California Ag Network

Tag: Ag Council

  • Ag Council Announces Duane Simpson as an Annual Meeting Speaker

    Ag Council is pleased to announce that the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) President and CEO Duane Simpson will speak during the 107th Annual Meeting taking place March 11–12, 2026, at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, California.

    Duane was named president and CEO of NCFC in 2025 and leads the organization’s efforts to advance the interests of America’s farmer cooperatives by promoting sound agricultural policy, rural economic development, and market access. He brings a distinguished career in agricultural policy, public affairs, and executive leadership, including prior service as vice president and head of agricultural affairs and license to operate at Bayer Crop Science. Throughout his career, Duane has led bipartisan coalitions, navigated complex legislative and regulatory environments, and worked to protect and expand market access for agricultural producers and cooperatives. — Agricultural Council of California

  • Ag Council of California Works to Ensure Buy American Provision

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    Emily Rooney, President of the Ag Council of California recently spoke at the annual Almond Alliance Convention, sharing their organization’s efforts to defend California Agriculture in Sacramento. One of their recent successes has been working with Dr. Pan on the Buy American Provision to ensure that school lunches are not coming from commodities produced outside of the country when they are locally grown in California. Watch her video interview with California Ag Network here to learn more.

  • Ag Council of California Recognizes Clinton Shick with Cultivator Award

    The prestigious 2017 California Cultivator Award was presented to Clinton Shick, past chairman of Blue Diamond Growers, on March 9th during Ag Council’s 98th Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, California.

    “During Clinton’s tenure as vice chair and chair, Blue Diamond’s growth catapulted,” said Emily Rooney, president of Ag Council. “Clinton helped lead the cooperative into an era where they handled more almonds than ever before. That growth was fueled by the development of several innovative marketing initiatives, including the development of a new plant in Turlock, and the expansion of the Almond Innovation Center in Sacramento.”

    Shick is a third generation farmer from Kern County, growing several hundred acres of almonds and also operating a farm management business devoted to almonds, walnuts and cherries. A past president of the Kern County Farm Bureau and current member of the Central Valley Almond Association, a cooperative huller/sheller, Clinton began his professional career after graduating from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Farm Management, and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at University of California, Davis.

    “His impeccable character represented Blue Diamond well to our industry, employees, customers and grower-owners,” said Dan Cummings, current Blue Diamond Chairman of the Board. “Clinton had a thoughtful way of drawing out others’ input on the Board while also sharing his sage insights. He was instrumental in the recruitment of our current CEO and this may very well be his most lasting legacy to Blue Diamond Growers.”

    Shick was first elected to the Blue Diamond Growers Board of Directors in 1983, served as vice chair for 16 years and as chairman of the board from 2006 to 2014. He was formally honored by his peers during lunch on March 9th at Ag Council’s annual meeting.

    As background, the purpose of the California Cultivator Award is to publicly recognize and honor one who clearly has made significant contributions to agriculture or has demonstrated leadership and personal commitment beyond the normal expectations of a person serving the farmer-owned business sector.

  • Ag Council Annual Meeting

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 7, 2017) – Ag Council thanks our members who have registered for the 98th Annual Meeting taking place March 8-10, 2017 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. If you have not yet registered, click the “Learn More” link below to register today. The registration fee increases on February 17, 2017.

    CoBank Partnership: As in the past, the Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with CoBank’s Pacific West Customer Meeting, and we appreciate CoBank’s partnership.

    Agenda: For the tentative agenda, click HERE.  Go to the “Learn More” link below to register for Ag Council’s 98th Annual Meeting.

    Questions: We look forward to seeing you in Carlsbad. Please contact Jennifer Johnson at ph. 916.443.4887 or jennifer@agcouncil.org with any questions.