Registration is now open for the 44th annual Agribusiness Management Conference hosted by Fresno State. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pardini’s Catering and Banquets in Fresno.
This year’s conference, themed “Managing Change and Leveraging Innovation,” will feature experts from business, government relations, and research who will discuss economic policy, innovation and technology, changing regulations, and trade issues relevant to the agrifood sector.
“This event offers industry professionals, faculty, staff and students a valuable opportunity to gain specialized insight into business forecasts and emerging trends,” said Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State. “As the agricultural landscape continues to change, these perspectives are important to help the industry and our students better understand and navigate these shifts.”
The conference will begin with an opening session by Brad Rubin, vice president of Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute specializing in specialty crops. Rubin will provide an economic outlook covering both national and international markets. His background includes work with major commercial agricultural lenders as well as experience in digital and e-commerce roles.
Two panel discussions will follow Rubin’s presentation. The first panel, “Opportunities and Innovation as We Navigate the Future,” will include Brian Bassett (FarmitRx), Seana Day (Dave Wilson Nursery), Gabe Youtsey (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources), and will be moderated by Eric Hadden of the Fresno State Water, Energy and Technology Center.
The second panel, “Managing Trade Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Uncertain Times,” features Denise Bode (Constitution Partners), Joe Coelho (American Pistachio Growers), Nick Kastle (J.G. Boswell), moderated by Trudi Hughes (California League of Food Producers).
Registration costs $150 for general attendees. Fresno State students can attend free by contacting event organizer Luz Mendoza ahead of time. Non-Fresno State community college students may register for $50 if their faculty reach out to Mendoza.
Sponsors for the event include Wells Fargo as platinum-level sponsor, Farm Credit as gold-level sponsor, and The Zenith along with California Chapter of ASFMRA Western Ag Professionals as silver-level sponsors. Additional support comes from organizations such as California Food Producers, Steve Moore Farms, the Jordan College, and the Institute for Food and Agriculture.
For more information on sponsorships or registration, contact luzmendoza@mail.fresnostate.edu or call 559.278.7135.
