The Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, or California’s 4th District Agricultural Association, has been serving Sonoma and Marin counties since 1936. As one of the state’s 54 Agricultural Associations, we’re proud to be among the oldest and longest-running organizations dedicated to promoting local agriculture.
Our history dates back to 1882, when agricultural exhibits were first held in Petaluma. Since then, we’ve evolved and expanded our mission, but one thing has remained constant: our focus on year-round agricultural education and development through diverse programming that serves our community.
Today, we partner with local fairs, nonprofits, and state agencies within the California Department of Food & Agriculture to bring agricultural education and opportunities directly to our neighbors. Our deep experience continues to drive us as we expand our offerings and grow our impact.
We believe it starts here—on our soil and in our local communities. We believe that by growing good people, we build a better community. Through our work to promote and preserve California’s agricultural heritage, we know that the future of agriculture begins with our children. By educating our youth about our local land, how it sustains us daily, and the importance of where their food comes from, we inspire appreciation, awareness, and advocacy.
Our locally-minded programming teaches essential skills and sparks curiosity, transforming today’s learners into tomorrow’s agricultural innovators.
The Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association is is governed by a Board of Directors from the community it serves.
Our community is at the backbone of everything we do. We exist because of you.
We work closely with the Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds (FoF), a nonprofit raising funds to support, promote, and educate the community about local agriculture. Together, we’re raising awareness and collaborating on future plans to bring more agriculture-based experiences to the community, especially our youth. Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds is a registered 501(C)3 (tax ID: 85-4344851).
Join us in ensuring agriculture remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.