Story from Ag Net West

Several California agricultural leaders, including Ag Secretary Karen Ross, are back from a week-long trade mission overseas. Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor led the South Korea trade mission, which included representatives from 49 companies and organizations from around the U.S. Taylor said it was a success that offered a lot of opportunities for California’s specialty crops.

“I think we are able to really expand and showcase what we can provide, what we can export, and how that can really benefit Korean consumers,” she said. “We had several California fresh fruit sectors represented, some tree nuts represented. So, while we have exports there, I think we are also looking to continue to grow and expand those. We’re working on expanded market access, for instance, of nectarines and so the Tree Fruit Association was there because they have some interest in already exporting, but also looking towards potentially new market access for California nectarines.”

She said there was strong interest in U.S. fruit and vegetables, nuts, dairy and eggs, coffee, and distilled spirits. Pet foods and consumer-packaged goods like condiments and sauces were also on the list.

“At USDA, we are really focused on market diversification and opening doors, helping build relationships for U.S. food and agricultural exporters and our industries and markets all over the world. And I think Korea being our fifth largest market is really key to that market diversification work,” she said. “U.S. food and agricultural products are really recognized by South Korean consumers and importers for their reliability, their quality, and their sustainability as well. South Korean consumers really value food safety and what they’re choosing to eat in the U.S. brand has really strong safety associated with it.”

Taylor said it was one of several trade missions planned for the year, with the next being at the end of this month in India.

“I’m really excited. We have a strong U.S. delegation already signed up to go to India. Last year the Biden-Harris administration was able to reduce tariffs on roughly 10 products in India in the food and ag space [including] a lot of our specialty crops,” Taylor said. “So, we’re excited to be taking food and agricultural businesses back to begin the process of rebuilding back to those consumers and rebuilding that market share.”

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) continues to unveil data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture, including the release of newly-developed state and county profiles.

California is the leading agricultural state in the nation, with more than $59 billion in farm sales in 2022, and that accounts for 11 percent of the national total.

Of the state’s 63,134 farms, 62 percent are fewer than 50 acres, and 90 percent are family-owned.

NASS released the Ag Census on Feb. 13, 2024. Data points cover millions of pieces of information about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The once-every-five-years Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data down to the county level.

Read more about California and its counties here

CDFA concludes its celebration of Women’s History Month with a profile of Kathy Diaz, Director of Marketing Services. Kathy oversees the agency’s promotion of California’s agricultural products as well as agriculture statistics, dairy marketing; market enforcement, milk pooling, and local fairs.

As we recognize National Farmworkers Awareness Week (March 25 – 31), we celebrate the essential role farmworkers play in our food system.

CDFA supports our essential agricultural workforce across California. By leveraging partnerships, CDFA supports initiatives that implement comprehensive strategies that uplift farmworkers at every stage of their careers, from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the agricultural sector.

A key initiative is the Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training Grant program, which provides crucial resources and training opportunities to individuals looking to start their careers in agriculture. By offering this, the state is helping to equip farmworkers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in agriculture.

In addition, one of CDFA’s Ag Vision priorities is to ‘Drive the Next Generation of Talent and Tools’. Through California’s training programs and partnerships and CDFA’s own Specialty Crop Workforce Development Program, the agency is helping to ensure that farmworkers have access to resources that enhance their professional growth and advancement opportunities. Whether it’s through on-the-job training or specialized workshops, CDFA strives to empower farmworkers to reach their full potential.

In addition to these initiatives, CDFA collaborates closely with a network of partners — including state agencies, federal departments, and local governments — to address the unique challenges facing farmworkers. CDFA also partners with stakeholders to ensure that our agricultural community has access to information about mental health resources through the Farmer & Farmworker Mental Health Resources page.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

In celebration of Women’s History Month, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong (left) moderated a panel of women leaders in CDFA today at the department’s headquarters. Panelists revisited their own paths that led to agriculture and public service, recognized family and mentors who paved the way, and offered advice for those just beginning their careers. The panel included (continuing from left) Tawny Mata, Director of the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation; Arima Kozina, Deputy Secretary of Administration & Finance, Executive Office; Dr. Annette Jones, State Veterinarian and Division Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division; and Victoria Hornbaker, Director of Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division (not pictured), who joined virtually. The event was hosted by CDFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Office of Civil Rights.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is with agribusinesses, agricultural associations, the USDA, and state departments of agriculture on a trade mission to South Korea focusing on building trade relationships and expanding market opportunities.

South Korea is California’s sixth largest export destination, valued at more than $1.2 billion. Top agricultural exports include almonds, dairy, oranges, rice and beef. 

Secretary Ross is joined on the trade mission by representatives from the California Fresh Fruit Association, California Prunes and 17 California businesses representing a diversity of CA GROWN products. 

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Photo captions

• Top photo (L to R) – Daniel Hartwig, California Fresh Fruit Association; Donn Zea, California Prunes; CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Melissa Frank, Wonderful; Michael Thurlow, Mountain View Fruit Sales; and Caroline Stringer, California Fresh Fruit Association.
• Lower left — Secretary Ross and Dinesh Bajaj, Select Harvest USA
• Lower right – Secretary Ross with USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor and representatives from the U.S. blueberry industry.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross spoke at the recent California State Future Farmers of America Leadership Conference in Sacramento. The event highlighted student accomplishments and brought together approximately 7,500 FFA members. 

Secretary Ross emphasized the significance of FFA in fostering a sense of belonging. She underscored the pivotal role of students in shaping the future of California’s agricultural landscape while acknowledging the myriad challenges they could face, including water management, workforce issues, food safety, and combating invasive pests amidst advancing technologies. 

Secretary Ross also stressed the importance of investing in local food systems as well as advocating for proper nutrition from an early age. She highlighted California’s role as a leading producer of food and championed the creation of healthy communities that care for both people and the agricultural resources of crops and livestock.

The event, which saw participation from FFA members hailing from every corner of the state, was a testament to the dedication and passion of California’s youth. The annual conference also included presentations by various speakers, educational workshops, and the chance to engage with industries and colleges in a career expo.

CDFA is proud to continue to spotlight the talented women leaders at our agency, as part of Women’s History Month. Meet Natalie Krout-Greenberg, Director of the Inspection Services Division.

Here’s a look back at another successful Ag Day yesterday at the State Capitol, with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

Happy Ag Day! California’s annual celebration of agriculture returned to the sunny west steps of the State Capitol today, bringing together farmers, ranchers, agricultural enthusiasts and leaders around this year’s theme: “Next-Gen Tools, Talent & Tech.” Special thanks to California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom for sharing words of praise, pride and optimism about California agriculture; and to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross for doing double-duty at Ag Day on the west steps of the Capitol and at the concurrent “Bring Your Child to Work Day” festivities taking place today down the street at CDFA headquarters.

Thanks also to Judy Culbertson of Ag in the Classroom, who accepted a proclamation at this year’s event in anticipation of her retirement. We will miss her early-morning “live shots” from Ag Day on the local news, her unrelenting optimism in the face of weather that only a farmer could love, and especially her wise guidance in the months of planning leading up to each Ag Day.

Special thanks to our Ag Day 2024 Sponsors:

Green Acres
California State Floral Association
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
John Deere
got milk? / California Milk Processor Board
Association of California Egg Farmers / California Poultry Federation
California Strawberry Commission
California Prune Board
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
California Farmworker Foundation
Western Growers