SACRAMENTO, CA - With National Strawberry Month set to kick off tomorrow, the California Strawberry Commission (CSC) took a moment to explore the current and future state of the industry, bringing together California growers and legislators for its annual Strawberry Legislative Reception in Sacramento, California.

“Strawberry farming has given immigrants more ownership opportunities than any other major crop. My father and uncle, for example, began picking strawberries in the early 1960s and worked their way up to become the first Hispanic strawberry growers to own their own crop in Pajaro Valley,” said Peter Navarro, Board of Directors Vice Chair. “We all take great pride in what we do, especially growing a crop that comes with many challenges. On behalf of all the strawberry growers, we are thankful for your support to overcome obstacles and continue the legacy of growing the finest berries in the world.”

Growers and industry members met with California coastal state legislators, legislative and district directors, Chiefs of Staff, Senate and Assembly leadership, and the Governor's Office to discuss the unique opportunities of the industry that consists of about 400 growers, shippers, and processors that produce 90 percent of the nation’s strawberries, a press release noted.

During the event, CSC President Rick Tomlinson discussed the importance of California’s fourth-highest-grossing crop and its positive impact in the state, spotlighting several long-time growers from Santa Cruz to San Diego.

In addition to the recent Legislative Reception, the organization also represented the industry last month at Ag Day at the Capitol, an annual celebration recognizing California’s agricultural community. During the celebration, CSC featured fresh California strawberries and engaged with the state legislators, government leaders, regulatory staff, and public citizens in attendance.

A continuation of the commission’s advocacy efforts, Vice President of Public Policy Mark Martinez and a delegation of board members traveled to Washington, D.C. in February to participate in a series of meetings with federal regulatory leadership and elected officials to strengthen the communication between growers and congressional officers. According to the release, the delegation spoke on supporting and advancing automation research, FDA transparency and food safety communications, the proposed Canada plastics regulation’s potential impact, immigration reform, and the Federal Farm Bill.

We applaud the CSC for its efforts to advance the California strawberry industry. For more produce news, stick around.