The Evolution of Farming

This product is free for FCP members.

This webinar was presented live on November 1, 2022.

Sal Parra, Director of Farming of Burford Ranch in Fresno, California will share his story of farming, describing his journey and the products he has worked with over the last 14 years. An overview of the food processing channel will be reviewed, along with current challenges and active solutions that are occurring in the farming and agriculture workforce. Sal will provide insight into the importance of quality that is placed on products entering the retail space and how this impacts the farmer. He will discuss best practices among those that continue to earn a living by doing what they love: farming and providing consumers with nourishing foods. The audience will leave with actionable steps and additional questions to consider as they build or maintain relationships with farmers, in order to best educate their clients and consumers.

CPEU: 1.0
CPE Level: 1
Performance Indicators: 12.4.2, 12.4.4, 12.4.5

Learning Objectives

1. Identify two challenges for today’s farmers along the food processing channel that impact production.
2. Identify active solutions that are occurring along the food processing channel that food and nutrition professionals can offer when engaging with consumers.
3. Identify one actionable strategy food and nutrition professionals can incorporate to build and maintain sustainable partnerships with farmers.

Speaker

Sal Parra Jr.
Director of Farming
Buford Ranch

Sal Parra Jr. is currently the Director of Farming for Burford Ranch and is responsible for various crops that include almonds, wine grapes, corn and alfalfa hay. He holds a PCA License and is also holds a Qualified Applicator License through California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation.  He lives on the farm with his wife Ramona of eleven years, and their ten-year old daughter Linda. Sal is a two-time graduate of Fresno State, earning his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business in 2008 and a Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness in 2015. He is also a graduate of Class 46 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Sal currently serves as the School Board President of Golden Plains Unified School District. He is also a board member of the California Garlic and Onion Research Advisory Board and is the Vice-Chairman for the USDA Fresno County Farm Service Agency.