Browse Exhibits (5 total)
1. "We are a Voice for the Busy Farmer": Origins of the California Women for Agriculture
Prior to the existence of the California Women for Agriculture (CWA), its members expressed their concern of increasing anti-agribusiness in state and federal laws dictating to farmers how to operate their farms and produce food. Therefore, members felt a great need to form an organization that advocated on behalf of the agricultural industry, and for the industry’s future. This exhibit provides some historical context for understanding the CWA’s significance to the history of women and agriculture and the labor movement of the civil rights era, and how the organization formed.
To view the digital exhibit, select any of the links in the right-hand column.
2. "The Farmer's Better Half": Organizational Structure and Development
This exhibit describes the California Women for Agriculture’s organizational structure, as well as descriptions of task forces or committees and state officer descriptions.
To view the digital exhibit, select any of the links in the right-hand column or below under 'Sections.'
3. "If You Eat, You're Involved in Agriculture": CWA Activism and Organizing Efforts
Some of the main goals of the CWA were to ensure that farmers were fairly represented in the media, to mobilize for action on behalf of the farmer when necessary, and to educate consumers and the general public about the agricultural industry. CWA members argued that they were not fairly represented in the “liberal press.” To ensure fair representation in the media, CWA members contacted radio and television stations, circulated petitions, maintained a column in the Modesto Bee, Fresno Bee, and Sacramento Bee, and distributed a monthly newsletter, called the Compass. This exhibit describes a few examples of the CWA’s efforts to organize boycotts and protests in order to support agricultural interests and to educate legislators and consumers about their positions on agricultural matters.
To view the digital exhibit, select the link in the right-hand column or below under 'Sections.'
4. "Pointing the Way to the Survival of Agriculture": Community Involvement
While the CWA was actively involved in efforts to speak on behalf of the busy farmer, CWA members also served and supported their local and state communities as they hosted community events and educated consumers about their food supply and the agricultural industry in California at large.
To view the digital exhibit, select any of the links in the right-hand column or below under 'Sections.'
5. "Agriculture: It's Your Heartbeat America" The California Women for Agriculture Organization Today
How has the CWA changed or remained the same since its origins in 1975? What does the CWA hope to achive in the future?