Conference Speakers
Meet the farmers, researchers, technical advisors, policymakers and agricultural leaders speaking at the California Climate & Agriculture Conference.
November 9, 2026
DoubleTree Fresno Convention Center • Fresno
Registration is OPEN!
Featured Speaker
Secretary Karen Ross
Join CDFA Secretary Karen Ross as she kicks off our conference with a conversation on the innovation and leadership needed to build a more resilient future for California agriculture. Reflecting on her tenure at CDFA, she’ll discuss the progress made, her vision for the future of California agriculture and what gives her hope as farmers navigate increasing climate, economic, and regulatory challenges.
Conference Speakers
 Amber Butland F3 Local Equipment Lending Library Coordinator, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Amber Butland coordinates the F3 Local Equipment Lending Library with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), based at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. The program works to increase access to agricultural equipment for small-scale growers in California’s Central Valley through equipment lending, training, and technical support. Amber’s work includes program development, grower outreach, safety and training, equipment operations, and collaboration with agricultural and community partners. |
 Amélie Gaudin Professor, Agroecology UC Davis Workshop: Managing Almond Production to Optimize Climate Resilience | Dr. Amélie Gaudin is Professor and Endowed Chair of Agroecology in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. She currently leads a dynamic and diverse team of researchers to characterize outcomes of regenerative perennial crop models that have conservation of natural resources, agrobiodiversity, and ecosystem services as a basis for improvements. She engages communities with the science of agricultural ecology by collaborating with and learning from a diverse group of students, growers, advisors, and policy advocates. Her research integrates concepts and methodologies from various disciplines to measure multifunctional outcomes and drought resilience of agroecological management. She is also interested in better understanding root system and rhizosphere ecology and their potential to harness improvements in soil health, sequester carbon and decrease crop water and nutrients requirements. More information here: http://gaudin.ucdavis.edu |
 Andrew Carroll Grower EcoThrive Farm Management Workshop: Managing Almond Production to Optimize Climate Resilience | Andrew Carroll is a first generation farmer from Chowchilla, CA. He started in the Agriculture industry in the spring of 2013. Working for his father in law for one year, he quickly came to realize there must be a better approach to farming than monoculture, chemical intensive farming. The cover crop journey started in the spring of 2014 when the first cover crop was planted on the family farm. Since then, the focus has been diving deep into soil health practices and striving to change the way agriculture is done in the central valley. |
 Anna Larson Associate Policy Director CalCAN Workshop: Managing for Water Quality, Climate Benefits, and Farm Viability on Irrigated Croplands | Anna brings experience advocating for sustainable and equitable food systems in the Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast. She has worked on diverse food system challenges, including community engagement in local food policy, field research on biological pest control, and farmer access to business assistance. Prior to CalCAN, she coordinated the emerging Agricultural Viability Alliance, helped conduct community food program evaluations with the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, and provided technical assistance to local food policy councils with the Public Health Law Center. Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton College and a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley. |
 Bee Thao Program Director Asian Business Institute Resource Center (ABIRC) Workshop: The Power of the Purse: Local Markets for Organic and Climate Smart Products | Hello! My name is Bee Thao. I am proud to represent the farmers that I have helped support for the past 2 years of being a Technical Assistant provider here at the Asian Business Institute and Resource Center. I look forward to helping all farmers find solutions to everyday problems together! |
 Brandon Bates Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations USDA – NRCS Workshop: NRCS: Updates on the Regenerative Ag Program and More | Brandon Bates is currently the Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations for the South Team in Fresno, CA for USDA- NRCS. He was born in Louisiana and graduated from Southern University and A&M College where he started his career with NRCS as a SCEP (now pathways) student intern in the Visalia Field office in 2006. He then came on permanently after graduation to the Merced Field Office as a soil conservationist in 2008. He has spent time in numerous offices in the state including Stockton, Bakersfield, Fresno, Blythe, Merced and Visalia holding multiple titles as a Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist and Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. |
 Brent A. Holtz UC Orchard Systems Farm Advisor, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Workshop: Alternatives to Agricultural Burning: What’s Working and What’s Needed | Dr. Brent Holtz has been an Orchard Systems Advisor for the University of California for 33 years. Brent was raised on an almond ranch in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, attending schools in California: Modesto Junior College (A.A.), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he earned a B.S. in Biology, and then earned both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Pathology from the University of California, Berkeley. Brent’s research and education programs are focused on growing almond and pistachio in the San Joaquin Valley of California, helping growers in production agriculture find more sustainable farming practices without compromising product quality. Brent is currently leading a research effort on whole orchard recycling (WOR) where removed orchards are ground-up and incorporated into the soil to increase soil organic matter and soil water holding capacity, instead of being burned in the field or a co-generation facility. |
