Dean Taylor joins CEA Alliance board of directors

Mar 21, 2025

The CEA Alliance has named Dean Taylor to its board of directors. He is currently the vice president of business development at Mastronardi Produce. As a seasoned veteran of controlled environment agriculture, he brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and expertise that will help the organization shape the future of indoor agriculture.

"I'm eager to help the organization address challenges and advance growth across the industry," said Taylor. The CEA Alliance represents and serves vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Since joining Mastronardi in 2010, Taylor has played a key role in developing award-winning products that inspire consumers to choose fresh produce, enhancing their healthy eating choices. His extensive experience includes leading innovation pipelines, managing worldwide trial programs, and overseeing new product development from seed to shelf.

He joins a diverse board of industry professionals from across North America.

Source : The Grower

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.