California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Almond Board of California Announces 2026 Almond Leadership Program Class

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the 2026 class of its Almond Leadership Program (ALP), welcoming 18 new professionals in the cohort. These industry professionals are committed to strengthening California almond farming and advancing the future of the industry through collaboration, leadership development and innovation.

    The ALP program brings together emerging leaders from across the almond value chain. From growers and agronomists to marketers, processors, field representatives and allied partners, this immersive experience is focused on building leadership skills, industry insight and solving real-world challenges facing California agriculture. Participants will be provided with in-depth exposure to the social, economic, environmental and regulatory forces shaping the future of the California almond industry. Each class member will complete a yearlong, self-directed capstone project focused on addressing a real-world challenge or opportunity for the industry.

    “This program is about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complexity, lead with integrity and represent the almond community with confidence,” said Rebecca Bailey, senior specialist overseeing ALP for ABC. “The 2026 class reflects the diversity of perspectives and expertise that will be essential for the long-term success of our industry, and we’re proud to invest in their growth and leadership.”

    Members of the 17th class will not only be working at their full-time jobs but will be involved in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. The program is intended to sharpen their communications skills and build relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “I joined the Almond Leadership Program because the future of California agriculture depends on thoughtful, engaged leaders who understand both on‑the‑ground realities and the policy landscape,” said Daniel Frea, class member and farmer/attorney at Wanger Jones Helsley PC. “ALP offers a unique opportunity to deepen my industry knowledge, build meaningful relationships and better serve the almond community.”

    Class members also have mentors, many who are ALP graduates, helping them to strengthen their industry knowledge, perspective and skill development.

    “I came into the almond industry without much of an agricultural background. In my first role, I was fortunate enough to work alongside some seasoned almond professionals. I enjoy being a resource to those that are new to or growing in the almond industry,” said Jereme Fromm, mentor and vice president of business development at California Nut Co. “The Almond Leadership Program gives participants an in-depth look into the many facets of the almond industry. Participants are exposed to everything from nutrition research, regulation and trade to market development and on-farm innovation. They also build some great relationships along the way.”

    Continuing a long-standing tradition of service, class members will also raise funds to support California Future Farmers of America (FFA), with a collective goal of raising more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students pursuing agricultural studies in college. Since the program’s inception, ALP participants have raised more than $320,000 for FFA to help support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    2026 Almond Leadership Program Participants

    • Rebekah Burrows, Customer Care Specialist | Grower – Owner/Operator, Advancing Eco Agriculture | GGI Farms
    • Grace Fales, Sales Manager, Baugher Ranch Organics
    • Daniel Frea, Attorney / Farmer, Wanger Jones Helsley PC / Frea Farms
    • Austin Jackson, Regional Manager – Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers
    • Andrew Jensen, CEO / Agronomist, Crop Syndicate
    • Julian Jimenez, Production / Ranch Manager, Pomona Farming LLC
    • Natalie Kidd, Grower, Kidd Farms
    • Catherine Machado, Operational Support Manager, Manulife Farmland Management Services
    • Madison Martella, Grower Relations, Monte Vista
    • Prabh Monder, General Manager, Monder Farms
    • Connor Pate, Manager of Precision Agriculture, Belkorp Ag, LLC
    • Alexus Powell-Crow, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grow West
    • Noah Riley, Western Territory Sales Representative, Kula Bio
    • Hyeong Shin, Broker, HS Ventures
    • Orlando Tapia, Agronomy Specialist, Corteva Agriscience
    • John Unzueta, Procurement Manager, Cache Creek Foods LLC
    • Alyssa Valdez, Grower Relations, RPAC LLC
    • James Williamson, Investment Associate, PGIM Real Estate

    For more information about the Almond Leadership Program and the Almond Board of California, visit almonds.org.

    About California Almonds   
    California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.

  • Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline Approaching

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers have until March 13, 2026, to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

    “President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. Our specialty crop producers continue to feel the negative effects of four years under the Biden Administration, suffering from record inflation, a depleted farm safety net, and delayed disaster assistance,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump and the entire cabinet are working every day to fight bidenflation and lower prices for consumers. If our specialty crop producers are not economically able to continue their operations, American families will see a decrease in the food they rely on, wholesome and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Putting Farmers First is essential to the Make America Healthy Again movement and we are doing both at USDA by expanding market opportunities and improving the farm economy for all producers. Today’s specialty crop announcement builds on our efforts to improve markets for real food into American schools, institutions, and family dinner tables.”

