Farmland Working Group

In 1995, at the request of Congressman Gary Condit, a large diverse group was asked to attend a meeting regarding the conversion of agricultural lands in our region of the Central Valley of California. The broad range of individuals continued meeting to discuss the important issues of preserving agricultural land.

Over time, a core group from the original meeting identified itself as Farmland Working Group. In 1999, FWG adopted Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and filed as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. With a focus on education, FWG created a video, A Vision and a Legacy, and curriculum appropriate for service organizations, clubs and classrooms. A second video, A Part of the Soil, was produced in 2003.

For the past decade, Farmland Working Group has been a voice for wise land use and the long-term capability for food production in our region – the world’s most productive farmland. With the Central Valley of California projected to be one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, what will become of our prime irrigated farmland – how can we not become another Los Angeles basin?
Our work is vitally important.

Farmland Working Group Community Advocates are dedicated to protecting farmland in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Our advocates are the spokespeople on the front lines of local farmland protection. They work tirelessly to protect our agricultural lands and promote sound urban development, long-range planning and balanced growth.

FWG remains committed to responsible land use. Through effective, organized grassroots activism, we keep a constant watch on local planning commissions, city councils, and boards of supervisors in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Farmland Working Group works closely with other non-profit organizations whose focus is farmland protection and smart growth.


“There is much concern today about the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Imagine the consequences of being dependent on foreign food if we do not preserve our agriculture resources.” –Tom Berryhill represents the 25th Assembly District The San Joaquin Valley is California’s 21st Century opportunity. Building new cities and schools, roads and factories, airports and parks, the Valley offers the opportunity to create a new model – to purposefully not re-create what has been done before, but to do it differently and better! -The Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley
	MISSION STATEMENT: To preserve the agricultural foundation of our region and promote smart growth in our urban communities through education, outreach and action. OUR HISTORY In 1995, at the request of Congressman Gary Condit, a large diverse group was asked to attend a meeting regarding the conversion of agricultural lands in our region of the Central Valley of California. The broad range of individuals continued meeting to discuss the important issues of preserving agricultural land. Over time, a core group from the original meeting identified itself as Farmland Working Group. In 1999, FWG adopted Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and filed as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. With a focus on education, FWG created a video, A Vision and a Legacy, and curriculum appropriate for service organizations, clubs and classrooms. A second video, A Part of the Soil, was produced in 2003. For the past decade, Farmland Working Group has been a voice for wise land use and the long-term capability for food production in our region – the world’s most productive farmland. With the Central Valley of California projected to be one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, what will become of our prime irrigated farmland – how can we not become another Los Angeles basin? Our work is vitally important. COMMUNITY ADVOCATES Farmland Working Group Community Advocates are dedicated to protecting farmland in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Our advocates are the spokespeople on the front lines of local farmland protection. They work tirelessly to protect our agricultural lands and promote sound urban development, long-range planning and balanced growth. FWG remains committed to responsible land use. Through effective, organized grassroots activism, we keep a constant watch on local planning commissions, city councils, and boards of supervisors in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Farmland Working Group works closely with other non-profit organizations whose focus is farmland protection and smart growth.	BOARD BIO Executive Board: Denny Jackman, Chair Chance Carrico, Vice Chair Jeani Ferrari, Secretary Audie Dahlgren, Treasurer Directors: JoAnn DiGiovanni, Turlock Jojo Espiritu, Riverbank Ron Freitas, Modesto Allen Gammon, Riverbank E. Timothy Parker, Newman Rudy Platzek, Modesto Ana Ringsted, Modesto Phil Rockey, Oakdale VIDEOS A Vision and a Legacy - available on DVD and VHS A Vision and a Legacy is a sixteen minute film about the amazing farmland – recognized the most productive in the world – that creates our Great Central Valley. A Part of the Soil - available on DVD and VHS A Part of the Soil is an independent documentary on the tender relationship between sustainability and self-determination in the most practical frame of reference: Natural resources on private land. HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM The Farmland Working Group can provide our videos, curriculum and speakers for teachers who want to participate in the High School Program If you are interested, please contact Denny Jackman at (209) 343-4174 or write to us at P.O. Box 948, Turlock, CA 95381. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Look, Listen, Watch (Click here to dowload Scholarship form (.doc))