 Caddie Bergren San Joaquin Valley Regional Lead, Climate-Smart Agriculture Program University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Caddie works as the San Joaquin Valley regional lead for the statewide climate-smart agriculture program at UCANR. She provides technical assistance to organizations applying to CDFA climate-smart block grants, as well as to local farmers and ranchers on climate-smart practices and funding. |
 Caity Peterson Associate Director and Research Fellow PPIC Water Policy Center Workshop: Exploring Rangeland Restoration on Water-Limited Farmland | Caity is an agroecologist whose research spans groundwater sustainability, soil health, diversified cropping systems, agroecosystem resilience, and the intersections between agriculture and water policy. In her previous work, she explored irrigation and soil ecosystem functions in California almond and tomato systems, crop-livestock integration in Brazilian soybean-beef systems, and small farmer adaptation to climate change in Colombia, Tanzania, and Ghana. As a consulting agroecologist, she led programs linking farmers across the US to emerging soil carbon marketplaces. She holds a PhD in ecology and an MS in international agricultural development from the University of California, Davis. |
 Cara Morgan Deputy Director CalRecycle Workshop: Scaling Up Compost Use to Reduce Fertilizer Costs | CalRecycle’s Division of Materials Management and Local Assistance Deputy Director Cara Morgan oversees recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs across many materials and jurisdictions to move California towards a circular economy. Her team supports cities, counties, state agencies, and school districts with resources to help them implement their requirements, including food and yard waste recycling and unsold food recovery. Staff also supports circular solutions to reduce waste and grow markets for materials that have historically been landfilled, including electronic waste and tires. Deputy Director Morgan previously served as chief of CalRecycle’s Local Assistance and Market Development Branch, helping lead the adoption of regulations for the state’s organics law, Senate Bill 1383, and directing compliance assistance for over 600 jurisdictions and 200 state agencies. Her leadership and experience are instrumental to California’s success in implementing and building a truly circular economy for all materials. |
 Christine Gemperle Almond Farmer Gemperle Farms Workshop: Meeting Challenges with Innovation: Valley Farmers Discuss the Economics of Climate Smart Agriculture and Alternatives to Agricultural Burning: What’s Working and What’s Needed | Christine has been farming almonds for the Blue Diamond Cooperative with her brother, Erich since 1998. Currently they manage and operate 135 acres with no employees. They know every facet of their operation, from the mundane to the technologically advanced. Every choice made on the farm works towards the goal of developing a sustainable, efficient, and a profitable farming operation. Christine pursued degrees in biology (BA, UC Santa Cruz) and fisheries (MS, Utah State University). She serves on the Almond Board of California, additionally participating on the Biomass Task Force , Nutritional Research Committee and the Environmental Stewardship Working Group. She also serves on the boards of Project Apis m. and the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund. Christine enjoys being active and vocal in the agricultural community especially when it comes to protecting family farms and sharing what she has learned about regenerative practices. |
 Choua Thao Business Development Manager Asian Business Institute Resource Center (ABIRC) Workshop: The Power of the Purse: Local Markets for Organic and Climate Smart Products | My name is Choua Thao. I graduated from Fresno State University with a degree Business Administration and have worked for Asian Business Institute and Resource for 5 years providing technical assistance to small businesses and small farmers. |
 Colton Fagundes Associate Policy Director CalCAN Workshop: How Can Dairies Survive New Water Quality, Groundwater, and Methane Regulations? | Colton comes to CalCAN after working and studying for over 10 years at the intersection of food, agriculture, justice, and sustainable development. Most recently, he served as the Policy Director for the American Sustainable Business Network, leading their Regenerative Agriculture and Justice and clean water initiatives. He also has worked with Food Tank, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and Rhythm Superfoods and spent time working on organic farms in Spain and Costa Rica. He has an M.A. in Global Environmental Policy from American University and B.A. in Global Studies and Spanish Language from Sonoma State University. |
 Cynthia Ni Director of Innovation Programs BEAM Circular Workshop: Alternatives to Agricultural Burning: What’s Working and What’s Needed | Cynthia Ni is the Director of Innovation Programs at BEAM Circular, managing collaborative research projects and engaging with innovators to facilitate circular bieoconomy technology development that can unlock opportunities for the biomass resources of the North San Joaquin Valley. Prior to BEAM, Cynthia worked in science policy, organizing international meetings on standards to accelerate commercialization in the global bioeconomy, and writing synthesis reports and policy papers. Cynthia completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering at MIT in 2022, where she genetically engineered E. coli to utilize mixed sugar substrates for biosynthesis – a project motivated by the desire to convert food waste into useful products. |