    The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by FSA.

    Eligible Specialty Crops

    ASCF-eligible specialty crops include: (A) Almond, Apple, Apricot, Aronia berry, Artichoke, Asparagus, Avocado (B) Banana, Bean (Snap or green; Lima; Dry edible), Beet (Table), Blackberry, Blueberry, Breadfruit, Broccoli (including Broccoli Raab), Brussels Sprouts (C) Cabbage (including Chinese), Cacao, Carrot, Cashew, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Cherimoya, Cherry, Chestnut (for Nuts), Chive, Citrus, Coconut, Coffee, Collards (including Kale), Cranberry, Cucumber, Currant (D) Date, Dry Edible Beans and Peas* (E) Edamame, Eggplant, Endive (F) Feijou, Fig, Filbert (Hazelnut) (G) Garlic, Gooseberry, Grape (including Raisin), Guava (H) Horseradish (K) Kiwi, Kohlrabi (L) Leek, Lettuce, Litchi (M) Macadamia, Mango, Melon (All Types), Mushroom (Cultivated), Mustard and Other Greens (N) Nectarine (O) Okra, Olive, Onion, Opuntia (P) Papaya, Parsley, Parsnip, Passion Fruit, Pea (Garden; English or Edible Pod; Dry edible), Peach, Pear, Pecan, Pepper, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pistachio, Plum (including Prune), Pomegranate, Potato, Pumpkin (Q) Quince (R) Radish (All Types), Raspberry, Rhubarb, Rutabaga (S) Salsify, Spinach, Squash (Summer and Winter), Strawberry, Suriname Cherry, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Swiss Chard (T) Taro, Tomato (including Tomatillo), Turnip (W) Walnut, Watermelon

    *Dry edible beans and peas covered by FBA will not be eligible for ASCF.

    ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres.

    Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of March. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF Program. However, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.

    More information on ASCF is available online at www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or producers can contact their local FSA county office. — By USDA Farm Service Agency

  • Newer Equipment Helps Dairy Producers with Environmental Impact

    California farmers have made major strides to help clean the air. Over the past two decades, about 15,000 pieces of agricultural equipment in the San Joaquin Valley have been replaced wither newer, cleaner versions. This has been done in partnership with the state, with public and private investments totaling about $2 billion throughout that timeframe. Replacing older farm equipment with newer models has provided major air quality benefits by drastically cutting diesel use and the resulting emissions.

    Unfortunately, public funding to support tractor replacement has been largely eliminated in recent years, while the need for it continues to grow. Tractor sales across the United States have slowed significantly since 2024, largely attributed to economic conditions. However, farmers, including dairy farmers and other growers remain highly interested in newer equipment that provides benefits to both economic and environmental sustainability.

    Incentive programs provided through the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local air districts have been playing a major role in promoting innovation and equipment replacements. This includes CARB’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program (which received funding from the FARMER program). Here’s a look at some of the latest equipment innovations taking place on California’s dairy farms, investments made possible with support from the incentive programs:

    Electric Tractors and Feed Pushers

    Dairy farmers have been among the early adopters of electric farm equipment. One of the daily tasks on a dairy farm is to push the feed back to being closer within the cows’ reach, encouraging them to eat more before feed is replaced with a fresh batch. Feed pushing is traditionally done about every four to six hours by an employee using a small diesel-powered tractor. As a newer, alternative option, electric-powered robotic feed pushers (which stand about three-and-a-half feet tall) can complete this task on a more frequent basis—encouraging cows get their full nutrition, while saving time and fuel.

    Another option is the use of relatively small electric tractors to perform this task. Michael Oosten, a third-generation dairy farmer in Los Angeles County, purchased four Monarch electric tractors in 2023 with support from the CORE program. The electric tractors are used to push feed, move irrigation pipes, and perform other farm tasks.

    While the challenges remain in electrifying larger agricultural machinery for heavy-duty, continuous tasks like planting and harvesting, the equipment industry is working to address limitations through technological advancements and operational strategies. California dairy farmers have piloted such equipment, providing helpful feedback to manufacturers.

    Methane-Powered Tractors

    One of the latest technologies starting to pop up on California dairy farms is methane-powered tractors. These tractors run on refined biogas or compressed natural gas (CNG), such as the kind produced by dairy digesters. California dairies are leading the way, as the first methane tractor deployed in North America is on a Stanislaus County dairy, and it was funded in part by the Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program. According to the manufacturer, New Holland America, the tractor has the same power and torque as its diesel equivalent engine, but with lower running costs, while producing 98 percent less emissions of particulate matter.

