(ELK GROVE, CALIF. – October 5, 2023) – California Farmland Trust, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the nation’s finest farmland, is eager to welcome Mike Wade as its newest board member. With over three decades of experience in various leadership roles within agriculture, Wade’s new involvement is a great asset to CFT’s mission of protecting California’s agricultural legacy.
“I’ve been lucky to devote my career to agriculture and work in a capacity that I hope has been helpful to the industry,” Wade said. “I hope I can continue that effort as a board member and be a part of the success of California agriculture.”
Wade currently serves as the executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition where he has devoted over 20 years to advocating for the needs of farmers and advancing California agriculture. His extensive background in policy, communications and management has been a great support to farmers.
Prior to his role at CFWC, Wade served as executive director of the Merced County Farm Bureau for 11 years and program director of the California Farm Bureau Federation for two and a half years. His journey into agriculture began on his family’s farm in Merced County. When Wade began high school, he became a member of Future Farmers of America, leading him to join Young Farmers and Ranchers. From there, Wade said it was ag all the way. He attended Merced College where he pursued an associate degree in agriculture, beginning a career in the industry that he cherishes.
“We are excited to have Mike join the organization as a board member,” said CFT Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell. “His knowledge of agriculture along with his experience in water policy will be valuable to CFT and our work moving forward.”
Wade is looking forward to getting to know members of CFT and furthering his contribution to California agriculture.
“It’s important that we’re self-sufficient and we provide through the resources that we have in our country,” Wade said. “California is a critical part of that. We are the number one ag state, producing over 400 commodities efficiently, with environmental sensitivity and with an abundance that benefits the rest of the country.”
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For more information or photos, please contact: Michaela Friedrich, mfriedrich@cafarmtrust.org or (916) 667-2217
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