Daya Deepak Singh Farmer, NRCS-TSP Punjabi American Growers Group (PAGG) Workshop: NRCS: Updates on the Regenerative Ag Program and More | My name is Daya Deepak Singh, and I am a farmer, a member of PAGG, and an NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) My work brings together firsthand farming experience and a passion for conservation and sustainable agriculture. As a farmer, I understand the day-to-day challenges of producing food while managing soil, water, and other natural resources responsibly. As an NRCS TSP, I work with farmers and ranchers to develop and implement conservation practices that support healthy soils, efficient water management, resource conservation, and resilient agricultural systems. Through my involvement with PAGG and the agricultural community, I value collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical solutions that can benefit both producers and the environment. I am excited to participate in the CAL-Ag Conference and share my experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned from working at the intersection of farming, conservation, and technical assistance. |
 Ellee Igoe Director of Operations Foodshed Cooperative/San Diego Food Hub Workshop: The Power of the Purse: Local Markets for Organic and Climate Smart Products | Ellee co-founded Solidarity Farm, a small, diversified fruit and vegetable operation in 2012 and began exploring carbon sink farming methods after a historic heat event in 2015 decimated their crops. In 2019, she helped co-host a Carbon Sink Convergence that inspired the establishment of Foodshed Cooperative, a farmer-owned community food hub dedicated to ecological, climate-smart farming and lifting up small farm businesses to nourish San Diego’s historically marginalized communities. She is now Foodshed’s Director of Operations, a full time mom of three, and a part-time farmer. |
 Erik Rodriguez Community Education Specialist (SGMA) UC ANR URCTA Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Erik Rodriguez is a passionate environmental and small agriculture advocate. Born in Southeast Idaho and from a family of agricultural workers, Erik has experienced agricultural operations from the bottom up. He attended CSU Fresno and the University of Idaho, receiving his B.S. and M.S. in natural resource management. He hopes to continue combining his passions for agriculture, hunting, angling, and conservation on small agricultural operations. |
Erwin Dueñas NRCS-Fresno District Conservationist USDA-NRCS Workshop: NRCS: Updates on the Regenerative Ag Program and More | Erwin Franklin Duenas is the District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Fresno County, where he has spent the past three years exclusively representing and advancing local conservation initiatives. With more than a decade of experience at the USDA—including foundational roles with the U.S. Forest Service and nine years with NRCS—Erwin is committed to fostering sustainable agriculture in California. He is also a U.S. Army veteran and has completed graduate and undergraduate studies in environmental policy and wildlife biology, bringing practical leadership and scientific insight to his work. |
 Evan WR Edgar Engineer California Compost Coalition Workshop: Scaling Up Compost Use to Reduce Fertilizer Costs | Evan Edgar is the Principal Engineer and President of Edgar & Associates, Inc. since 1997. Mr. Edgar has over forty years of experience in all aspects of solid waste management as a registered civil engineer who has advocated on for green energy incentives, compost market development, greenhouse gas reductions policies, and practical regulations in front of legislative committees, regulatory agencies, and local commissions involving the collection, hauling, processing, and composting of urban green and yard wastes. Mr. Edgar was co-founder of the California Compost Quality Council in 1994 and the California Compost Coalition in 2001, a statewide compost market development project and Lobbying Coalition, respectively. Mr. Edgar is a requested speaker on all solid waste management and recycling issues at national, statewide, and regional conventions held by Waste Expo for the Plenary panel, BioCycle, SWANA, California Resource Recovery Association, Point-Carbon, Renewable Waste Intelligence as Chairman, and American Biogas Council. Mr. Edgar has conducted workshops on anaerobic digestion, carbon credits, climate action plans, mandatory commercial collection, composting, permitting, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. |
 Gabriele Ludwig Director, Environmental Policy Almond Board of California Workshop: Alternatives to Agricultural Burning: What’s Working and What’s Needed | Gabriele Ludwig has been working for the Almond Board of California for over 20 years. As Director for Environmental Policy, her portfolio includes tracking and interpreting the impact of domestic and international environmental regulations on almond growing in California, contributing to the sustainability portfolio for the industry, and participating in the production research program. She was instrumental in the development of the California Almond Stewardship Platform and expanding the environmental research program. More recently she has been delving into the private and public assessments of sustainability. She has more than 25 years of experience working on state, federal, and international environmental regulatory issues. Prior to joining the Almond Board, she worked for the consulting firm Schramm, Williams & Associates in Washington, DC. She received her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of California, Davis, and her B.A. in Biology from Wellesley College. |
 Jarin Tasnim Anika SGMA Community Educator UC ANR Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Outreach and education to small-scale farmers on SGMA in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. |
