For the first time, the flavors, aromas and traditions of food cultures across the globe filled the heart of Sacramento. From traditional cacao beverages to classic and artisanal dishes, Terra Madre Americas – held Sept. 26-28 – showcased the best of what agriculture from across the Americas has to offer on consumers’ tables.

Many visitors were unaware of the origins of these traditional foods or the ingredients they contained. For three days, the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center served as a showcase for 75 exhibitors and over 95 delegates representing 16 countries. They had the opportunity to present their agricultural products, harvest methods and culinary traditions to more than 165,000 attendees.

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources co-sponsored the event. Participants included the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), F3 Local, UC Master Food Preserver Program, UC Master Gardeners, California 4-H, South Coast Research and Extension Center, Nutrition Policy Institute and Southwest Regional Food Business Center.

They joined forces in the “Taste of California” pavilion alongside the California Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology, and the UC Global Climate Leadership Council.

“This is the first time we’ve organized this event in the United States, and we’re thrilled to host it in California – especially here in Sacramento, the world capital of farm-to-fork,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

In the UC ANR-sponsored tasting area, traditional Mexican flavors were featured thanks to Central Valley entrepreneurs Gladys Sánchez, who produces the salsa Birria de Nelia, and Rosa Hernández, who shared the secrets behind her artisanal Oaxacan mole, VI’KO.

For Hernández, making mole by hand is a way to connect with her ancestors. “For me, it’s about my ancestors, my story and my identity,” she said. “Preparing mole is like a ritual. As soon as I start to toast the chiles, the aroma brings back memories of my grandmother and my mother. Being far from my hometown makes my heartbeat stronger.”

Tracy Celio, program administrator for UC ANR’s Southwest Regional Food Business Center, emphasized the importance of participating in a globally recognized event. “We’re here to lift our farmers and food entrepreneurs so attendees can taste their products in our demonstration and tasting kitchen,” Celio said.

Other Central Valley entrepreneurs also showcased their products. Luis Elizondo, a beekeeper from Madera and owner of the family-run company Madera’s Queen Honey, shared that he has been collaborating with UC ANR through the F3 program. “This is a great initiative supporting Central Valley farmers through technology, education and trade. I’m very satisfied with this collaboration,” Elizondo said.

Vicky García Moya, an almond grower from Ventura, expressed her appreciation to F3 and UC ANR for inviting her to promote her business, Eco Almond Farms, at such an international gathering. “Events like this give us the opportunity to meet new people, connect with other farmers, and collaborate with organizations that help us grow our businesses,” García Moya said.

For Cindy Gauss, a UC Master Gardener volunteer, the event provided an opportunity to discuss gardening and the process of food reaching the table. “It’s important to be here, to connect with the people who grow and produce our food. By participating, you learn where everything comes from—and that’s essential, because we all need to understand what we grow and why we do it,” Gauss said.

Another example of perseverance and hard work was Tony Serrano, owner of JAS Family Farms, who proudly describes himself as the first Latino certified organic producer. Serrano displayed his products – including several varieties of peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables – at the UC ANR pavilion.

“I’ve been working in the fields since I was three years old,” Serrano said. “Now I employ more than 100 people, and I take pride in doing it in a way that meets all safety standards while protecting the environment.”

UC ANR’s participation in Terra Madre Sacramento highlighted the organization’s role in promoting sustainable and diverse agriculture across California. The event brought together producers, scientists and consumers in one space, highlighting the importance of understanding where our food comes from and the impact each decision has on both the table and the land.

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