The California Avocado Commission recently conducted board of directors elections, which were confirmed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. On Jan 12. the board announced the results of the election, including board chair Rachael Laenen, making her the first woman to chair the California Avocado Commission board of directors.
Laenen has served on the CAC board since November 2020, with three of those years as an executive officer. She is the sixth generation of her family to farm in Ventura County and the fourth generation to grow avocados. She now manages the family’s avocado enterprise.
Before her farming career, Laenen worked in international motorsports, managing global sponsorships for some of the world’s most valuable brands as well as delivering high-level events and hospitality.
“Being the first female chair of the CAC board of directors is not what matters to me,” Laenen says. “Doing an excellent job representing California avocado growers and the premium avocados we produce is paramount. With that said, I’m proud of the contributions California’s female growers have made and continue to make in our industry.”
Also elected to the commission board executive committee were Ohannes Karaoghlanian, vice chair; John Berns, secretary; and Maureen Cottingham, treasurer. Board members serve two-year terms, and the executive officers are elected annually.
Recognizing women who farm
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a historic milestone recognizing women’s vital role in agriculture worldwide. Supported by 123 countries and led by the U.S., the resolution represents a global pledge to promote equity, visibility and opportunity.
This California avocado season, the California Avocado Commission will support the CA Grown program and its initiative promoting the role of women in agriculture. The group notes that California is home to one of the most diverse and productive agricultural economies in the world and has experienced steady growth in the number of female farmers, up 13% in the past decade, a sign that more women are stepping into roles of ownership and influence.
With 63% of California farms being female-operated, women are often leading in soil health, water conservation and long-term orchard management.
“The commission has supported the CA Grown program for many years because being locally grown and grown in California is a strong purchase driver for California avocado customers and consumers,” says Terry Splane, CAC vice president of marketing.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer highlights that agriculture encompasses more than mere production; it centers on individuals who nourish and support their communities. CAC’s support of this CA Grown initiative will include PR and social media content promoting the impact of California’s female avocado farmers, the commission reports.
