2022 Impact Report

2022 IMPACT REPORT

YEAR IN REVIEW

REFLECTING ON SUCCESS AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Dear Friends,

Let me begin by saying thank you! Thank you to our board of directors, staff, volunteers, landowners, donors, and supporters who value ensuring that farmland will remain part of California’s landscape and that agriculture will continue to be the state’s economic engine. I am pleased to report that the California Farmland Trust’s role in protecting our most valuable farmland is more important now than ever before and 2022 has proven that with our various efforts.

Two years in the making, the CFT Board of Directors and staff began the year with a fresh perspective and hopeful outlook during the 2022 strategic planning retreat. Members and staff gathered in January to work on a comprehensive agenda reflecting on the past, embracing the present, and preparing for the future of the organization. Directors and staff spent extensive time discussing what the future of CFT looks like, especially as more challenges in farmland protection and environmental policies arise in California. Additionally, the group worked through a SWOT analysis activity, where each of the members examined the most important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the organization, based on a list created in 2021. The results of this activity provided great insight and will set CFT up for success over the coming years. A portion of the day was spent listening to guest speaker, Dr. Roland Fumasi from Rabobank, who reviewed California’s robust agriculture economy, the food chain and market trends, and how land loss and farmland protection play a role in this.

We welcomed a new slate of officers, board members, and staff while saying a tough goodbye to long-time supporter and two-time board member Denny Jackman. Patrick Johnston earned the rank of President as Jon Harvey retired from the board after the completion of his twoyear term as President in March. Bill Hobbler and Michael Machado joined the board and a much-needed new position was created to support Conservation Director Chelsea Slaton’s work on stewardship and easement transactions. Lauren Fox filled this new role as the CFT program associate.

This year also brought me the exceptional experience of being a fellow with Class 51 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Ag Leadership is an advanced leadership development experience for emerging and mid-career leaders in agriculture. Through the 17-month program, fellows study leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical and strategic thinking, change management, emotional intelligence, and complex social and cultural issues. The program delivers about 55 seminar days, 10 days of national travel, and a 14-day international travel seminar. I am proud to join others who have made and continue to make a positive difference in their communities, their businesses, and in agriculture. Board members Maxwell Norton, Ken Oneto, Michael Machado, and Barbara Smith are all graduates of Ag Leadership and have proven to be exceptional board members who have created a vision for the organization and an impact on the communities in which they serve.

2022 also brought unprecedented times in the financial markets with inflation surging to 40-year highs that led the Federal Reserve to a series of interest rate hikes, impacting the bond market and sending stocks into a bear market that continued throughout the year. The board of directors remained vigilant in safeguarding CFT assets and actively managing the portfolio to mitigate the consequences of a rising interest rate environment on fixed-income securities by utilizing a strategy with ultrashort, high-quality fixed income with defined maturity to avoid the potential of principal loss. While our 2022 financials show an investment loss, we minimized more significant unrealized losses and have sharpened our financial modeling to understand risk tolerance and furthered refined investment policies to counter risk. The 2023 year-to-date investment gains have already reflected a meaningful recovery from the year prior and we anticipate that to continue.

We believe in and have a hope-filled future because of partners like you. Your gifts will continue to ensure that farmland is protected so future generations can farm and provide the most nutritious, abundant, and highest quality food and fiber that our communities locally and around the world can enjoy. We call on your continued support this coming year as we work to potentially protect an additional 2,000 acres of farmland, connect consumers with farmland through our Race to Slow the Pace event and celebrate our 20-year anniversary milestone in 2024.

Please enjoy our 2022 Impact Report and thank you for your support!

With gratitude,

Charlotte Mitchell, Executive Director cmitchell@cafarmtrust.org

MISSION

We help farmers protect the best farmland in the world.

VISION

We see a future where our communities value farming as the best use of fertile farmland that supports our economy, environment, and quality of life.

WHY

We exist to conserve a unique natural resource to enable future generations to thrive.

Conservation Success at Citrus Property

In January 2022, the California Farmland Trust successfully placed an agricultural conservation easement on Flying M Ranches’ Citrus Property.

The idea for Flying M Ranches was conceived in 1959 when John and Lucia Myers began purchasing land in Merced County. According to the couple’s grandson and now the ranch’s co-trustee, Wes Myers, the name of the ranch stemmed from John’s passion for

aviation.