 Jenny Lester Moffitt Vice President American Farmland Trust Workshop: Agrivoltaics: A “Both/And” Solution to the Ag vs Solar Conflict? | Jenny Lester Moffitt is Vice President of Farmland Protection and Strategic Priorities at American Farmland Trust, bringing decades of experience in agricultural policy, conservation, and food systems transformation. From 2021-2025, Jenny served as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA, becoming the first woman to hold this position. At USDA, she championed efforts to create market opportunities for U.S. producers and safeguard agricultural and natural resources. She previously served as Undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, leading the state’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives. A fifth-generation California farmer, Jenny is deeply committed to caring for the land and the people who farm it. |
| Jessie Kanter Agriculture and Rangeland Program Manager Sierra Resource Conservation District Workshop: Climate Resilience Strategies for Small and Diversified Farmers and It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Jessie has been working with farmers in the Central Valley for over seven years, carrying out on-farm research and providing technical support around integrating soil health building practices into diversified farming operations. Jessie holds an M.S. in Soils and Biogeochemistry and hopes to continue working towards and advocating for healthy agroecosystems, local food supply chains, and farmer equity within statewide agricultural programs. Her inspiration comes from the relationships she builds with local farmers, the people who work tirelessly to feed their communities while facing growing challenges. With major concerns such as water shortages and an aging farming population, she recognizes the urgency of supporting sustainable practices and supporting younger generations to engage in land stewardship. |
 Jimi J Valov Farmer (3rd generation) Valov Brothers Farms Workshop: Working with your GSA to Support Cover Crops: Strategies from Valley Farmers | Jimi Valov is a God fearing, Central Valley farmer, and agricultural manager with Valov Brothers Farms, where he works primarily with almond and pistachio production. His interests include soil health, water efficiency, sustainable farming practices, building his flavored pistachio brand (Shellmates), and finding practical ways to improve both the environmental and economic resilience of California agriculture. He is passionate about continuing to learn, adopting new technologies and practices, plant nutrition, focusing on farm profitability, yet still being a youngin, has more questions than answers! Come find me if you know of any grant opportunities or have ideas you think are worth pursuing! I hope y’all walk away today with some valuable knowledge, new ideas, and something you can take back home and put into practice! |
 José Corona Chief Agricultural Business Officer Office of Kat Taylor – Agricultural Platform Collective Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks and The Power of the Purse: Local Markets for Organic and Climate Smart Products | A proud son and product of family farmers, José Corona has held senior leadership roles in organizations spanning the nonprofit, philanthropy, private, and public sectors. Currently, as the Chief Agricultural Business Officer, he leads the flagship agricultural initiative administered by the Office of Kat Taylor — The Agricultural Platform Collective (APC) — a coordinated network of small farmers and ranchers focused on creating more resilient and regenerative sourcing pathways and transforming the agricultural sector by bolstering the economic viability, sustainability, and resilience of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities at-large. Prior to joining the APC, José founded Rebozo Ventures, a consultancy practice grounded on humility, compassion, honor, and respect – for self and others. Prior to Rebozo, José led the grantmaking, partnership, and programmatic efforts for Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. José also served as CEO of ICA.fund and as the Director of Equity & Strategic Partnerships with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, where he co-founded the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation. José is an Aspen Fellow, a Ricardo Salinas Scholar, and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Unity Council. He is a member of the Board of Directors of CA Farmlink and the Oakland Museum of California. |
 Ken Miller Soil Scientist and Agronomist Formation Environmental Workshop: Managing for Water Quality, Climate Benefits, and Farm Viability on Irrigated Croplands | Mr. Miller provides technical support to Central Valley coalitions in their implementation of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program and CV-SALTS to address nitrate and salinity issues. This includes contributing to landscape level modeling assessments, focused studies and research, and grower outreach and education. |
| Keng Vang Owner Fresno BIPOC Produce Inc. Workshop: The Power of the Purse: Local Markets for Organic and Climate Smart Products | Fresno BIPOC Produce Inc. is an evolving food hub created in 2021 by Keng Vang. Its mission is simple: to support small, BIPOC farmers in marketing their produce to new markets with fair pricing. The food hub’s goal is to build a warehouse with cold storage, processing equipment, packaging equipment, post-harvest equipment, transportation that implements food safety requirements, become a space for BIPOC farmers to learn about food safety and the use of equipment and be a model for BIPOC farmers interested in expanding their business. |
| Kevin Reyes Conservation Planning Program Manager Madera Chowchilla Resource Conservation District Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | The mission and vision of the Madera/Chowchilla Resource Conservation District is to provide education and technical guidance in sustainable resource conservation and management to our communities, landowners, and managers; both current and future. |
