Oxnard Leadership Takes a Deep Dive into Agriculture's Opportunities and Challenges

The Oxnard Leadership Program's 2026 Agriculture Day on Friday, May 29, offered an insightful look at one of Ventura County's most vital industries and the dedicated people who sustain it. Coordinated by OLP alumni Jordan Cruz (Class of 2023) and Paola Pomeroy (Class of 2025) who are both employed at Bayer Crop Science, the session brought together leaders from SEEAG, Baby Root Farm, the Rodale Institute, Mission Produce, Bayer Crop Science, the County of Ventura, and Friends of Fieldworkers to share perspectives on the science, innovation, and stewardship that drive modern agriculture and provide resources to our local farming community.

Cohort members kicked off the day at McGrath Family Farm and explored the future of sustainable agriculture through field experiences with Caitlin Paulus-Case of SEEAG, Jacob Pecenka from Rodale Institute, and Mike Roberts of Baby Root Farm and Farmivore. Participants explored innovative approaches to organic agriculture, regenerative farming practices, and agricultural education while learning how local growers are balancing productivity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The experience highlighted the diversity of Ventura County agriculture and the commitment of local leaders to ensuring its long-term success.

One of the highlights of Agriculture Day was an exclusive meeting with Mission Produce founder and chairman emeritus, Steve Barnard, just one day after the company finalized its landmark acquisition of Calavo. Barnard shared the remarkable story of Mission Produce's growth from a local startup into a global leader in the avocado industry, offering candid insights into entrepreneurship, strategic decision-making, and the evolving agricultural marketplace. 

The day also featured an engaging leadership development session led by Laura Martinez of HR Force, who challenged cohort members to identify a song that best reflected their personal leadership style. The fun exercise sparked meaningful conversations about values, communication, and self-awareness. 

Participants also engaged in a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion examining recent immigration enforcement actions and their impact on farmworkers, agricultural operations, and the broader community. The conversation highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry as it continues to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. The panel was moderated by Ventura County Agricultural Commisioner Korinne Bell and included  Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez, Martita Martinez-Bravo, Executive Director of Friends of Fieldworkers and Vice Mayor of Camarillo, United Farm Workers member and 23-year strawberry farmer Francisco Panfilo, and Israel Vasquez, Program Coordinator of Ventura County's Farmworker Resource Program.

From the fields that feed the nation to  a global leader in the worldwide avocado business to the policies impacting our economy, Agriculture Day provided cohort members with a deeper understanding of the critical role agriculture plays in the economic and social fabric of the region.