    Wyeth Dairy in Stanislaus County uses a methane-powered tractor, purchased through the District’s Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program. Photo courtesy of Kelly Burgess.

    Electric Feed Mixing Program

    Perhaps California’s dairy’s most impactful clean-air story remains the District’s Electrified Dairy Feed Mixing Program. Through this incentive program, 22 projects have now been implemented on California dairies, resulting in a total estimated annual emission reduction of 169 tons—equivalent to removing more than 1,000 heavy-duty trucks from the road. The program has also been utilized to make further advancements in automation, efficiency, and electrification.

    Over Subscribed Programs

    In July 2025, the District suspended new applications to the Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program, noting it had received pending requests totaling about $700 million, far more than that amount of funding available. The program’s budget was reduced to $2 million in the 2024-25 state budget, and no money was included for it in the 2025-26 budget. The program’s webpage states that, “The District remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the State Legislature, and Valley stakeholders to underscore the ongoing importance of this program in supporting clean air efforts in the San Joaquin Valley.” The Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program is credited with removing 380,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and 27,500 tons of air particulate matter and nitrogen emissions since 2017. Additionally, CARB’s CORE program is also fully subscribed but voucher requests are still being accepted for a waitlist. Given current economics, the availability of funding to help reduce costs to farms will continue to be critical to ongoing investments in cleaner equipment. —By Dairy Cares

  • USDA Announces $39M Purchase for Pears, Split Peas

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $263 million in agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.

    This includes $15 million for fresh pears and $24 million for split peas.

    “From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Through these Section 32 purchases, USDA is delivering wholesome, real food to Americans while injecting critical dollars into local economies. By turning harvests into meals, we are not only stabilizing farm income and protecting rural jobs—we are nourishing our nation and supporting the farmers who feed America. Under President Trump’s leadership, these investments strengthen the food supply, sustain rural communities, and reinforce agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience.”

    Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases

    AMS continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net. USDA AMS will purchase up to $263 million of the following commodities:

    • Butter: $75 million
    • Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Products: $32.5 million
    • Swiss Cheese: $10 million
    • Fresh Fluid Milk: $20.5 million
    • Ultra-High Temperature Milk: $10 million
    • Chickpeas: $12 million
    • Dried Beans (Black and Pinto): $25 million
    • Fresh Pears: $15 million
    • Lentils: $14 million
    • Pecans: $10 million
    • Split Peas: $24 million
    • Walnuts: $15 million

    — By the USDA

  • U.S. Dairy Supports Launch of New Ag Coalition for USMCA

    The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council co-led the launch of “The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA,” an industry-wide effort to support the strengthening and renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020, mandates a “joint review” in 2026, which allows the countries to consider potential changes to the agreement. Since the stakeholder engagement process began in October 2025, the U.S. dairy industry has spoken to the importance of the agreement, while stressing that certain critical shortcomings must be addressed.

    “USMCA has helped grow vital export opportunities that support dairy farm incomes across the country,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “Unfortunately, Canada has clearly not upheld their end of the deal and Mexico needs to fully implement USMCA commitments to respect our use of common cheese names. We look forward to working with the Administration during the review to ensure our trading partners honor their commitments so the agreement can best deliver for dairy farmers.”

    “USMCA has been critical to maintaining strong export demand for U.S. dairy farmers, manufacturers and exporters, providing greater opportunities in the Mexican market in particular,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “At the same time, persistent market access barriers, particularly in Canada, limit the full potential of the agreement and must be addressed to ensure that U.S. dairy exporters receive the benefits they were promised.”

    The U.S. dairy industry exported about $3.6 billion in dairy products to Canada and Mexico in 2024, which accounts for about 44 percent of total export value. At the same time, USMCA has fallen short in certain key areas. USDEC and NMPF will continue to fight for several priorities in the review, including through the Coalition:

    • Combatting manipulation of administration of dairy tariff-rate quotas in Canada, denying U.S. exporters the meaningful market access guaranteed under USMCA.
    • Tackling circumvention of USMCA dairy protein export disciplines in Canada, which has resulted in continued offloading of artificially low-priced dairy proteins, undercutting U.S. products in both domestic and global markets.
    • Ensuring that Mexico upholds its USMCA commitments to protect common cheese names such as “feta.” The issue is increasingly pressing as European Union trade negotiations seek to restrict the use of generic terms worldwide.

