On August 5, CCM President & CEO Casey Creamer, met with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to discuss current issues facing U.S. agriculture. The meeting was convened by Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and hosted at Terranova Ranch in Helm, CA. Also in attendance were Congressman David Valadao (R-Hanford), California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and other allied agriculture associations.
Secretary Vilsack touched on several topics pertinent to the California citrus industry, including the need to diversify trade markets. In addition the Secretary also discussed water infrastructure, the food box program, ports, and climate. Those in attendance were able to discuss their concerns and hear USDA’s actions to address these.