 Kirk Pumphrey President Westwind Farms Inc. Workshop: Managing Almond Production to Optimize Climate Resilience | Kirk Pumphrey is President and CEO of Westwind Farms Inc., where he grows almonds in Yolo County, California. Before entering agriculture, Kirk spent more than 20 years with Lifetouch Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. After selling his interest in the company and taking several years away from business, longtime farm friends encouraged him to buy agricultural land near Woodland and begin growing almonds. Kirk quickly learned that modern farming is as much an intellectual and management challenge as it is a physical one. Challenges with naturally occurring boron in his groundwater led him to UC Davis for answers. That initial inquiry has developed into a long-term collaboration involving multiple UC Davis departments, researchers, and field trials. Today, Kirk continues to make his orchard available for research, demonstration, and learning, focusing on connecting agricultural science with the practical realities growers face. |
Laura Marquez Senior Farm Business Advisor Kitchen Table Advisors Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Laura has worked in the agriculture industry for over 20 years. She pivoted into the non-profit sector over three years ago and joined Kitchen Table Advisors. She is located in the San Joaquin Valley and service Stanislaus, Merced, Madera and Fresno counties. At KTA, we support owners of small, sustainable farms and ranches across Central and Northern California, prioritizing communities that have historically been excluded from resources and recognition within our food system. We aim for each client to leave our program with the skills, tools, and planning to make more informed decisions and have clarity about their future direction. Additionally, we look to foster connection to a broader community network and learning that prepares them for opportunities. In addition to her work at KTA, she also owns and operates a photography business, Alluring Photography, where she has had the privilege to document the stories behind the farmer. |
 Lilian Thaoxaochay Disaster Resiliency, Planning, and Policy Advisor Co-Operator, UC ANR GT Florists & Herbs (Fresno County) Workshop: Meeting Challenges with Innovation: Valley Farmers Discuss the Economics of Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate Resilience Strategies for Small and Diversified Farmers | Lilian Thaoxaochay is the UC ANR Disaster Resiliency, Planning, and Policy Advisor for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Her program is focused on preparing high-risk communities for natural disasters including agricultural operations. From 2021-2025, she worked for the UCCE Fresno County Small Farms team providing disaster relief and technical assistance for COVID-19, drought, and other extreme weather events, including education on climate smart agricultural practices. She also worked on a number of research projects spanning water efficiency to specialty crop production. Lilian is a social scientist and holds degrees in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University. She is also a first generation Hmong American born and raised in Fresno, CA. Her family has a 20 acre mixed vegetable, flower, and jujube farm in Fresno County. |
 Luis Paniagua Community Education Specialist University of California Small Farms Network Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Luis Paniagua joined the UC Small Farms Network to provide outreach and technical assistance to small-scale and underserved farmers who may be impacted by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). His goal is to help farmers understand the direct and indirect impact of SGMA on their operations and connect them with resources to help them stay in business. |
 Majdi Abou Najm Professor of Soil Biophysics University of California, Davis Workshop: Agrivoltaics: A “Both/And” Solution to the Ag vs Solar Conflict? | Majdi Abou Najm is a professor of soil biophysics at the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources at the University of California Davis. He studies the dominant physical and biogeochemical processes controlling the flows of water, carbon, energy, and nutrients across the soil-plant-atmosphere system and the impact of our decisions on sustainability. He leads the sustainable agriculture and food systems undergraduate program at UC Davis. He seeks integrative approaches, like agrivoltaics, at the nexus between those resources to develop sustainable solutions that promote circular economic progress, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. |
 Manpreet Singh Technology and Innovation for Small Farms Advisor University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Workshop: Climate Resilience Strategies for Small and Diversified Farmers | Manpreet is Technology and Innovation Advisor for Small Farms at the UCANR, stationed at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, CA. He serves Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties in the San Joaquin Valley of California. His work encompasses evaluation, development and dissemination of agricultural technologies that address priority needs and challenges of small-scale farmers. Originally from Punjab, India, he grew up in a rural farming community. He holds a PhD in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech University, specializing in irrigation management and biochar amendments to develop water-resilient strategies for vegetable crops. His master’s work focused on hybrid breeding techniques in muskmelon. Dr. Singh’s current program advances appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable farming through initiatives such as development and adaption of irrigation decision support tools; waste-derived hydrogels to enhance water resiliency; vision-based low-cost precision herbicide sprayer; and sustainable alternatives to plastic mulch and low-cost automated irrigation systems for diversified farms. Through integrated field research, technology evaluation and development, and stakeholder engagement, his program delivers adaptive, science-informed solutions that improve resource efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. |