    NMPF and USDEC will continue to work with trade negotiators to address USMCA noncompliance areas ahead of the July 1 joint review deadline.

    The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.

    The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.

  • Livestock Marketing Association Opens Scholarship Applications

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) has announced that applications are now open for its 2026 scholarship programs, offering two distinct opportunities to support students pursuing education and careers connected to the livestock marketing industry. LMA members are encouraged to endorse applicants — customers, family members, employees or students from their communities — who demonstrate interest in or understanding of the importance of livestock marketing.

    LMA will offer the Career & Academic Education Scholarship for traditional post‑secondary education pathways and the Auctioneer School Scholarship for individuals pursuing training in the auction method of marketing livestock.

    Applications for both scholarship tracks are online at www.LMAWeb.com.

    Career & Academic Education Scholarship

    The Career & Academic Education Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and students currently enrolled in accredited post‑secondary institutions, including trade schools, community colleges, junior colleges, universities, and programs in veterinary science, veterinary medicine, or law.

    Applicants must include the name and contact information of an active LMA member endorsing their application. Each LMA member may endorse up to two applicants per academic year, and relatives or employees of LMA member businesses are eligible.

    A review panel composed of allied‑industry representatives, LMA leadership, and/or LMA members — who are not sponsors or relatives of applicants — will evaluate submissions after the deadline. Up to nine students will each receive a one‑time $2,500 scholarship, paid directly to the academic institution.

    Auctioneer School Scholarship

    The LMA Auctioneer School Scholarship provides a one‑time award to applicants who plan to attend auction school and use their training to support the auction method of marketing livestock.

    Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 25, provide an essay demonstrating their understanding of the livestock marketing industry, and be endorsed by an active LMA member. Each LMA member may endorse up to two applicants per scholarship year, and relatives or employees of LMA member businesses may apply.

    Following the submission deadline, a panel of allied‑industry representatives, LMA leadership, and/or LMA members — who are not sponsors or relatives of applicants — will review submissions. One applicant will receive a one‑time scholarship award of up to $2,500 toward auction school tuition.

    Deadlines & Contact Information

    All applications must be received — whether emailed or mailed — by March 13, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. For questions regarding the LMA Scholarship Program, please contact lmainfo@lmaweb.com.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s largest, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.

  • Trade Agreements Strengthen Protections for U.S. Dairy Exports

    The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Consortium for Common Food Names welcomed the United States’ signing of reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala, underscoring the importance of reinforcing long-standing market access gains for U.S. dairy exporters and preventing the emergence of new trade barriers.

    As outlined in the agreements, El Salvador and Guatemala have both committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products, including dairy. These obligations include recognition of U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities, a prohibition on introducing a facility registration requirement for U.S. dairy products and streamlining of product registration requirements, which are critical elements for ensuring predictable and fair market access for all U.S. dairy exports.

    The two countries have also committed to ensuring that market access for U.S. agricultural exporters will not be restricted due to the use of certain cheese and meat terms. These include 38 widely used dairy terms such as parmesan, gruyere, feta and asiago, as well as 10 meat terms. This commitment provides important certainty for common name producers and exporters.

    “Securing durable market access and setting clear expectations with trading partners is essential for U.S. agriculture,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This agreement builds on the success of CAFTA-DR and we thank the administration for fighting for the right of U.S. dairy exporters to compete fairly in the Salvadoran and Guatemalan market.”

    U.S. dairy exports already benefit from duty-free treatment in El Salvador and Guatemala as a result of the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Tariffs on U.S. dairy products phased out entirely this past year, following direct advocacy from USDEC and NMPF over a decade ago to secure full market access under the agreement.

    “For dairy farmers, these agreements help to keep doors open to U.S. products,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “By protecting hard-won access and preventing new barriers from taking hold, the agreements support demand for U.S. milk and dairy products and strengthen the economic outlook for farm families across the country.”

    “As European authorities increasingly seek to confiscate common food names across Latin America, the agreements unequivocally protect 38 common cheese names and 10 generic meat terms and send a clear signal by preserving our producers’ right to label their products with terms that have been used for generations in El Salvador and Guatemala,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN.

    NMPF, USDEC and CCFN will continue working closely with USTR and U.S. government partners to monitor implementation of the agreement and to ensure that El Salvador and Guatemala fully meet their commitments to maintaining open and predictable access for U.S. dairy products and common name foods and beverages.

