Agri-Pulse is pleased to welcome the Almond Board of California as the Platinum sponsor for the 2021 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Policy Summit West. This year's theme is "How Can California Agriculture Remain Competitive?" The event will offer participants a full day of presentations and panel discussions at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento on July 12, 2021. Virtual attendance options are also available.

"With the drought, labor shortages, and mounting regulatory issues, it's no secret that those working in California agriculture are facing a growing number of challenges compared to their counterparts in other states," said Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse editor and founder. "Our Summit will focus on the current 'state of play,' as well as facilitate discussions on how so many growers, farmers and ranchers are collaborating and innovating to overcome these challenges and remain in the most productive agricultural state in the nation."

The event will feature engaging conversations with Karen Ross, Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture; Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and Vice-Chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus; Dr. Lynn Hamilton, professor, agribusiness at Cal Poly State University; Mike Way, managing partner, Prime Time International; Walt Duflock, vice president of agtech innovation at Western Growers; Jenny Maloney, Global-Americas strategic accounts manager at Bayer Crop Science Vegetable Seeds, Clay Mitchell, co-founder and managing director of Fall Line Capital, and others. In addition, Agri-Pulse will host panel discussions with a group of beginning farmers as well as the CEOs of some of the leading California agriculture associations.

"As the largest crop in California, almonds have led the way in finding innovative solutions to remain competitive in a global market. From advancements in water management to finding new uses for everything we grow in the orchard, almond growers are focused on continuously improving how we grow almonds to ensure a sustainable future. We are proud to help facilitate this important discussion about the future of California agriculture," said Richard Waycott, President and CEO, Almond Board of California.

Registration for the 2021 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Policy Summit West is available here.

Additional sponsors are: Gold: California Farm Bureau Federation, Corteva Agriscience, FLM Harvest, and Western Growers Association; Silver: Bayer Crop Science; Bronze: CCI Marketing, California Rice Commission, Farm Credit, Gowan Company, Michael Torrey Associates, Nutrien and Valent.

Agri-Pulse is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and the in-person event will follow all state and local directives and health precautions.