'California Marketplace' set for Farm Bureau conference

For the first time, the traditional tradeshow at the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be transformed into an opportunity for members to show and sell the bounty and other artisan goods from their farms and ranches.

Called the California Marketplace, this interactive event will be held Dec. 4, from 1-7 p.m. The California Marketplace is one of several new features of the 2022 Annual Meeting, set for Dec. 2-7 at the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey.

An estimated 700 attendees from both the Annual Meeting and Young Farmers & Ranchers State Conference will come together to explore the California Marketplace, traveling region by region at the Monterey Conference Center. The idea of the marketplace is to replicate the experience of tasting and shopping one’s way across the Golden State.

Held in conjunction with the marketplace, a welcome reception also highlights how the state’s diverse regions collectively propel California to the No. 1 spot among U.S. agricultural producers. Appetizers and beverages served will give a nod to each region, with selections that showcase top commodities. Local chefs will feature California-grown ingredients in live cooking demonstrations.

Additionally, partners of Farm Bureau who operate in service- or education-oriented sectors will host exhibit booths at the California Marketplace, giving members a more traditional tradeshow experience.

Booths representing the next generation of farmers and ranchers will provide a new dimension to the event’s networking opportunities. FarmPAC will host a cornhole tournament, with registration open to all attendees. This is a fundraiser to benefit FarmPAC, which supports decision makers who value agriculture and family farms and ranches.

The deadline to purchase a California Marketplace shop or exhibit booth is Oct. 31. For more information, visit cfbf.com/ag-events or contact Miranda Jachens at sponsorship@cfbf.com or 916-561-5594.

The California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting features sessions of the organization’s House of Delegates and educational workshops on agricultural policy, advocacy, state and federal regulations and pesticide licensing issues. County Farm Bureaus from across the state will hold receptions, and regional farm tours are open to attendees of the Annual Meeting and the YF&R conference.

Registration materials for the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and YF&R State Conference will be available in late September, with updates at cfbf.com/annual-meeting.