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

Speaker Details

Casey Anderson

Casey Anderson is the Executive Director of Orange County Farm Bureau where he started work in 2017. For the previous ten years he was Membership and Projects Manager at San Diego County Farm Bureau. At Farm Bureau, Casey oversees eleven farmers’ markets throughout Orange County and communicates the needs and interests of farmers to consumers, regulators, and all levels of government. He lives with his wife and three children in north San Diego County.