Agricultural Council of California

08/25/2026

Beautiful day to visit Pacific Coast Producers with California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez, Board member Eric Guerra, Majority Leader Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and staff representing Christopher Cabaldon.

The tour showcased the tomato processing facility in Woodland and discussion centered around Pacific Coast Producers' significant efforts to lower emissions and reduce energy use thanks to the Food Production Investment Program, which is a state matching grant program that has been funded through Cap & Invest.

Pacific Coast Producers is a farmer-owned cooperative employing 3,000 Californians and sustainably processing delicious locally grown tomatoes, peaches, pears and more within hours of harvest. We appreciate all who joined the tour today to learn more about the important work they do to bring food to our tables.

08/20/2026

Thanks to Assemblymember Heather Hadwick for being a voice for and for connecting with our Farmers' Rice Cooperative 🌾 members to discuss your policy priorities, the end of the legislative session, and Highland cows, of course. 🐮

06/24/2026

Agricultural Council of California President Emily Rooney recently joined Lydia Johnson of Agri-Pulse to discuss California’s 2032 packaging mandate requiring all single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable.

Rooney shared concerns about compliance costs, food safety challenges, and the lack of practical alternatives for many ag products—all while producers face rising financial pressures.
To watch the full interview, click the link below.

California agriculture operates at a scale and under conditions unl...

06/11/2026

Agricultural Council of California President Emily Robidart Rooney appreciated the opportunity to recently join a panel during the Agri-Pulse Communications Food & Ag Issues Summit to discuss issues at the forefront of the agricultural agenda.

Thank you to Agri-Pulse for bringing together leaders and stakeholders for a thoughtful conversation.

05/20/2026

🗳️ Still need to cast your Primary ballot and want a deeper look at where California’s gubernatorial candidates stand on issues impacting agriculture?
Watch the gubernatorial forum co-hosted by Agricultural Council of California, Western Growers, California Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations in partnership with the The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute

Candidates discuss key issues facing California agriculture and rural communities—and why your vote matters.

📍 The forum discussion begins at the six-minute mark in the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecuIRt5zXws

05/07/2026

🏆 Congrats to Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria - the recipient of our 2026 Influential Legislator Award. We are grateful for her leadership, partnership, and willingness to engage on issues that matter to our members and ag communities across California.

04/17/2026

Ag Council co-hosted a successful bipartisan gubernatorial forum in early April at Fresno State along with Western Growers, California Farm Bureau, and other ag organizations in collaboration with The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute.

Gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter and Antonio Villaraigosa participated in the forum.

The forum provided a critical platform to elevate key issues with an emphasis on affordability in the Central Valley, including water, energy, and housing, as well as the cost of living in the Golden State. Much of the conversation centered around regulatory challenges.

Ag Council President Emily Robidart Rooney said, "It is important for gubernatorial candidates to spend time in the Valley and discuss how they would address the issues facing our ag community, if elected. The region deserves attention along with thoughtful solutions from those seeking to serve as governor. We appreciate each of the candidates who participated."

Did you miss the forum? Watch the video on The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute's YouTube page. The forum discussion begins at the six-minute mark in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecuIRt5zXws

11/07/2025

Big congratulations to Emily Rooney for receiving the Honorary American FFA Degree!

As our president and also Chair of the California FFA Foundation Board of Directors, Emily has shown up for California’s future agricultural leaders in a big way, championing FFA students, backing leadership development, and investing in the next generation of ag innovators.

Read more here: https://agcouncil.org/ag-council-pres-receives-honorary-american-ffa-degree/

08/01/2025

The Specialty Crop Workforce Development Program (SCWDP) is all about Partnering for Progress 🤝

By opening their doors to SCWDP interns, Winters Farming helps provide real-world skills and long-term opportunity for California Community College students.

Check out this featured video, provided by Region 2 coordinator Amplivare, to hear more about Winters Farming and the potential for these internships to impact the agricultural workforce.

Mitchell is the supervisor for one of the MJC interns this summer. He's been a great mentor and excellent teacher. We appreciate his support of students purs...