MENDOCINO CO., 8/1/25 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss the current state of economic conditions for farmers and ranchers on Tuesday.
The virtual meeting will examine the impact of increasing costs on California farmers. According to board president Don Cameron, a farmer from Fresno, the meeting comes as the cost of doing agricultural business in California becomes more costly.
“As a farmer in the Central Valley, we are seeing abandoned fields and more and more agricultural land for sale,” he said. “Agriculture is hurting, as everyone does in tough economic times. We need to look at opportunities for California agriculture as well as in the communities where they are based.”
During the meeting, the board will discuss loans, land transitions, labor, and water management costs.
In Mendocino County, farmers and ranchers are experiencing labor shortages and land value surges that make it most costly to purchase land for farming, especially when housing demand is so high. Water is also of concern, especially with the impact of the iPotter Valley Project, which will likely increase irrigation costs.
“What we are observing in the agricultural sector is a multilayered situation compounded by inflation, trade disruptions, commodity pricing and so much more,” said Karen Ross, secretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “California agriculture is known for its quality, environmental sustainability and commitment to the ag workforce and local communities. Current and trending economic conditions are a challenge as farmers look at future growing seasons.”
The meeting will also include presentations from representatives from the ag community statewide.
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture economic outlook meeting takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5 via Zoom (Webinar ID: 827 6095 4965 and Passcode: Board2025!) and in person at CDFA’s Main Auditorium, 1220 N Street, Sacramento.