Fredrick Gomez

The California Agricultural Research and Innovation Roadmap is a collaborative plan designed to address critical challenges facing California agriculture, such as water scarcity, climate change, and labor shortages, while fostering opportunities for growth. It outlines long-term research priorities focusing on climate resilience, water management, integrated pest and disease management, food safety, technology and automation, and economic and policy pathways. Additionally, it establishes shorter-term innovation priorities for water and soil management, automation, pest management, and biomass management, aiming to drive practical solutions and ensure the long-term productivity, efficiency, and resilience of California agriculture.

The board meeting included a departmental update from Secretary Karen Ross concerning the coordinated federal/state response, including testing and surveillance, related to the current H5N1 situation in cattle and poultry. Presentations were delivered regarding the vision and scope of FIRA USA, the importance of autonomous farming and agricultural robotics, opportunities to advance agricultural technology innovation in California, and the current investment climate for agricultural and food technology. During board discussion, staff provided an update on the status of the DRAFT document defining Regenerative Agriculture, which is scheduled for review at the December meeting.

The meeting included a departmental update from Secretary Karen Ross, welcoming USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffit, with a focus on the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Key discussions centered around the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative through three separate panel discussions involving agricultural stakeholders and USDA representatives. Topics covered included opportunities to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops products in foreign markets, enhancements to domestic marketing, and improvements to production and processing practices. Public comments were also heard on items not on the agenda.

Key discussions during the meeting included a departmental update covering the conclusion of backyard fruit removal related to Oriental fruit fly quarantines, testing related to avian influenza in dairy herds, and progress on the State of the Science Summit focused on feed strategies to reduce enteric emissions. Presentations were provided to the Board concerning the CDFA budget status, current issues related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), the status of the 2024 Farm Bill, and the California Jobs First Initiative. A panel discussion centered on the Farms-Food-Future regional economic development project. Additional presentations covered awarded initiatives under the Healthy Food Financing Collaborative. The Board also discussed the cancellation of the July 2, 2024, meeting and heard public comments regarding the CDFA's Quota Implementation Plan and Equine Medication Monitoring Program.

The agenda for this meeting includes a call to order and roll call, departmental updates from Secretary Karen Ross, and several presentations. Key presentations cover the CDFA Budget Update, an update on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and perspectives on the 2024 Farm Bill. The session also includes a presentation on California Jobs First and a panel discussion titled "F3: Farms-Food-Future." The schedule concludes with a presentation on the Healthy Food Financing Collaborative, general board discussion, public comment, and adjournment. Action is possible on any item contained in this agenda.