Bridging Policy, Community, and Conservation for California Agriculture
Meet Katie Patterson, one of California Farmland Trust’s newest board members, whose journey from Galt High School’s ag classrooms to state policy leadership is rooted in a lifelong passion for protecting California’s working lands. With deep experience spanning national conservation programs, local government, and advocacy for farmers across the state, Katie brings a rare blend of heart, policy insight, and hands-on understanding to California Farmland Trust’s mission.
“Protecting farmland matters because we all eat. Agriculture isn’t just an industry— it’s our lifeblood and our future.”
— Katie Patterson,
California Farmland Trust Board Member
For Katie Patterson, a lifelong connection to agriculture began in an unexpected place—her high school schedule. As a senior at Galt High, she enrolled in an introductory agriculture class taught by Cheryl Reece, and it changed the course of her life. “I remember sitting there learning about California’s agricultural commodities and thinking, ‘Why aren’t we shouting this from the rooftops?’” she recalls. From that moment, her passion for agriculture took root and has continued to grow ever since.
Raised on a small acreage in Galt, Katie’s family raised and showed livestock, fostering an early understanding of hard work and stewardship. Agriculture was already part of her family legacy—her grandfather was an ag teacher who later worked for the state—and that connection deepened when she married an agricultural educator herself. “I learned early on that agriculture isn’t just an industry; it’s a community,” she says. “It’s where people come together, support one another, and share a deep respect for the land.”
That community-minded philosophy shaped Katie’s career path. After earning her degree, she interned with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, D.C., where she worked on national conservation policy, the Air Quality Task Force, and even helped coordinate a White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation. She describes that time as “eye-opening,” sparking her enduring interest in the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and policy.
Her career later brought her home to California, where she spent nearly eight years with the Farm Bureau, helping local farmers navigate evolving regulations and advocate for practical solutions. “It was a foundational experience,” she says. “I got to roll up my sleeves, dive into complex issues, and truly understand the challenges facing our growers.” From there, she transitioned to the San Joaquin County Administrator’s Office, working on economic development, legislative affairs, and media relations. Today, Katie serves as the Public and Government Relations Manager at South San Joaquin Irrigation District.
From there, Katie transitioned to the San Joaquin County Administrator’s Office, where she worked on everything from economic development and legislative affairs to media relations. Yet, despite her success, her heart called her back to agriculture. That calling led her to American Farmland Trust, where she served as California State Policy Manager—bridging her policy expertise with her commitment to protecting working lands.
Today, Katie brings that same dedication to her role on the California Farmland Trust Board. Her deep policy knowledge, local government experience, and statewide network uniquely position her to help strengthen the organization’s mission. “I’ve always been passionate about California agriculture,” she says. “This opportunity allows me to bring together my background in policy, conservation, and community to help ensure agriculture remains viable for generations to come.”
Katie is especially motivated by CFT’s leadership and legacy. Having known CEO Charlotte Mitchell since their early days working on Delta water issues, she deeply respects the organization’s integrity and impact. “California Farmland Trust has earned tremendous respect across the industry,” she says. “It’s the only agricultural land trust solely dedicated to this mission in California, and I’m proud to help continue that work.”
When asked why protecting farmland matters, Katie’s answer is simple yet profound: “Because we all eat.” She believes farmland preservation is essential not just for farmers, but for every Californian. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our way of life,” she says. “Protecting it means protecting our future.”