Orange County Agriculture: A Golden Chapter in California's History

Before freeways and film studios, agriculture was the backbone of Southern California’s growth. This workshop traces the rich history of Orange County agriculture — from early mission plantings and Anaheim’s wine colony to the rise of citrus, lima beans, and nursery crops. Along the way, we’ll explore how immigration, irrigation, and innovation shaped not just local landscapes but helped fuel California’s rise as an agricultural powerhouse. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the economic, cultural, and environmental roots of the region — and how those roots continue to influence agriculture across the Golden State.

Speaker:

Casey Anderson, Executive Director, Orange County Farm Bureau