Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Secretary Karen Ross on Leadership, Innovation, and the Future

Pictured: 2025 California State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento; Secretary Ross (center), with FFA students.

Secretary Karen Ross is featured in the July edition of the ONOR Journal in a conversation about leadership, innovation and preparing the next generation for the future. In the feature, Secretary Ross shares insights drawn from her career in agriculture and public service, emphasizing that while technology and innovation are transforming agriculture, people remain at the heart of progress.

“Today’s students are growing up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, global  interconnectedness, and unprecedented access to information. Yet many remain unaware of the opportunities available within modern agriculture and food systems,” said Secretary Ross

She also discusses the importance of education, mentorship, curiosity and being open to unexpected opportunities. This advice that offers valuable perspective for farmers, students, parents, educators and community leaders. The feature highlights Secretary Ross’s belief that the future is something we cultivate by investing in people and helping young people see the possibilities ahead.

Read the complete feature: “Cultivating Possibility: Secretary Karen Ross on Leadership, Innovation, and Why the Future Depends on People”

This entry was posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, CDFA Public Affairs, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Climate Smart Agriculture, Community-based Food System. Bookmark the permalink.

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