 Modibo Keita Project & Policy Associate Sustainable Conservation Workshop: Managing for Water Quality, Climate Benefits, and Farm Viability on Irrigated Croplands | Modibo (he/him) serves as the Central Coast Project and Policy Associate for Sustainable Conservation. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resource Management (Science & Policy) from the Pennsylvania State University in 2021 with a focus on Watersheds and Water Resources. Prior to his current role, Modibo completed 2 years with Sustainable Conservation as a GrizzlyCorps Fellow focused on monitoring the implementation of regulatory measures including ILRP, CV-SALTS, and SGMA. Since joining as full-time staff in 2024, his work has continued in this vein, shaping Sustainable Conservation’s commentary on ILRP, CV-SALTS, SGMA, and the Dairy General Order. |
 Nancy Wahl-Scheurich Executive Director, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) Workshop: NRCS: Updates on the Regenerative Ag Program and More | Nancy joined the CARCD team in early 2020 as a Project Coordinator. She soon moved to a Project Manager role and then became the Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat Program Manager. She later served as Interim Executive Director and Deputy Director before being appointed as the Executive Director in November of 2023. Nancy leverages her passion for sustainability and social justice and private sector project management/coordination experience – along with 10 years as an eco-entrepreneur – to lead CARCD in its mission to support California’s Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) across the state, enabling them to get more conservation work done on the ground through advocacy and strong partnerships with federal and state agencies, fostering collaboration among RCDs statewide, and grant funding. She speaks Spanish, French, and German. Nancy is a native Californian, currently living in Santa Cruz. |
 Nick Reed-Krase Executive Director Tule Basin Land & Water Conservation Trust Workshop: Exploring Rangeland Restoration on Water-Limited Farmland | Nick Reed-Krase is the Executive Director for the Tule Basin Land & Water Conservation Trust. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, Nick brings over 15 years of leadership experience in agriculture, natural resource management, community health, and youth development programming. He holds a master’s degree from Cornell University and is passionate about working at the intersection of livelihoods, environment, and community resilience. As Executive Director, Nick advances innovative and collaborative solutions for farmland conservation, groundwater sustainability, habitat restoration, and agricultural resilience throughout California’s Southern Central Valley. |
 Paul Sousa Director of Regulatory & Environmental Affairs Western United Dairies Workshop: How Can Dairies Survive New Water Quality, Groundwater, and Methane Regulations? | Paul Sousa is the Director of Regulatory and Environmental Affairs with Western United Dairies. He grew up on a dairy in Stanislaus County, where his family still dairies today. Sousa is a graduate of UC Davis, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Resource Science with emphasis on Land and Water Management. Sousa worked with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board regulating confined animal facilities before returning to the family farm to start the family’s second operation. In his current role he advocates on behalf of dairy farmers and helps them understand and comply with environmental regulations. He is a Certified Crop Advisor. |
 Qi “Chee” Zhou Community Engagement Program Manager California Association of Resource Conservation Districts Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Qi is the Community Engagement and Collaboration Program Manager at California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD). Qi has been collaborating with farmers, extension agencies, non-profit organizations and government agencies on agriculture and environmental issues for over 10 years. Qi received her B.S. degree in Horticulture Science, M.S. degree in Forestry Science, and Ph.D. degree in Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University. |
Rebekka Siemens Farmer Gonzales Siemens Family Farm Workshop: Climate Resilience Strategies for Small and Diversified Farmers | I grew up on an almond farm in Kern County, and after some detours, my family and I have returned to the same property to grow almonds, grains, and other things sustainably. Recently, food sovereignty, food as medicine, and secure land tenure have been always on my mind. |
 Renata Brillinger Executive Director CalCAN Workshop: Farmer Panel: Meeting Challenges with Innovation: Valley Farmers Discuss the Economics of Climate Smart Agriculture | Renata co-founded CalCAN in 2009 and is responsible for overseeing all policy, fundraising, communications and administrative aspects of the coalition. She has 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture policy and food systems projects and 30 years’ experience in non-profit administration. Prior to CalCAN, she was Energy and Agriculture Program Director at the Climate Protection Campaign (now The Climate Center), and she served as the Director of Californians for GE-Free Agriculture, a coalition that carried out education and policy advocacy on genetic engineering in agriculture. |
Reyn Akiona Executive Director Valley Eco Workshop: Exploring Rangeland Restoration on Water-Limited Farmland | Reyn Akiona is a restoration ecologist and sustainable agriculture specialist focused on lands management in the San Joaquin Valley of California. He is the Founder, Executive Director, and owner of the ecological services company Valley Eco, where he works on cross-applying ecological and agronomic principles to maximize landscape sustainability. He has extensive experience granting, managing, and implementing conservation and restoration projects on private, state, and federal land through collaboration with local landowners throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Prior to Valley Eco, his prior professional background includes serving as: The DOC Watershed Coordinator for the Tule Subbasin Regional Director of the San Joaquin Valley and Tulare Basin at River Partners, the Director of Environmental Programs at Bowles Farming Co., and Wildlife Biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex. |
