Ag leaders weigh trade, labor rules and technology at Fresno State conference
By Frank Lopez | November 2, 2026 - 4:45 PM
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Trade tensions, state labor rules and farm technology topped the agenda at Fresno State’s 45th annual Agribusiness Management Conference, held Oct. 29 at Pardini’s in Fresno. The conference, themed “Navigating Risk in Uncertain Times,” is hosted by Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
Federal policy and trade
Agricultural policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer headlined the conference with a presentation on how federal farm legislation, international trade, regulations and taxes affect farm budgets, commodity markets and business planning. Wiesemeyer, a Washington policy analyst for AgBull Media and contributor to Farm Journal’s AgriTalk radio program, discussed the effects of tariffs and trade disputes with Canada, linking them to President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
Forces reshaping risk
A panel discussion titled “The Forces Reshaping Agricultural Risk” focused on external pressures on agricultural businesses, including regulatory changes and market uncertainty.
Panelists included Abby Taylor-Silva of Kahn, Soares & Conway; Julie Adams of the Almond Board of California; and Emily Rooney, president of the Agricultural Council of California. Casey Creamer, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, moderated.
Adams noted ongoing conversations with the Trump administration in support of California agriculture, while acknowledging that Chinese tariffs remain a concern. She highlighted growing opportunities in Southeast Asia as a counterbalance.
“While we’re seeing China’s direct shipments go down, we are seeing a lot more shipments that are getting in there indirectly because the customers are still there,” Adams said.
Labor rules
Bill Wolman of Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC led a session on California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and its implications for agricultural employers.
Technology and labor
Walt Duflock, an innovation executive with Western Growers and a fifth-generation California farmer, delivered the luncheon keynote. Duflock explored how robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation could help agricultural businesses address labor shortages, water management, food safety, and productivity. He emphasized practical applications and return on investment as key factors when evaluating new agricultural technologies.