Katie Patterson is a lifelong advocate for California agriculture whose career reflects a deep commitment to protecting the working lands and rural communities that sustain our state. Her passion began in high school, where an introductory agriculture class opened her eyes to the richness and importance of California’s farming heritage. That early spark led her to pursue opportunities that bridge policy, conservation, and community engagement.
Katie brings a wealth of experience from national and state-level agricultural policy, local government, and farmland conservation work. She has served in roles with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, D.C., the San Joaquin County Administrator’s Office, and the California Farm Bureau, where she worked alongside growers to navigate evolving regulatory and environmental challenges. Most recently, she served as the California State Policy Manager for American Farmland Trust, where she led initiatives focused on protecting farmland and supporting the long-term viability of agriculture across the state.
Katie currently serves as the Public and Government Relations Manager at the South San Joaquin Irrigation District, where she leads communication, outreach, and public affairs efforts that support sustainable water management and reliable agricultural infrastructure. As a board member of the California Farmland Trust, she brings both policy expertise and a community-first mindset. Katie believes that farmland protection is essential to the future we share, because, as she says, “We all eat.” Her work is rooted in honoring the people who steward the land and ensuring that agriculture remains viable for future generations.