By Jamie Martin
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will host its October 21, 2025, meeting at the FIRA USA exhibition in Woodland, California, focusing on the future of agricultural innovation, technology, and workforce readiness. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, this event highlights California’s leadership in sustainable and technology-driven farming.
FIRA USA, running October 21–23, is the nation’s leading agricultural robotics and automation showcase. The Board’s discussions will emphasize collaboration among farmers, researchers, and policymakers to improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in agriculture.
An important feature of the meeting includes an update from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation on “SprayDays,” a new public tool that provides advanced notice of restricted pesticide applications, promoting transparency and safety. The session will also include an overview of the Regulatory Alignment Study conducted by CDFA and CalEPA, which aims to streamline agricultural compliance and innovation.
Speakers include representatives from the University of California, ARKEN Strategies, Nuffer, Smith, Tucker, Crowe LLP, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation. “California’s agricultural sector continues to innovate and evolve – becoming more efficient, climate resilient and environmentally focused” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Research and technology are helping farmers and ranchers to continually improve efficiencies and productions practices to meet the needs of consumers and local communities.”
Through this discussion, the Board reaffirms its mission to guide policy, encourage innovation, and support California farmers in meeting the challenges of modern agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: National