Former Winegrape Group Exec Named CA Ag Chief

The former president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has has been appointed secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) by the state’s new governor, Jerry Brown.

Karen Ross, 59, who most recently was chief of staff with the USDA, served as head of CAWG from 1996 to 2009. Prior to that, she was the vice president of government relations for the Agricultural Council of California from 1989 to 1996. Ross, a Democrat, served as a member of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture from 2001 to 2009. Her new position with CDFA, which requires Senate confirmation, has an annual salary of $172,524.

Her selection was hailed by the the current president of CAWG, John Aguirre. “Governor Brown made an outstanding choice in selecting Karen Ross. She knows and understands California agriculture and is experienced on state, federal, and international issues,” he said. “The governor’s appointment of Ross is very reassuring to the California winegrape industry.”

Kim Ledbetter Bronson, partner in Vino Farms and chair of CAWG, agreed. “The appointment of Karen Ross tells me Governor Brown understands the importance of CDFA to the agricultural community,” she said. “I know Karen will bring steady, thoughtful leadership to the department.”

The California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN), a collaboration of California’s sustainable agriculture organizations , also said Ross was a good choice, saying in a press release that she has a long tenure of promoting the economic and environmental sustainability of California agriculture.

“Governor Brown selected the best person for California Department of Food and Agriculture,” said Rich Rominger, CDFA secretary under then-Governor Brown from 1977 to 1982 and Deputy Secretary of USDA from 1993 to 2001. “Karen Ross is the leader we need to address the critical issues of agriculture, water, clean energy development and climate change.”

California agriculture is $35 billion industry, covering a quarter of the state’s land mass and providing about half of the country’s fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables, so the CDFA position is critical.

“Karen Ross is the right person at the right time for the job,” said Craig McNamara, owner of Sierra Orchards and member of the State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Karen knows California agriculture and can bring together diverse groups to work towards a sustainable future for California’s farmers and ranchers.”

“We are pleased to welcome Karen Ross back to California as Secretary of Department of Food and Agriculture,” said Renata Brillinger, executive director of CalCAN. “California agriculture will face a number of challenges in the coming years, most significantly the impacts of climate change. We look forward to working with Ms. Ross to support California agriculture in addressing a changing climate.”