As 500+ food leaders rose in a standing ovation, Craig McNamara accepted the 2014 Agriculturalist of the Year honor from the California State Fair. Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food & Agriculture, presented the award at the Friday evening annual gala that kicks off the fair. She noted the crises challenging our state’s global leadership in food production.
The historic drought, of course, is the immediate catastrophe confronting growers, food processors and other agriculture-related enterprises. Growing twice the amount of food on the same amount of land within 30 years, is the long-term challenge that, nonetheless, requires immediate action.
Craig, a Winters walnut farmer and president of the Board of Food & Agriculture, in his remarks recognized the need for sustainable stewardship of natural resources — water, soil, energy. He mentioned California’s leadership in technology, applied to solutions in the field — integrated precision ag tools like micro-irrigation, nutrient management and renewable power sources. Another tool, said Craig, is reducing food waste, which amounts to a 25-30% increased in production.
The Gualco Group, Inc. (TGG) congratulates Craig. His continued service and leadership in important agricultural, resource management, technology innovation, and youth farm education will leave a legacy upon which future generations can continue to build.
Food producers are accustomed to hard work, and there is much ahead.
The State Fair official announcement:
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=83f2407f3a225130b2b69b16b&id=639e9c231f
Craig’s official bio:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/State_Board/Ag_board_president_bio.html