As a weary 2023 year shuffles off the world’s calendar, we asked some of California’s ag innovators about their wishes for the New Year. Here is a sampling of them.

Sergii Gavelovskiy

Organic farmer and Ukrainian immigrant

Winters, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “My wish is likely too costly for Santa, but all I want is for Ukraine to win the war.”

Krissy Scommegna

Owner, operator Boonville Barn Collective

Boonville, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “Less stress for all of California’s farmers.”

Eric Morgan

Pest control adviser and certified crop adviser

Paso Robles, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “My wish for 2024 is to see inflation ease so production costs can stabilize and for consumers to see the same easing so they have more money in their pockets to purchase fresh and healthy vegetables.”

Margie Healy

Vice president, Korbel Champagne Cellars

Guerneville, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “Korbel’s wish for 2024 is that sparkling wine continues to expand its appeal for everyday occasions. It’s no longer reserved just for special occasions; consumers today are finding new ways and new reasons to enjoy it.”

Tony Toso

Cattleman

Hornitos, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “I would wish for healthy families, lots of rain, green grass and fat calves!”

Josh Williams

Owner, CalFloral Nursery

Fulton, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “We’ve been very fortunate to have our business grow as demand for native plants has skyrocketed. We’re in the process of looking for a larger, more prominent location, so I wish for us to find the perfect property in the first half of 2024!”

Jill Giacomini Basch

Point Reyes Cheese

Point Reyes, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “(I wish) that 2024 is a year full of peace, happiness and great cheese!”

Christine Farren

Executive director, Foodwise

San Francisco

“There will be numerous efforts and agendas competing for our attention in 2024, and our wish is for people to deepen their commitment to supporting just and regenerative agriculture, which holds solutions to so many of the challenges we face. Small, sustainable family farms continue to give us hope that we can solve them together.”

Ryan Jacobsen

CEO, Fresno County Farm Bureau

Fresno, Calif.

“May 2024 be filled with an abundant water supply and better commodity prices for California’s farmers and ranchers!”

Norm Groot

Executive director, Monterey County Farm Bureau

Salinas, Calif.

Wish for 2024: “I wish that our legislators and regulators would give ag a year off from new laws and regulatory programs. Give our farmers and ranchers a break!”