|
SACRAMENTO, May 1, 2025 - As current trade disruptions impact California’s farmers and ranchers, the State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates from agricultural organizations, trading partners and policy experts concerning the issue on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.
The meeting is also available via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81514786345
Webinar ID: 815 1478 6345
Passcode: Board2025!
(Phone Access Passcode: 8147245557)
(Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)
“As the nation’s largest agricultural exporter – California is disproportionally impacted by trade disruptions,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “I stand with California farmers, ranchers and farm workers in seeking trade mitigation in the short-term as well as expanding market development opportunities in the months ahead.”
Last month, the federal government announced a minimum 10 percent tariff on all trading partners, with several countries (including California’s key export markets) facing higher tariff rates. Tariff implementation, beyond the minimum 10 percent, was paused on April 9th for 90 days, with the exception of China where tariffs are currently at 145 percent.
California agricultural exports are valued at more than $22.4 billion, with the top export commodities being tree nuts, dairy, wine, processed tomatoes, rice, table grapes, citrus and strawberries. It is estimated that California’s agricultural exports support more than 141,000 jobs and generate and additional $24 billion in domestic economic activity.
Invited speakers include: Darci Vetter, Sower Strategies LLC (former chief agricultural negoitatior for the U.S. Trade Representative); Emily Desai, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development; Julie Berg, Wine Institute; Keith Schneller, Almond Board of California; Silke Boger, Delegation of the European Union to the United States; Josh Eddy, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and other invited speakers.
“It is the trade uncertainty that is most challenging,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Contracts, planting decisions and workforce needs are all among the considerations as we see markets respond to tariffs. Exports are critical for California agriculture.”
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.
|
