The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency, including carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs. 

"These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation's rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They bring the experience and passion necessary to help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America." 

The individuals appointed:

Ronald Kelley (Chairperson)
Kelley, from Sacramento County, has operated R. Kelley Farms, a 50 acre "u-pick" operation in the Sacramento Delta, since 1994. Kelley specializes in summer fruits and vegetables. He is also a Seed Division Manager for The Lyman Group, Inc., where he focuses on wholesale seed clients. 

Reis Soares
Soares, from Madera County, emigrated from the Azores Islands to California in 1962. In 1984, she and her husband started their own dairy farm, which is located in Chowchilla.  Soares has served as the Minority Advisor for the Madera County FSA Committee since 1999.

Michael Honig
Honig, from Napa County, is the President and Managing Partner of Honig Vineyard & Winery. Honig chaired the first California initiative to develop a "Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices," a voluntary program establishing statewide guidelines for sustainable farming and winemaking. 

Pete Navarro
Navarro, was born and raised in Watsonville. He currently operates Navarro Farms, a strawberry operation founded by his father and uncle who began as farm laborers from Mexico. Navarro is a member of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and a former member of the California Strawberry Commission.

Lynn Skinner
Skinner, from Merced County, was raised on a working Calif. family farm. Skinner and her husband operate the historic Wolfsen Land and Cattle Company, carrying on a family agribusiness legacy that has spanned some 80 years. They produce tomatoes and other crops.