California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized for more than 15 years of service to agriculture during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (NASDA) inaugural Years of Service Ceremony at its 2026 annual meeting in Portland, Maine.
Secretary Ross was among five state agriculture leaders recognized in the 15+ Years of Service category. The inaugural ceremony recognized 14 NASDA members for dedication to their states and to NASDA, including three members with more than 20 years of service, five with at least 15 years and six with at least 10 years.
“Having served in these roles over 10, 20 to nearly 30 years, adds up to countless hours members have worked day-in and day-out with farmers to find the best ways to innovate how we grow our food and fiber, care for our environment and support local communities in good times and hard times,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.
McKinney also recognized the honorees’ contributions beyond their work with farmers, ranchers and food producers, noting their experience and expertise have helped NASDA work on federal regulations and policies affecting American agriculture.
Secretary Ross has served as Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture since 2011, when she was initially appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. She was reappointed in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Throughout her tenure, Secretary Ross has worked with farmers, ranchers, agricultural organizations, government agencies and other partners on issues affecting California agriculture. Her work at CDFA has included a focus on environmental stewardship, climate change adaptation, trade and strengthening opportunities for California agriculture.
She has also emphasized the importance of collaboration across agriculture and government as California works to protect and promote its food and agricultural system.
Secretary Ross’s recognition by NASDA highlights more than a decade and a half of service and collaboration on behalf of agriculture in California and across the nation.
NASDA has convened the nation’s state agriculture commissioners, secretaries and directors for more than 100 years, serving as a unified voice on important agricultural issues representing all 50 states and four U.S. territories. Going forward, NASDA plans to recognize members for their years of service, from 10 years to more than 25 years.