Brown Appointment for Food and Ag Secretary Called “Ag Visionary”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:
Jennifer Witherspoon, (415) 293.6067 (o), jwitherspoon@edf.org

(San Francisco–January 12, 2011) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) praised Governor Brown’s announcement today nominating Karen Ross as Secretary of the California Department of Food & Agriculture.

“Karen is an agricultural visionary,” said David Festa, vice president of EDF West Coast and the organization’s Land, Water and Wildlife program. “California’s working farms, ranches and forestlands are providing vital services that benefit our economy and have the potential to provide innovative conservation outcomes. Karen Ross is the perfect choice to lead on innovative public and private partnerships to benefit producers and the environment.”

Karen has demonstrated leadership and vision, most recently as chief of staff to USDA Secretary Vilsack, and prior to that as President of the California Winegrape Growers Association. She was the architect of the State Board of Food and Agriculture’s California Agricultural Vision process, which continues to generate ideas and actions designed to expand California’s position as a leaders in global food production and environmental stewardship.

“Karen Ross recognizes that California farmers can lead the world in demonstrating the most efficient and advanced production techniques, while conserving vital land and water resources on which food production depends,” said Eric Holst, managing director for EDF’s Center for Conservation Incentives. “Environmental Defense Fund looks forward to working with Karen Ross and her staff as she takes on this important responsibility.”

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit www.edf.org/california. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_CA and read our California Dream blog.