CWA-VC has raised funds for the annual Farm Fest held at Faulkner Farm.There is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to dealing with government, another reason for the membership drive, Klittich noted. “The ag industry needs all the help we can get...if you eat food or wear clothes you’re involved with agriculture,” Klittich said with a laugh. “And, the farmer was the first environmentalist” who “fought hard to nurture the land and still do.”Klittich, CWA state membership director, said the local chapter has about 125 members including donor members. Klittich admitted that her role as a grower is limited: “My husband (Otto) is a natural at a growing, I’m a paperwork person.”Tierra-Linda Elementary School kindergarten teacher Beverly Rueckert said she has been a strong CWA-VC supporter since the group funded the school’s Life Lab and agriculture project. In addition, CWA-VC stepped to the forefront when the Medfly was discovered in the county, providing educational materials about spraying to eradicate the citrus destroying pests. “None of the parents objected” after the subject was discussed with students, who in turn addressed the issue with their parents.Rueckert, who is not a grower or rancher, has been a CWA-VC member for 15 years, “because I’m just so supportive of all they do.”CWA also provides scholarships, sponsors summer teacher seminars, has top-flight educational exhibits at state and county fairs, and holds an annual statewide conference, among other activities and projects.To become a CWA-VC member, send a check for $25 (or $15 for member-at-large or student membership) to CWA-VC, PO Box 795, Fillmore, CA 93016. Or visit the CWA Web site: www.cawomen4ag.com.
Women for Agriculture celebrates 30 years of advocacy, education
May 11, 2005
Santa Paula News
Pearls were the jewelry of choice when a dual event - the 30th anniversary of both California Women for Agriculture and its Ventura County Chapter - was celebrated April 23 at the Camarillo home of Nancy and Gordon Kimball.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesPearls were the jewelry of choice when a dual event - the 30th anniversary of both California Women for Agriculture and its Ventura County Chapter - was celebrated April 23 at the Camarillo home of Nancy and Gordon Kimball.Chapter Past President Elaine Cavaletto, a Central Coast District director and Somis resident, noted that CWA was founded in 1975 when woman growers in the Coachella Valley decided to launch efforts to educate the public on agriculture and the dedication of farmers. Now CWA has 27 chapters and more than 2,500 members statewide.At a recent CWA educational event held in Los Angeles, a petting zoo, information about food groups and other ag-related activities were staged for more than 1,200 third grade students. “You would be amazed at how many children had never touched a live farm animal,” said Cavaletto.A Ventura County Agriculture Day is being planned for October, she added. “We feel that this is best way to educate families and consumers...about agriculture.”CWA members also lobby legislators, take positions on pending legislation, write position papers, and partner with Fresno State’s agriculture program. The CWA Ventura County Chapter has supported area schools by gifts of seeds for school garden projects among other programs. “We are a busy group...here in Ventura County; we’re small in numbers,” but dedicated to agriculture education and support.CWA-VC is eager to recruit new members, and being actively involved in agriculture is not a requirement, Cavaletto said.A recent CWA-VC membership drive has been successful, noted Jeanne Klittich, a 28-year resident of Fillmore, whose family owns Otto & Sons Nursery, famous for its roses.
