Introducing the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit

Secretary Karen Ross, California Department of Food & Agriculture

The 2035 Salinas Biological Summit is delighted to welcome Secretary Karen Ross, California Department of Food & Agriculture to Salinas in June

Karen Ross was appointed Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture on January 9, 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom. In re-appointing Secretary Ross, Governor Newsom cited her unmatched leadership experience in agricultural issues nationally, internationally, and in California; including environmental stewardship, climate change adaptation, and trade. Secretary Ross was initially appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2011.

Don J Cameron, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture

At October's 2035 Oceania Summit in Auckland, Don joined Secretary Karen Ross and a major delegation from California. Building closer ties between New Zealand and California is a key objective for Wharf42.

Since 1987, Don has been the Vice President and General Manager of Terranova Ranch, Inc. located 25 miles southwest of Fresno, California. Terranova farms approximately 6,000 acres, in addition to 1,500 acres custom farmed for other clients. The farm has a mix of conventional, organic and biotech field crops including conventional and organic processing tomatoes, peppers, onions, seed product, corn and a diversity of other annual crops. Perennial crops grown consist of walnuts, wine grapes, almonds, pistachios and olives for oil. There are 25 total crops grown on the farm. 

Dave Puglia, President & CEO, Western Growers

Dave Puglia was selected President and CEO of Western Growers in 2019. Since joining the organization in 2005, he has focused on leading public policy initiatives affecting the agriculture industry in California and other western states.

Dave has been at the forefront of major legislative and regulatory issues involving water supply, water quality, energy, air quality and labor. His work has included negotiating statewide water bond provisions to enhance storage capacity, advocating for a comprehensive safe drinking water solution in partnership with environmental justice leaders, and negotiating the nation’s first state regulatory standard for prevention of heat illness in agricultural settings.

Before joining Western Growers, Dave served for seven years in the California Attorney General’s Office, first as Press Secretary and then as Director of Public Affairs and Communications. He has also worked as a public affairs consultant to numerous corporations and industry groups in addition to serving in senior roles on several statewide political campaigns.