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 a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.
Jaclyn Allen
The Hen’s Roost, Apple Core Project, Bakersfield
What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
I grew up FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H my whole life. I loved selling at the local fairs and competing and learning all things Ag in school. I think my career in Ag came from the long list of survival skills taught to us crazy country kids.
Could you please describe your farming operation?
My farming operation comes from years of work in managing farmers’ markets and providing access to food to people all over Bakersfield. I started an urban farm for my nonprofit Apple Core Project Inc. That’s where the real work came in. We started feeding people in a neighborhood that struggles to have access and education around healthy, farm-fresh food. We are truly a farm to fork destination fighting hunger and cultivating community.
What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture is a huge part of my identity and a huge portion of my life; it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. I think the beauty of being a woman in Ag is holding that stewardess part close to my heart and truly battling the hunger epidemic smack dab in the breadbasket of the world.
Why did you become a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, and what do your duties entail?
I became a part of the advisory committee to help protect and learn the intricacies of the system in charge of farmers’ markets. I am obsessed with our market community and I hope to do as much as humanly possible to protect them for as many generations to come. Learning about legislation and policies and also making sure my own community has those protections in place is critical to our longevity and survival.
What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
Dig in! Never stop or give up! We need you and we want to protect our agriculture and farms to continue to produce the best food in the world.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Another amazing program I have had the pleasure to be involved in is the California Farm2Food Program. It has been the biggest asset to my value-added product line. I have made so many lasting connections and education on being a small CPG (consumer packaged goods) brand. The best part of being in Ag is the added programs available to the small producers. I appreciate the opportunities that still are available from our agriculture programs and the California Department of Food and Agriculture and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on all matters pertaining to direct marketing of agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets, with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The committee comprises 14 members and their alternates who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, Certified Farmers’ Market operators or representatives of the operator, one public member and one county agricultural commissioner.
Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.