San Francisco, Ma said SF Farm Bureau will help promote and advocate for urban agriculture in the City, while educating residents and youth on growing food.

Other goals and services of the San Francisco Farm Bureau include increasing number of people growing food in the city; networking with different Bay Area community growers, foodies, wine makers, farmers markets, and food banks; educating general public regarding California grown agriculture products, famers, ranchers, labeling, water usage and dispelling myths; expanding agriculture education and activities to more schools; creating more youth agriculture- related opportunities and internships.