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 California Citrus Advisory Committee.
Maribel Nenna
Citrus Grower, Grower Relations & Field Division Manager, Tulare County
What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Agriculture has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a family who introduced me to agriculture and instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance and stewardship of the land. Watching the dedication required to grow a crop and care for the land inspired a deep appreciation for the people who make agriculture possible.
As my career developed, that passion grew into a purpose. While working closely with growers, I realized that truly representing them required more than industry knowledge; it required firsthand experience. That realization inspired my husband and me to invest in citrus acreage so I could better understand the challenges, risks and costs growers face every day.
What continues to inspire me is the resilience of farming families and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that feeds communities, supports livelihoods and sustains future generations. Agriculture is more than a career to me. It is a way of life, a responsibility and a passion that continues to shape who I am.
Could you please describe your farming operation?
I’m a citrus grower, as well as grower relations and field division manager based in Tulare County. With my husband and brother, we farm navels, Cara Caras, lemons and mandarins. I currently work with Jireh Packing Company, proudly marketed by Kings River Marketing Group, where I support grower relations, field operations and industry initiatives.
What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means having the courage to step into spaces where few women have gone before and allowing your work, character and dedication to speak louder than expectations. Early in my career, I became the first female field representative in the San Joaquin Valley. There were times when I had to work harder to earn credibility and prove that I belonged in the field. Rather than viewing those moments as obstacles, I embraced them as opportunities to learn, grow and demonstrate that knowledge, integrity and commitment are not defined by gender. To me, being a woman in agriculture means serving as a bridge between growers, packer and the communities we support. It means advocating for farming families, understanding their challenges firsthand and helping ensure their voices are heard. Most importantly, it means helping create a path for the women who follow. If my journey shows another young woman that she belongs in agriculture, then I have contributed to something much larger than myself.
Why did you become a member of the California Citrus Advisory Committee and what do your duties entail?
I became a member of the California Citrus Advisory Committee because I believe the future of California citrus depends on strong industry leadership, collaboration and a commitment to representing the voices of growers. Throughout my career in grower relations and field operations, I have worked closely with citrus growers and gained firsthand insight into the challenges they face, including production costs, water management, labor, weather variability and market conditions. Serving on the committee provides an opportunity to bring those perspectives forward and help ensure growers have a voice in important industry discussions. As both a citrus grower and industry professional, I understand the importance of making informed decisions that support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of California citrus. My responsibilities include reviewing the implementation of the California Citrus Inspection Program and evaluating crop and acreage survey activities conducted through the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Working alongside fellow committee members, I help review industry issues, provide recommendations, and support programs and policies that strengthen California citrus.
What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
My advice to the next generation of women in agriculture is simple: Never let anyone tell you what you are capable of achieving. If agriculture is your passion, pursue it with confidence, determination and an open mind. There is a place for women in every part of this industry, from the farm and field to leadership, research, business and beyond. There may be times when you are the only woman in the room or the first woman to hold a particular role. Do not let that discourage you. Let it motivate you. Your knowledge, work ethic, integrity and character will always speak louder than assumptions or expectations. Agriculture requires resilience, adaptability and a willingness to continue learning. There will be early mornings, long days and challenges that require perseverance, but there is also incredible purpose in being part of an industry that feeds families and strengthens communities. Believe in yourself. Do not place limits on your potential, and do not allow others to place limits on it, either. The seeds you plant today, through your effort, your character and your perseverance, have the power to grow into opportunities far greater than you can imagine.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Agriculture is more than a career to me. It is a responsibility, a connection to the land and a commitment to the generations who depend on it.
I am deeply grateful for the growers, mentors and industry leaders who have supported me throughout my journey and trusted me with the responsibility of representing their voices. Every opportunity I have been given has strengthened my belief that agriculture succeeds through collaboration, dedication and a shared commitment to the future.
As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I hope more women recognize agriculture as a place where they can lead, contribute and build meaningful careers.
The future of agriculture will be shaped by those willing to learn, adapt, serve and lead. I am proud to be part of an industry built on perseverance, stewardship and generations of dedication.
CDFA’s California Citrus Advisory Committee oversees the implementation of the California Citrus Program inspection program, crop and acreage survey work performed through the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and makes recommendations to the Secretary on matters pertaining to the citrus industry. The committee comprises 12 voting members who are handlers and producers of citrus in California.
Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.