California Women for Agriculture (CWA) was formed in 1975, in the Coachella Valley. The Salinas Valley Chapter was formed in 1977 and represents Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. The name was chosen to develop a cross section of members. In fact, the nucleus of the first chapter was made up of consumers, as well as farmers and ranchers. Today our membership is as diverse as the industry we represent; bankers, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, consumers, AND farmers and ranchers. There's strength in numbers with 21 chapters and more than 1,700 members across the state, CWA is the most active, all volunteer agricultural in the state, and members are actively engaged in public relations, education, and legislative advocacy on behalf of agriculture.