California Ag Network

Tag: CFBF

  • California FFA Honors Grow West, Farm Bureau and the California Ag Teachers’ Association

    The California Association, FFA, recently awarded Grow West, the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF), and the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) with the Distinguished Service Citation at the 97th State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento.

    The Distinguished Service Citation honors organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups that have made outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education. This year, the California FFA Executive Committee voted to recognize these three organizations for their unwavering support and dedication to California FFA and its members.

    Grow West, one of California’s largest independent ag retailers, was recognized for its remarkable 70-year partnership with California FFA. The company has been a key supporter of the California Agriculture Special Interest License Plate Program, which generates more than $200,000 annually to fund youth leadership and career development. Since 2015, Grow West has purchased over 300 agriculture-themed license plates for its company fleet—200 of which remain in active use today. Beyond this initiative, Grow West also invests locally through donations, livestock project purchases, and fundraising efforts.

    The California Farm Bureau Federation was honored for its consistent and wide-ranging support of FFA members across the state.

    The California Farm Bureau Federation was honored for its consistent and wide-ranging support of FFA members across the state. From funding FFA jackets provided to sectional and regional officers to contributing to the state awards program, CFBF helps ensure members are well-equipped for leadership and career success. Their impact is felt both statewide and at the local level, where they continue to champion FFA chapters and nurture the next generation of California agricultural leaders.

    The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) was recognized with the Distinguished Service Citation for its critical role in advancing agricultural education statewide.

    The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) was recognized with the Distinguished Service Citation for its critical role in advancing agricultural education statewide. Representing agriculture educators from middle school through university, CATA advocates for funding, resources, and program development that directly benefit students, teachers, and agricultural education programs. Their ongoing efforts ensure agricultural education remains strong and relevant across California.

    “The Distinguished Service Citation is one of the highest honors we can bestow, and this year’s recipients exemplify what it means to be true champions of agricultural education,” said Matt Patton, executive director of the California FFA Foundation. “Grow West, the California Farm Bureau Federation, and the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association have each made a profound impact on California FFA and our members, and their commitment helps prepare today’s FFA members to drive the future of agriculture.”

    With more than 105,000 student members statewide, California FFA is committed to transforming the lives of young people by cultivating their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The steadfast support of Grow West, the California Farm Bureau Federation, and CATA helps ensure California FFA remains a consistent driving force for youth leadership and agricultural education.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • CFBF and Canadian Produce Marketing Association Highlight Importance Of NAFTA

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 1, 2018) – The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has created a vital trading relationship for both Canadian and Californian agricultural and food businesses. Today, at a trade panel discussion hosted by the Canadian consulate, both the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) reiterated their support for NAFTA and emphasized the importance of integrated supply chains across the continent.

    “The fresh produce industry is committed to achieving a win-win-win agreement for all three NAFTA countries,” said Jane Proctor, CPMA Vice President of Policy and Issue Management. “NAFTA has enabled the free flow of goods across our borders with over $2.5 billion USD worth of fresh produce exported from California to Canada in 2016 and ensures that Canadians have a year-round supply of fresh and affordable produce. We appreciate the strong support shown by Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Canadian negotiators for our industry and all of Canadian agriculture during these negotiations.”

    “California agricultural exports support 1 million jobs on farms and in cities, and that number will only increase with higher demand for California-grown products,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “Trade with Canada and Mexico under NAFTA has generally been positive for California farms, ranches and agricultural businesses. We support ongoing efforts to modernize the agreement for the benefit of farmers, food businesses and consumers in all three nations.”

    The trading relationship between California and Canada remains strong with $6.3 billion USD in agricultural trade in 2016, including $4.1 billion worth of California agricultural exports to Canada.

    The CFBF and CPMA will continue to work with negotiators and legislators on both sides of the border to ensure a successful and reciprocal agreement for industry.

     

  • Ford, Lincoln provide vehicle discounts to Farm Bureau Members

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 26, 2017) – Beginning immediately, Farm Bureau members in California can qualify for discounts when buying Ford trucks, cars and SUVs, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.

    The California Farm Bureau Federation and the Ford Motor Company have partnered to offer California members a new benefit, which offers $500 Bonus Cash toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017/2018 Ford vehicle, and $750 toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017/2018 Lincoln vehicle.

    “We’re excited to offer this new benefit to Farm Bureau members,” CFBF President Paul Wenger said. “The Ford F-150 has been the nation’s best-selling truck for 40 years and a key part of many farm and ranch operations. With the Farm Bureau discount, a full range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles will become even more of a good deal.”

    To qualify for the Ford member benefit, you must be an eligible member of a county Farm Bureau in California for at least 30 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Farm Bureau members may download and print a Ford or Lincoln program certificate from fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/ca or lincolnspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/ca. To print the certificate, members must enter their Farm Bureau membership number and primary ZIP code. The certificate should be provided to a local Ford or Lincoln dealer before beginning the vehicle purchase process.

    “Ford Motor Company remains dedicated to expanding our Farm Bureau association and we are extremely pleased to include the California Farm Bureau,” said Kevin Cour, director of U.S. retail operations for Ford. “Ford continues to support the ever-important sector of agriculture and farming, to help this vital group of hard-working Americans get equipment that works as hard as they do to feed the nation and the world.”

    For additional information on the Ford and Lincoln membership benefit, visit the CFBF website at www.cfbf.com/member-benefits and select the Vehicle Discounts and Rentals link.

    Ford Motor Co., based in Dearborn, Mich., designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Co. and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. For more information, see www.corporate.ford.com.