[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ALEXIS KOEFOED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alexis 
Koefoed whom I have named the 2023 Woman of the Year for Solano County 
because of her service to our agricultural community. Woman of the Year 
recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 
4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional 
Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Born in Danville, Ms. Koefoed started her agricultural life when she 
stumbled upon a 56-acre property in Vacaville and became a farmer on a 
whim. What started as a small-scale chicken and egg farm eventually 
evolved into the Soul Food Farm, a hub for community events where she 
teaches workshops and supports local producers and farmers.
  Ms. Koefoed currently serves as the president of the Pleasants Valley 
Agriculture Association, an organization of Vacaville farmers focused 
on promoting local businesses and sharing their sustainable 
agricultural practices. In doing so, she has helped her community's 
economy grow while providing a positive environment for farmers to 
share their stories and experiences. She is also a member of the policy 
board of the Community Alliance of Family Farmers, where she advocates 
for state and national policies that help sustainable agriculture.
  Her work in creating the Soul Food Farm Farmstand and the Soul Food 
Farm Reserve, food hubs for local and regional farmers to sell their 
produce, has also been invaluable for members of our community to have 
more choices when deciding where to get their food. Through this hub, 
she has been able to expand access to healthy and affordable 
alternatives to processed food, all while supporting regional farmers.
  Ms. Koefoed's work at Soul Food Farm and with the Pleasants Valley 
Agriculture Association has helped farmers across Solano County by 
teaching them about the business of running a farm while also bringing 
the community together. She has taught new farmers about the best ways 
to grow their business and their crops more efficiently. Her work also 
extends to organizing events where members of the community can connect 
with industry leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, Alexis Koefoed has been a strong leader in Solano 
County's agricultural community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor 
her here today as Solano County's 2023 Woman of the Year.

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