Our time in Washington, D.C. has reinforced how critical storytelling is in agriculture. Whether it’s farmers, ranchers, researchers, or industry leaders, our personal stories bring agriculture’s challenges and innovations to life for policymakers and the public.
From Stories to Action: The Role of Advocacy and Lobbying
Storytelling is only the first step. To shape policy, we must also engage directly with the process. Whether we call it advocacy, lobbying, strategy or public affairs, the goal is the same: ensure agriculture’s voice is heard in the halls of power.
We were reminded throughout this week that effective advocacy isn’t about shouting the loudest — it’s about showing up prepared, with clear, compelling stories that illustrate the real-world impacts of policy decisions. Whether securing research funding, addressing labor shortages, or influencing trade agreements, personal stories make policy asks real and relatable.
Anne MacMillan, Principal of the public affairs firm Invariant, who shared her journey from Congressional staffer to USDA official to Democratic strategist, reminded us that every word matters. When we tell our stories, we need to understand how they are received by audiences who may have no personal connection to agriculture. We need to step into the shoes of skeptics and meet them where they are.
In a state like California, where agriculture is often misunderstood, storytelling is more than personal expression — it’s a tool for survival.
As CALP fellows, we see this not just as our responsibility but our obligation — for our own businesses and families and for the broader agricultural community for whom we often speak.
Trade, Tariffs, and Transparency
Our conversations with the Department of State’s Office of Agricultural Policy also reminded us that California agriculture is not just a state or national concern — it’s part of a global system. We also learned about agriculture in Africa, where most farms are five hectares or smaller and face profound challenges with water, infrastructure, and fertilizer access. As CALP Class 54 prepares for our International Seminar in Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa, these conversations gave us valuable context for what we’ll experience firsthand. The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) offers a framework for agricultural development across the continent, and we are eager to see how it aligns with what we learn on the ground.
Our sessions also highlighted how global trade policy shapes California agriculture, especially during shifts in administration.
As CALP fellows, we understand that policy decisions made in D.C. ripple directly into our orchards, vineyards, and fields back home. Navigating these policies requires relationships, transparency, and a willingness to engage directly with policymakers.
Advocacy and Communication
We then had the opportunity to pick the brains of Rebekah Adcock, Vice President of Government Relations, and John Hollay, Director of Workforce and Labor Policy, at International Fresh Produce Association in their brand new offices. We explored how passion and optimism is key for success in the grueling world of advocacy – Rebekah shared how her connection to agriculture and law have shaped her career while John, from an altogether different background, is driven by a true belief in our democratic system and the magic of Washington DC. Leadership lessons for our class included being bold and embracing a culture built on Permission to Fail – an ethos that drives people to do their best and try, no matter what. Adcock was adamant that integrity is a fundamental and core value which somehow makes it easier to navigate challenging times.
DC Exchange Reception
We ended our action packed day with an evening reception with the DC Exchange alumni in the beautiful USDA Whitten building. This lovely gathering was a great opportunity for Alumni to reconnect with each other while getting to know Class 54, all while enjoying some California wine. We had a chance to get to know some of the valuable policy and decision makers from the USDA, APHIS, EPA, AMS and some other agencies best knoiwn by their acronyms.
Leadership Lessons of day for CALP Class 54
Leadership insights that resonate deeply with our CALP journey
Every Word Matters — Be intentional and thoughtful.
Understand the Opposition — Don’t just preach to the choir. Engage with those who see the world differently.
Find Your North Star — Keep your values and purpose at the forefront.
Relationships are Important — Today’s intern could be tomorrow’s lawmaker. Treat everyone with respect.
Zoom Out — Agriculture needs to communicate beyond the farm gate to reach policymakers and consumers.
These lessons are practical tools we will carry with us long after our time in CALP is over.
Democracy in Agriculture: Participation is Power
Democracy works best when all voices participate, including those from rural communities and agricultural businesses. But the reality is — if we don’t show up, someone else will tell our story for us. That’s why our engagement matters — not just in D.C., but at home in Sacramento and in every local community across California.
It’s hard work. But for agriculture, it’s work we cannot afford to neglect.
With gratitude,
Will Dyt, Trevor Tauzer, Consuelo Fernandez and the members of Class 54.
