California Avocado Commission confirms farmer Rachael Laenen as first female chair
California Avocado Commission has appointed fresh leadership for 2026, with its first woman chairperson. Learn about farmer Rachael Laenen.
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) recently conducted Board of Directors elections. Rachael Laenen, who has served on the CAC board since November 2020, has been confirmed as the commission’s first-ever woman chairperson, according to a press release from CAC.
Who is Rachael Laenen?
Laenen 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, she worked in international motorsports, managing global sponsorships.
“Being the first female chair of the CAC Board of Directors is not what matters to me,” said Laenen. “Doing an excellent job representing California avocado growers and the premium avocados
we produce is paramount.”
This California avocado season, the Commission will support the CA Grown program and its initiative promoting the role of women in agriculture, the press release states.
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a historic milestone recognizing women’s vital role in agriculture worldwide.
According to CAC, California has experienced steady growth in the number of women farmers – up 13% in the state over the last decade – a sign that more women are stepping into roles of ownership and influence at the farm gate. With 63% of California farms now being female-operated, women are often leading in soil health, water conservation and long-term orchard management.