understand is the huge diversity of California agriculture—that it’s dominated by families and multi-generation families—and then there’s always going to be a misunderstanding of how we use our pest management tools, our water use and farm labor standards.” Ross managed to build and maintain bridges between both of these worlds, seeking commonalities and platforming initiatives and programs that possess multiple benefits, for both urban and rural communities. “I do value transparency,” she said. “I value integrity. People don’t have to agree with me, but I want to be honest and as forthright as possible. I try to reconcile that this is a big, urbanized state. And
the balancing is getting more challenging than ever before on really complex issues. So how do I reconcile? Well, I go home and have wine and ask myself, ‘Should you still be in this position?’ I do have to ask myself that. And ‘What else could I have done? Could anybody else have made it?’” Those in the industry are happy to answer Ross’ question for her. “Secretary Ross has been a steadfast advocate for California agriculture through its challenges with optimism and without complaint,” said Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming and Processing. “While I’ve sometimes vented my frustrations as a California farmer, I know we couldn’t have had a better
Ross attending a Western Growers Women event in Palm Springs, Calif.
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator