New Calif. Ag Leader Earns Praise

Leaders of California farm organizations welcomed the appointment of longtime agricultural advocate Karen Ross as secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Gov. Jerry Brown recently announced Ross’ appointment to the position.

“Karen Ross is a well-known and dedicated advocate for California’s diverse and dynamic agriculture,” California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger says. “We look forward to working with Karen in her new position, leading a department that oversees the fifth-largest agricultural economy in the world.”

As secretary, Ross will lead the state agency charged with protecting and promoting California’s agriculture and consumers by ensuring the production and delivery of safe food, fiber and farm products. She currently serves as chief of staff to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Prior to that, she served for 13 years as president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and held positions on numerous agricultural boards, including the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

Well Qualified For Job

“Karen Ross is well-suited for the role of food and agriculture secretary,” Wenger says. “She has firsthand knowledge about the many challenges farmers and ranchers face each day, not just in California but throughout the nation.

“Her experience working at USDA will provide her with important insights on how government can better assist our diverse agriculture in California.

Wenger added that, as California faces challenging budgetary times, “It’s imperative that the CDFA is led by someone like Karen who understands the importance of California agriculture.”

Calif. Farm Bureau contributed information for this article.