 Ruth Dahlquist-Willard UC SAREP Interim Director University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Workshop: Managing for Water Quality, Climate Benefits, and Farm Viability on Irrigated Croplands | Ruth Dahlquist-Willard is the Interim Director of the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP). Prior to this role, Ruth served as a UCCE Small Farms and Specialty Crops Advisor in Fresno County for ten years, supporting small-scale farmers from diverse communities through extension education, bilingual outreach, and research on small-acreage specialty crops. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Idaho and the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE). |
 Ryan Flaherty Senior Director, Circular Economies Sustainable Conservation Workshop: Scaling Up Compost Use to Reduce Fertilizer Costs | Working out of Sustainable Conservation’s Modesto office, Ryan leads collaborative efforts to identify and scale agricultural solutions that reduce nitrate leaching to groundwater, improve soils, and build water resiliency in the face of climate change. Ryan is Co-Chair of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Manure Recycling and Innovative Products Task Force and serves on the Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Collaborative’s Leadership Council and BioCircular Valley’s Advisory Board. Ryan has more than 20 years’ experience in the United States and Latin America working on organizational and programmatic strategy, sustainable agriculture, water stewardship, economic development, and stakeholder engagement. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and an International MBA from the University of South Carolina. He was nominated for the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award and is a recipient of the VEGA Service Impact Award and the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold Level). |
 Ryan Indart President & CEO Indart Solar Sheep Grazing Workshop: Agrivoltaics: A “Both/And” Solution to the Ag vs Solar Conflict? | Ryan Indart is a third-generation California sheep producer and owner of The Indart Group, Inc., which is engaged in sheep ranching, direct marketing of lamb, dry land farming, and custom farm work. Ryan is also the owner of Indart Solar Sheep Grazing, specializing in sheep grazing for fire fuel loads reduction in large utility scale solar sites throughout California and Colorado. Along with his sheep operation, Indart and his family farm cherries, oranges, almonds and dry land wheat on the family ranch in Clovis. He is a board member of the National Lamb Feeders Association and a Board member and past president of the California Wool Growers Association and the Western Range Association. He is a past chair of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, and he is the current President of Fresno Farm Bureau. He is the current varsity girl’s water polo assistant head coach at Clovis North High School. Indart received his bachelor’s degree from U.C. Davis, where he was a double-lettered athlete in both men’s varsity water polo and track and field. He received his master’s in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. Ryan and his wife, Beatriz, reside in Clovis with their four daughters. |
 Sara Rosenberg Regenerative Agriculture Advisor UCCE Workshop: Working with your GSA to Support Cover Crops: Strategies from Valley Farmers and It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Sara Rosenberg is the Regenerative Agriculture Advisor covering Mariposa, Merced and Stanislaus counties. Dr. Rosenberg graduated from the University of California, Davis with a master’s in International Agriculture Development and a PhD in Horticulture and Agronomy. Her disciplinary focus areas are agroecology, sustainable nutrient management, and extension research and methodology. Her past research centers on understanding the implications of diversification, with a focus on crop rotations and cover crops for California rice systems. Prior to her PhD, she worked for more than three years in international agriculture development. Her current research and extension program focuses broadly on supporting grower communities in transitioning towards regenerative systems through implementing practices which build soil health, restore biodiversity, support water conservation and nurtures economic resilience. |
 Sara Tiffany Ecological Farming Director CAFF Workshop: It Takes a Village: Farmer and Farm Advisor Networks | Sara leads the Ecological Farming Program Area at CAFF. The Ecological Farming Program Area entails farming practices and systems that promote Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Soil Health and Ecological Pest Management. This on-the-ground work happens through on-farm research and demonstration projects, Farmer-to-farmer extension events, one-on-one technical assistance and accessible resources grounded in both science and farmer experience. Sara received masters degrees at UC Davis in Soils and Biogeochemistry and International Agricultural Development, respectively. Before working in California agriculture, Sara worked in sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods in Costa Rica, Ecuador and India. Sara grew up on a small-scale organic walnut ranch in the Central Coast. |
 Dr. Sarah Kurtz Univ. of California Merced Workshop: Agrivoltaics: A “Both/And” Solution to the Farmland vs Solar Conflict? | Sarah Kurtz obtained her PhD in 1985 from Harvard University and is now a Distinguished Professor at the University of California Merced after more than 30 years working at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden, CO. She is known for her contributions to developing multijunction, GaInP/GaAs solar cells, supporting the Concentrator Photovoltaic (PV) industry, and leading efforts on PV performance and reliability. Her work has been recognized with a jointly received Dan David Prize in 2007, the Cherry Award in 2012, C3E Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2020. At the University of California Merced she is working both to help the university grow and to support the Energy Transition by studying long-duration energy storage, monitoring of perovskite/silicon tandem modules, and a study of agrivoltaics to help California sustain its agriculture with reduced water consumption while continuing to add more solar. |
