This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of co-chair of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC).
Erin Raser
Director of Operations and Advocacy, Far West Fungi
What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
I grew up spending summers on my aunt’s dairy farm in Pennsylvania getting to experience farm life in all its glory, with ponies, puppies and, of course, a lot of baby cows. This experience and exposure to agriculture really shaped my connection to food and the land, sparking a curiosity about the intersection between food production, policy and the people who work tirelessly to make it all happen. Agriculture is one of the few professions we depend on to survive as a species and it’s a privilege to be a part of the agricultural system, especially in a thriving and exciting organization.
Could you please describe your farming operation?
We grow certified organic exotic mushrooms, and what makes our operation truly unique is that mushroom farming looks nothing like traditional agriculture. We grow in substrate rather than soil, and every stage of our process happens indoors, which means we are farming year-round, regardless of season or weather.
Our flagship farm is located in Moss Landing, on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for the farm because of its location – the natural ocean breeze and consistently moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for fungi.
My role is director of operations and advocacy, which reflects how layered this work is. I oversee day-to-day production operations and compliance, monitor yield analysis, and manage packing and quality control. I also handle HR and employee services, which is a part of the job I genuinely love. Our employees trust me with the details of their lives, and there is something really special about being the first to hear about a wedding or a new baby. On top of that, I have had the opportunity to work on agricultural policy affecting the mushroom industry, which ties directly back to my background and is deeply meaningful to me. I am also bilingual, which allows me to connect more authentically with a large part of our team.
On the market side, we sell at Whole Foods, Safeway, Raley’s and will soon be on shelves at Nugget Foods. We participate in 15 farmers markets across the Bay Area, operate two retail stores that carry over 70 varieties of mushrooms and wild harvested products year-round, and sell to a wide range of wholesalers.
What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means learning to wear many hats, holding your ground at tables where you had to earn your seat, and finding joy and fulfillment in the simple fact that the food you help grow ends up on a family’s table, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a holiday meal.
Why did you become a member of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC), and what do your duties entail?
I became a member of COPAC because I wanted to further my understanding of how organic products and agricultural policy function throughout the state. I have met so many inspiring people on the board and am currently serving as co-chair. The most important responsibility as a member is making sure that organic voices are heard throughout the state and giving stakeholders an opportunity to voice their concerns and interests.
What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
If you find yourself as the only woman in the room, make room for others.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working in international agricultural policy across Latin America and the Caribbean, and I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a few truly extraordinary women. They showed me, by example, what it looks like to speak up when it’s uncomfortable, stand firm when you’re challenged and refuse to take no for an answer. The greatest thing I can do is pass it forward by showing up, taking up space and always making sure the door stays open for the women coming up behind me.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I am grateful to the women who showed me what it looks like to lead powerfully and unapologetically and to Toby Garrone, our co-founder, who has encouraged me through my own moments of self-doubt.
CDFA’s California Organic Products Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on issues related to organic standards and enforcement, as well as support for organic agriculture in California through education, outreach, technical assistance and other industry activities. Appointed by the Secretary, committee members represent organic stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers, consumers and accredited certifying agents.
Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.