By Steven Fenaroli

Farming is often thought of as a way of life and not just a job. Many California farm families have been living this life for generations—and they want to continue the legacy, growing crops, raising livestock and supporting the communities and people who keep California an agricultural powerhouse.

People often call farmers “resilient,” and there’s good reason. Whether they grow almonds or alfalfa, farmers rise before dawn, push through droughts and floods, and uphold a $60 billion industry that fuels our economy and feeds the nation and the world. 

But as farmers and ranchers work to keep California running, they’re often looking over their shoulders—not only at the weather or the uncertainty of commodity prices but at thieves looking to make a quick buck. Rural property and agricultural crime are quietly devastating farm communities, jeopardizing livelihoods, and putting public health and safety at risk.

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Steven Fenaroli is the Director, Political Affairs Division, for the California Farm Bureau