 Stephanie Bolton, PhD Grower Research & Education Director Lodi Winegrape Commission Workshop: Alternatives to Agricultural Burning: What’s Working and What’s Needed | Dr. Stephanie Bolton leads the Grower Research, Education, and Communications initiatives, plus the LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Program, at the Lodi Winegrape Commission, an organization representing 750 growers farming around 82,000 acres of winegrapes in northern California. Stephanie brings to the table proven team organizational leadership, a high level of motivation and passion to discover both short- and long-term solutions for the farming families she adores, and an innate ability to creatively open communication channels between growers, scientists, and industry personnel. She has been recognized as a Nuffield International Farming Scholar, a Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Honoree, a Wine Business Monthly Industry Leader, and is currently a finalist for a Change Maker of the Year award. |
 H. Scott Butterfield Lead Scientist, Land Program The Nature Conservancy Workshop: Exploring Rangeland Restoration on Water-Limited Farmland | In The Nature Conservancy’s California Chapter, Scott is a Lead Scientist in the Land Program, helping to oversee science, stewardship, and land protection across TNC’s more than 400,000-acre grassland and oak woodland conservation estate. Scott is also the lead scientist for the Strategic Restoration Strategy in the San Joaquin Valley and TNCs Lead for participation as a Managing Partner at the Carrizo Plain National Monument. |
 Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves Sustainability Manager Gemperle Family Farms Workshop: Managing Almond Production to Optimize Climate Resilience | Tanya is a third generation almond farmer, helping manage 1800 acres of almonds and other tree nuts at Gemperle Family Farms. She is also pursuing her PhD at UC Davis in the Horticulture and Agronomy program, researching the outcomes of regenerative practices in almond orchards. Her research includes a broad look at commercial orchards up and down the valley as well as a field trial examining changes in water use efficiency of orchards implementing stacked regenerative practices. She is passionate about farming in California and wants to find ways to keep farmers, ag land, and natural ecosystems healthy and thriving in the future. |
 Dr. Tawny Mata Director, Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability California Department of Food and Agriculture Workshop: Scaling Up Compost Use to Reduce Fertilizer Costs | Dr. Tawny Mata has pursued a lifelong goal of contributing to sustainability through science, finding her way to agriculture when she joined USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist as an American Association for the Advancement of Science- Science and Technology Policy Fellow. After leaving USDA, Dr. Mata joined the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research in 2016 as a Scientific Program Director, creating grant programs that supported pollinator health and new early career researchers. After some time working in the broader conservation space, Dr. Mata accepted the position of Director of the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) at the California Department of Food and Agriculture in 2022. OARS leads California’s efforts in reducing livestock methane emissions, promoting healthy soils, and reducing agricultural water and energy use. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Pomona College and her Ph.D. in Ecology from UC Davis. |
 Tracy Celio Director, F3 Local Farm and Food Innovation UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Workshop: The Power of the Purse: Local Markets for Organic and Climate Smart Products | Tracy Celio is the Director of F3 Local and the Southwest Regional Food Business Center at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). Through these programs, she leads initiatives that provide business development, marketing education, technical assistance, and financial support to small food and farm businesses across the western United States. Since joining UC ANR in 2012, Tracy has led community-based programs that strengthen local and regional food systems through strategic partnerships, technical assistance, and capacity building. As a social scientist, her expertise includes program management, community engagement, adult education, and program design. Prior to UC ANR, Tracy served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Central America as a food security extension agent and as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer along the U.S.-Mexico border. In recognition of her commitment to public service, she received the Harris Wofford Award for outstanding civic engagement at home and abroad. Tracy earned degrees in Social Science and Environmental Studies from San Diego State University. |
Wes Sperry Owner/ Partner Sperry Farms Workshop: Working with your GSA to Support Cover Crops: Strategies from Valley Farmers | Wes Sperry is an accomplished agricultural leader and business executive with over 20 years of experience managing and expanding his family’s Central Valley almond farm. As an owner and partner at Sperry Farms Inc., Wes played a key role in growing the operation from 600 to over 2,000 acres, implementing organic and regenerative practices to enhance soil health and environmental stewardship. Wes serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastside Water District, contributing to strategic planning and budgeting for sustainable groundwater management across 73,000 acres. Additionally, he has been a member of the Almond Board of California’s Organic Advisory Committee, supporting policy and industry data initiatives for almond growers. Wes holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology from San Diego State University. |
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