    The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.

    The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.

    The Consortium for Common Food Names is an independent, international alliance whose goal is to work with leaders in agriculture, trade, and intellectual property rights to foster the adoption of high standards and model geographical indication guidelines throughout the world. Learn more at www.commonfoodnames.com.

  • UCCE Hosting Rice Production Workshop

    UC Cooperative Extension is offering a workshop covering the principles and practices of rice production in California. The workshop, which will take place on March 18-19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lundberg Family Farms in Richvale., will include rice growth and land formation, weed management, pest identification, water management, crop diseases and more.

    Registration is $200 per person and includes lunch for both days. The deadline is March 15. Those interested in participating can register here.

    March 18

    8:30 Registration

    9:00 Rice Growth and Development — Bruce Linquist, UC Davis

    10:00 Land Formation— Sarah Marsh Janish, UCCE

    10:20 Break

    10:35 Varieties — Dustin Harrell, Rice Experiment Station

    11:35 Planting and Stand Establishment — Michelle Leinfelder-Miles, UCCE

    12:00 Lunch

    12:45 Water Management — Bruce Linquist, UC Davis, Whitney Brim-DeForest, UCCE

    1:45 Fertility— Bruce Linquist, UC Davis

    2:15 Questions Roundtable

    3:15 Adjourn

    March 19

    March 19

    8:30 Registration

    9:00 Weeds — Kassim Al-Khatib, UC Davis, Michelle Leinfelder-Miles, UCCE, Whitney Brim-DeForest, UCCE

    10:30 Break

    10:45 Arthropods — Ian Grettenberger, UC Davis

    11:45 Vertebrates— Ian Grettenberger, UC Davis

    12:00 Lunch

    12:45 Diseases — Luis Espino, UCCE

    1:45 Pest Identification Session

    2:45 Questions Roundtable

    3:15 Adjourn

    — By UC Agricultural and Natural Resources

  • Cal Ag Secretary Karen Ross Highlights International Year of the Woman Farmer

    California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross highlighted the International Year of the Woman Farmer during the World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA; a campaign prompted by the United Nations and the CA Grown program to raise awareness and promote the essential global role women hold in the agriculture industry, from production to trade. 

    “Women are helping to grow the future of California Agriculture.  The number of dynamic, fearless, accomplished women leading farms, driving innovation and shaping the future of food has grown more than 13 percent in the last decade,” said Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture.  “We need to celebrate their contributions to the global agricultural industry here at the World Ag Expo where we are witnessing cutting edge technology, equipment and educational opportunities, and every day.”

    California is home to over 45,000 women producers who collectively steward more than 11 million acres of farmland.  Women play essential roles across the food system that are critical to food security, nutrition and economic resilience.  Their essential role in every facet of the food and farming system is celebrated at the World Ag Expo, where more than 100,000 visitors from 70 countries are scheduled to visit.  The event hosts over 1,200 exhibitors displaying state-of-the-art technology and equipment over a three-day period, as well as educational opportunities, including seminars by agricultural experts and cooking demonstrations by California Grown.

    Secretary Ross was joined at the International Year of the Woman Farmer event by CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong. CDFA representation at this year’s World Ag Expo also includes Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina and staff from the department’s Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) and Inspection Services Division, as well as the State Board of Food and Agriculture.

    Food influencers including Alison Needham a creator for the California Grown campaign, Aida Mollenkamp the founder of Salt and Wind Travel, prune grower Hilary Porter of Erick Nielsen Enterprises, U.S. Sweet Potato Council President Sarah Alvarnaz, and many more women in agriculture are in attendance during a reception to honor their contributions.

    The California Grown program brings together industry and government resources to increase the awareness, consumption and value of California agricultural products, helping consumers enjoy the best of the California lifestyle, and to recognize the Golden State’s role in food, beverage and flower production across the nation and the globe.

     
    The campaign was established by proclamation of the United Nations to raise awareness of the critical roles women play in the global agricultural industry that is often unrecognized.  Learn more about the worldwide campaign by visiting https://californiagrown.org/yearofthewomanfarmer/. Media assets may be downloaded here.

    About CA GROWN
    California Grown was formed in 2001 to increase awareness and consumption of high-quality California agricultural products. The organization is represented today by more than two dozen commodity organizations and dozens of agricultural entities licensed to use the popular California Grown brand. For more information about California Grown, contact Cherie Watte at cher@californiagrown.org.