Members of the California agricultural delegation in Mexico City. From left, Craig McNamara, State Board of Food and Agriculture President; Felipe Chavez, Mexico City wholesaler; Chris Rosander, Raisin Administrative Committee; CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Richard Matoian, American Pistachio Growers; Bryce Lundberg, State Food and Ag Board Member; and Jake Lewin, California Certified Organic Farmers.
(Photo from ca.gov Planting Seeds)
Our last days in Mexico City continued the themes of cooperation and engagement. The agricultural delegation had a meeting with the National Association of Supermarkets and Department Stores (ANTAD) and hosted a Business Roundtable with Agricultural Importers and Distributors that Governor Brown had the opportunity to visit. During the roundtable, Governor Brown asked Californian and Mexican businesses to work together to find solutions on cross-border trade delays.
The businesses and government officials we had the pleasure to meet we very receptive to strengthening the trade, investment and cooperation between Mexico and California. By working with our government colleagues in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) and with agricultural businesses on both sides of the border – we hope find resolutions to the significant cross-border trade delays that impact businesses on a delay basis. I look forward to being very engaged on this issue and finding practical solutions that enhance the business environment in California and Mexico.
From our business meetings and market visits to the Mercado de Jamiaca (traditional market) and the Central de Abastos – one of the largest produce wholesale markets in the world – California already has a strong connection to Mexico. However, there are significant opportunities to expand our trade and investment relationship, as Governor Brown’s message of advancing business, employing people and exchanging culture demonstrate – Mexico is California’s future.
I wish to thank the members of the Agricultural Trade Delegation for participating on this important trip and I look forward to returning to Mexico very soon.
Secretary Ross traveled to Mexico City with the following the representatives from the agricultural sector: Craig McNamara, President of the CA State Board of Food and Agriculture, Bryce Lundberg, Lundberg Farms/ CA State Board of Food and Agriculture; Joy Sterling, Iron Horse Vineyards; Jake Lewin, CCOF; Melissa Poole, Paramount Farming; Michael Smith, Harris Ranch; Peter Gallo, Joseph Gallo Farms; Mario Steta, Driscoll’s; Robert Koch, Wine Institute; Richard Matioan, American Pistachio Growers; Marcy Martin, California Grape and Tree Fruit League; and Chris Rosander, Raisin Administrative Committee.