On top of their cattle operation John and Lucia grew a variety of commodities, a few of them being citrus.

“Originally, this was all a cattle ranch with irrigated pasture, but my grandmother loved citrus trees and the smell of citrus, so my grandfather planted citrus trees, hence the name Citrus Property,” Wes said.

Due to the Meyer family’s environmentally sound agricultural practices, a large portion of the landscape still possesses the same amounts of charm and rich nutrients that it did back in the late 50s.

Wes said this didn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as conservation was a principle that his grandfather had valued most. Since the 80s, approximately 5,000 acres of the Meyers family land has become protected through conservation efforts.

In 2015, the remaining citrus trees on this property were removed and the family replanted the 253 acres with three different varieties of almond trees –

Nonpareil, Wood Colony, and Aldrich.

Those 253 acres weren’t under protection, leading the Myers family to work with CFT to place an easement on the land that has become part of their family legacy.

“It’s nice working with CFT because this is my first introduction to conservation on the farming side,” Myers said. “We’ve been involved in the ranching business a little longer, but we’re newer farmers. Hopefully land trusts like CFT will start being recognized as having positive conservation effects to development.”

Funds for this project were provided through the Agricultural Land Mitigation Program (ALMP), which is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) on behalf of the California HighSpeed Rail Authority.

Because of this new easement, the Myers family can look at the future of their ranch with high hopes. Their family’s farm can stay a family farm – forever.

Wes Myers is the grandson of John Myers and Flying M Ranches co-trustee.

FACES OF CFT

The Board of Directors of the California Farmland Trust (CFT) desires to adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Generational Responsibility

We pledge to work in partnership with landowners and conservation partners to protect the best farmland in the world. We value the agricultural heritage and culture of California and will work to preserve these values.

Integrity

We desire to enhance the reputation of land conservation in California. CFT promotes a working environment that values respect, fairness and integrity. We will be good stewards of the resources we receive, uphold rigorous standards of conduct, be responsive to the concerns of our donors and volunteers, and work to earn their trust each and every day.

OFFICERS

Respect

We value, appreciate and recognize the contributions of all people and organizations working to preserve agricultural land. Additionally, we respect the diverse approaches and perspectives they bring to the conservation movement.

Organizational Excellence

We pledge to conduct organizational and land protection activities under the highest professional standards and in accordance with the Land Trust Standards and Practices. Furthermore, we pledge to serve the public interest, respect all laws, demonstrate integrity, and meet our responsibility to ensure the long-term conservation of the lands upon which we hold easements.

BOARD MEMBERS

TRUSTEE COUNCIL

Patrick Johnston President

Sam Zanutto Vice President

Theresa Kiehn Secretary

Ken Oneto Treasurer

Ron Dolinsek

Ron Freitas

Bill Hoobler

Ryan Jacobsen

Denny Jackman Jim Jorgensen

Michael Machado

Maxwell Norton

Barbara Smith

Jennifer Beretta

Ed Nishio

Emily Rooney

Ann Veneman

Paul Wenger Becca Whitman

Jon Harvey

FINANCIALS

We are pleased to report that our auditor issued an unqualified opinion on our financial statements. This means that our financial records were fairly and appropriately stated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

BALANCE SHEET

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

*As of December 31, 2022

SUPPORTERS

We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals for investing in our mission.

Friends ($1-100)

Brad Alderson

The Amazon Smile Foundation

Lee Andersen

Florin Barnhart

Delaney Bettencourt

April Bettencourt

Monica and Ed Bianchi

Marilyn Blake

Michael Bliss

Christine Bruhn

Margaret Buss

Robert Case

Angelina Ceja

Marie Coleman

Tressa Dahlberg

Darien DeLu

Donna Dotti

Jack Edwards

Mary Elizabeth

Sandra Fiack

Cassie Findlay

Darrell Fonseca

Chella Gonsalves

Terry Grant

Judith Grimshaw

Melitta Heli

Thelma Jean-Plew

Linda Johnson

Brandi Loforti

Melanie Loo

Julie Marlow

Jane Kelly and Daniel McNaughton

Richard Mills

Kent and Caroline Nakashima

Dr. Grant Plemons

David Raube

Jennifer Redmond

Jasmine Ripoyla

Donna Robertson

Hector Roman

Larry and Kitty Ruhstaller

Cindy Salaun

Susan M. Sawyer

Mary Jean Sawyer

Ron Selge

Erick Serrato

Randolph Siefkin

Denise Skidmore

Chelsea Slaton

Diana Stuck

Adriana Toste

Robert Triebsch

Carel and Linda Van Loben Sels

Ann Veneman

Becca and Chris Whitman

Lori Wilson-Hopkins

Jane Woehl

Stephanie Younger

David Zelinsky

Guardians ($101-499)

Thomas Adams

Lois Biehler

Tom Bloomfield

Bokides-Hesseltine Real Estate Company

Donald Burchard

James Duval

Linda Ellis

Heather Fargo

Mitchell Farms

Roberta Firoved

Lauren Fox

Gisele Gomes

Marc Houston

Ryan and Ashley Jacobsen

James Pachl and Judit\ Lamare

Raymond Jerd

Cindy Kelleher

Theresa Kiehn

Kerri Kisko

Tiger Lines, LLC

Richard Mahacek

Ed & Mildred Maring

Douglas Najima

Brady and Katie Otto

Kludt Oil

Richard Piper

Laurel Posey

KLM Ranches

Emily Rooney

Dale Sartor

Thomas Shephard

Karla Theis

Marilyn Waegell

Mary Whitaker

Klinker Brick Winery

Russell Winton

Charles Woods

Anita Young

Supporters ($500-1,499)

Tim and Suzanne Byrd

Janet Caprile

CCOF

Thomas Coultas

Arthur Crowell

Vink Custom Farming, Inc.

Couchman Farms

Vino Farms

Randy Fiorini

Jon and Kitty Harvey

Lonnie and Lola Hendricks

Relation Insurance

Zenith Insurance

Peggy Lemaux

Les Schwab Lodi

Robert Longatti

William J. Machado and Grace

F. Machado Family, LPM

Avo & Nonna Machado LP

Anita Menghetti

Ken and Charlotte Mitchell

Ed and Fran Nishio

Ken and Florence Oneto

Mujeres PoderosasTom Powers

Murphy Properties

Janice Jorgensen and Karen

Rosenbaum

Charles and Mamie Starr

Mamie Starr

Movement for Life Physical Therapy

Carol Weir

Michael Williams

Sam and Brulene Zanutto

Stewards ($1,50014,999)

Harrah’s Northern California

Ron and Georgetta

Dolinsek

Burroughs Family Farms

Dwelley Family Farms

Ron and Nonine Freitas

Jeanne Gobalet

Tom and Barbara Job

Patrick and Amy Johnston

Jim Jorgensen

Joanne and Peter Mills

Maxwell and Diane Norton

Pacific Coast Producers

Barbara and Duncan Smith

Mike Tanner

Leslie Templin

Grow West

Conservators ($15,000+)

Sustainable Futures Fund

Raley’s

Fiorini Real Estate Services

P.O Box 1960

Elk Grove, CA 95759

(916) 687-3178

cafarmtrust.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patrick Johnston | President

Sam Zanutto | Vice President

Theresa Kiehn | Secretary

Ken Oneto | Treasurer

Jon Harvey | ImmediatePastPresident

Ron Dolinsek

Ron Freitas

Bill Hoobler

Ryan Jacobsen

Denny Jackman

Jim Jorgensen

Michael Machado

Maxwell Norton

Barbara Smith

STAFF

Charlotte Mitchell Executive Director

Amy Wolfe

Strategic Marketing and Development Manager

Chelsea Slaton

Conservation Director

Lauren Fox

Program Associate

Michaela Friedrich Communications Associate

BUDGET, FINANCE, & RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Ken Oneto, Chair

Ron Dolinsek

Jon Harvey

Bill Hoobler

Michael Machado

Bill Martin

Mary Whitaker

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Ron Dolinsek

Jon Harvey

Bill Hoobler

Michael Machado

Bill Martin

Mary Whitaker

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Ron Dolinsek, Chair

Denny Jackman

Barbara Smith

Sam Zanutto

STRATEGIC MARKETING & PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE

Ryan Jaconsen, Chair

Monica Bianchi

Ron Freitas

Carrie Isaacson

Jim Jorgensen

Theresa Kiehn