The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has named Nikki Cossio and Sal Parra Jr. to its board of directors.
“I am excited and honored that Nikki and Sal have graciously accepted our invitation to join the board of directors,” Mike Young, CALF board chair, said in a news release. “Their rich background in production agriculture, coupled with their thought leadership and industry influence, will make them invaluable in supporting our vision of leaders united to strengthen California agriculture and sustainably supply the world. I look forward to their deep insights and strategic perspectives that they will bring to propel our foundation forward and steer us to creating greater impact in our industry and world.”
Cossio is the founder and CEO of Measure to Improve, which supports fresh produce industry producers and processors in measuring, improving and building credible sustainability programs that generate environmental, social and financial benefits.
Part of a multigenerational California farming family, she served on boards and committees for organizations such as the International Fresh Produce Association, Specialty Crops Coordinating Council, the former Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Center for Global Produce Sustainability. Cossio founded the Monterey County Sustainability Working Group in 2011 and was recognized as part of The Packer 25 in 2019, an annual list that highlights leaders in the fresh produce industry.
“For years, I have admired the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation,” Cossio said in the release. “Serving on the board allows me to directly participate in shaping the future of California agriculture. We can empower the next generation of farmers to thrive and ensure a vibrant agricultural legacy for our state.”
Parra is the director of farming for Burford Ranch, a multigenerational family operation that grows nuts, vegetables and row crops. He is also an owner and partner of Coyula Farms, a family-owned operation that grows almonds, pistachios, wheat, alfalfa, corn and Angus beef cattle.
Parra serves on boards for the Fresno County Farm Bureau and James Groundwater Sustainability Agency. He is a member of Class 7 of the Western Growers Future Volunteer Leaders Program. Parra earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 2008 and an MBA in 2015, both from Fresno State. He is a member of Class 46 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program and previously served as a CALF Education Team liaison on the Ag Leadership Alumni Council.
“I am truly honored to be selected and serve on the foundation board,” Parra said in the release. “The program and this foundation have impacted my life in profound ways and I look to paying that forward with my service.”
Parra and Cossio join a board that includes Mike Young of Wegis & Young, chair; Cameron Boswell of J.G. Boswell, vice chair; Emily Rooney of the Agricultural Council of California, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas of Reiter Affiliated Cos.; Correen Davis of The Gorrill Ranch; Rob Goff of Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen of Wells Fargo; Roger Isom of California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association and Western Agricultural Processors Association; Joel Kimmelshue of Land IQ; Paul Parreira of Parreira Almond Processing Co.; and Martin Sancho-Madriz of Cal Poly Pomona.
