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This “Ag Vision” will help craft long term policy priorities for California’s food system that will bring together various stakeholders with the common goal of advancing innovation and the sustainability of California’s agricultural future.
This includes perspectives from farmers, ranchers and processors as well as nutrition, conservation, environmental and rural development groups.
The Ag Vision’s framework is centered on three policy priorities for a sustainable agri-food system:
Better Health and Well-being: Meeting the nutritional needs of California’s diverse population.
A Healthier Planet: Agricultural stewardship of the natural resources upon which California food production depends.
Thriving Communities: Food production is a driver of sustainable California economic growth.
The complete Ag Vision framework is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision.
“We must come together to create a lasting and dynamic food system for California,” said California Secretary of Food and Agriculture A.G. Kawamura. “This can only be achieved through active participation by all stakeholders.”
The Ag Vision is a culmination of seven public listening sessions and hundreds of comments submitted by agricultural stakeholders. It reflects the issues, policy priorities and needs of California’s food sector.
“Dialogue is key in creating policy priorities for the Ag Vision,” said State Board of Food and Agriculture President Al Montna. “With important issues such as regulations, labor, water and the environment needing action– public feedback is essential.”
Public feedback on the Ag Vision is due by Feb. 20, 2009.
Comments can be submitted online at www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision, emailed at
Funding for the California Agricultural Vision is provided in part by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation and Columbia Foundation.
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Fred Ruiz is the co-founder of Ruiz Foods along with his father, Louis F. Ruiz.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the 2009 CalChamber Board of Directors,” said Ruiz. ”As the leading voice for California employers, we will focus on restoring our state’s fiscal health and promoting a strong economy. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues on the CalChamber Board of Directors to pursue sound fiscal policy that encourage a swift and strong rebound from the current recession. Ultimately, the solution to our economic situation must be robust growth and job creation.”
Serving with Ruiz as 2009 officers of the CalChamber Board are:
First Vice Chair, Larree Renda, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Administrative Officer, Safeway, Inc.;
Second Vice Chair S. Shariq Yosufzai, President, Global Marketing, Chevron Corp.;
Third Vice Chair Timothy S. Dubois, President, The Edward Thomas Cos.
Ruiz is the co-chair and co-CEO of Ruiz Foods, Inc., a family-owned and operated frozen Mexican food company headquartered in Dinuba, California. Ruiz Foods employs 2,700 people with three manufacturing facilities and two distribution centers. Their signature brand is El Monterey, the number one frozen Mexican food brand in the United States.
Ruiz has more than 45 years experience in the food processing industry. He is a graduate of Tulare Union High School and attended the College of the Sequoias as a business major. It was while still in college that Fred and his father, Louis Ruiz, began to pursue their American Dream and founded Ruiz Foods, Inc., in 1964.
During the past 45 years, Ruiz Foods has received multiple local, regional and national awards and recognitions. In 1983, Ruiz Foods received the United States Small Business Persons of the Year Award. The Award was presented by President Ronald Reagan in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D. C. In 2003, Ruiz Foods was inducted into the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Hall of Fame along with just 22 other U. S. businesses. During the fall of 2003, Ruiz Foods hosted a visit by President George W. Bush.
In 2004, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tapped Ruiz to fill a vacancy on University of California Board of Regents. Appointed in July, his term will continue through March 2016. In addition to serving as a Board Member of several nonprofit organizations, Fred Ruiz currently serves as a Board member of two public companies and is an Advisor and Founding Member of the Institute for Family Business, California State University, Fresno and a Founding Member of the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California.
Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law.
CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California's economy and create jobs. Visit their Web site at www.calchamber.com.
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- Written by: Lori Peters
Several businesses in Clearlake have decorated beautifully for the holidays. The winner of the contest is Marlene Wentz EA and Associates, located at 15332 Lakeshore Drive. They received a fun employee gift pack complete with munchies and snackas that will keep them energized through tax season!
One of my favorite things to do after a good dinner at a local restaurant is to drive around looking at Christmas lights. The businesses in the area have done a great job at decorating for the community this holiday season.
Here are a few other business to view: Church of God, Lakeshore Barber and the Dog Groomers, Girlfriends, Griffin's Furniture, Your Hair Again (across from Big O Tire), Melissa Fanning, Cactus Grill, Kevin Ness, Sunset Fishing Resort, Lisa's Clothing, Wild About Books, Rite Aid, Cabo's Mexican Restaurant and Four Corners.
There have been many other businesses that have added lights and decorations to their building since our contest deadline. So, sit back and enjoy the scenery while driving through our town at night!
Lori Peters is executive director of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.
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This advisory board makes recommendations to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the California Feed and Livestock Drug Inspection Program.
The two vacancies are for commercial feed industry representatives and applicants should hold a current California Commercial Feed License.
Board members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration. The term of office for a board member is three years.
The Feed and Livestock Drug Inspection Program is responsible for the enforcement of state law and regulations pertinent to the manufacturing, distribution and labeling of commercial livestock feed in California.
The program is designed to prevent adulterated and unsafe feed from being consumed by livestock and poultry, protecting the consumers and producers of commercial livestock feed.
Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should send a resume to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Feed, Fertilizer, Livestock Drugs and Egg Regulatory Services Branch, Attn: Dr. Asif Maan, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, California 95814 by Jan. 16, 2009.
For further information on the Feed Inspection Program and committee vacancies, contact Ms. Natalie Krout-Greenberg at (916) 445-0444.
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