Author Archives: Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I recently was invited to Lodi to join that region’s Winegrape Commission in celebrating the 10th annual “Zinfest.” It’s a great example of food and wine events that create local economic activity and foster direct communication between consumers and farmers. Zinfest is very well done – a testament to the visionary leaders who created the Lodi Winegrape Commission, and to the …

Many decades ago, now-urban Los Angeles County was agrarian. In fact, it was once the largest Ag county in California. In that more pastoral time, North Hollywood High School had a 100-acre farm. Since then, it has seen its footprint shrink to eight acres and is now surrounded by apartment buildings and other developments. However, that smaller plot of land …

I wish to offer my congratulations to my colleague and friend Craig McNamara for being named Agriculturalist of the Year by the California State Fair. Craig is a uniquely visionary leader – someone who is highly deserving of this prestigious award.  Beyond his deep commitment as a farmer and as president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, …

  I am honored to represent the State of California and the California Department of Food and Agriculture at this year’s World Ag Expo, one of the premier events of its kind in the country. The Expo represents a unique opportunity to build local and global partnerships, showcase innovation, and present new technologies, products and equipment. The Expo is also …

Governor Brown’s proposed budget for 2014-2015 reflects a fiscal outlook that, while positive, continues to exercise caution. There are prudent investments in infrastructure with a focus on schools, health care and public safety. The budget also pays down debt. For CDFA, there is a proposal to build infrastructure to combat climate change and facilitate greater environmental stewardship that would provide …

With the holiday season now fully upon us, I’d like to take moment to suggest a gift you may not have considered – the California Agriculture License Plate. This is an excellent way to show support for California agriculture while participating in a program that actually gives back. A portion of Ag license plate fees provides funding for agricultural education …