LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In a Sunday ceremony in Napa County, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) recognized Clay Shannon as Lake County’s 2024 Climate Crisis Champion.

“Through his advocacy, Mr. Shannon has demonstrated how responsible farming can help address the impacts of climate change,” said Thompson. “As the owner of Shannon Family of Wines, Mr. Shannon has dedicated himself to advancing responsible farming that reduces the carbon footprint of farms.

"In 2018, Mr. Shannon began farming his 2,500 acres of land organically, and since then he’s integrated his sheep farming operation with his vineyard, dramatically reducing the need for mowing, fungicides, and conventional fertilizers in his vineyard. Mr. Shannon’s work to advance environmental stewardship in the 4th District’s farming community is inspiring, and I am honored to name him a Climate Crisis Champion,” Thompson said.

Shannon is a well known winegrape growers and wine producer.

He’s also owner of The Mercantile in Kelseyville.

Thompson awarded this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of the five counties in the Fourth District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.

Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat the ongoing climate crisis and protect the environment at home in their community.

Through their advocacy, champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all, Thompson’s office said.

In addition to Shannon, the rest of the district’s winners were:

• Napa Schools for Climate Action (Napa);
• Ian Anderson (Solano);
• Dr. Lisa Micheli (Sonoma); and
• Maria Contreras Tebbutt (Yolo).