SACRAMENTO, CA. // OCTOBER 13, 2021
California Governor Newsom’s office has appointed Christine (Christy) Birdsong to serve as
Undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture on October 8, 2021. Since
2016, Birdsong has been general counsel to The Sun Valley Rice Company, LLC, where she handles
corporate legal issues, state and federal regulatory compliance, and assists in industry and
government affairs. In addition, Birdsong has represented Sun Valley Rice on the USA Rice
Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Food Safety.
“Christy has twenty years of experience navigating complex regulatory environments on behalf
of industry and agriculture,” said Ken LaGrande, Sun Valley Rice CEO. “Her real-world,
practical expertise with water, labor, legislative, and trade issues will be invaluable. We’re so
pleased to send her to the CDFA with deep insights into the rice industry. She will be an
extraordinary partner to my friend Karen Ross.”
Birdsong will be reporting to Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and
Agriculture to address the challenges facing one of the state’s greatest economic contributors
“Serving as General Counsel and Director of Human Relations for Sun Valley Rice has provided
a deep understanding of the unique obstacles and opportunities agricultural businesses face,”
said Birdsong. “I look forward to applying the learnings gained in the rice industry towards my
work as Undersecretary of the CDFA.”
Prior to Sun Valley Rice, Birdsong was General Counsel for the National Cotton Council of America
from 2011 to 2016, Counsel for the Committee on Agriculture for the United States House of
Representatives from 2005 to 2010, and Federal Government Affairs Leader for CropLife America
from 2004 to 2005.
Birdsong earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the
Law. Birdsong’s last day with Sun Valley Rice will be Friday, October 15, 2021.
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About Sun Valley Rice:
Headquartered in Arbuckle, California, in the most fertile growing grounds in Northern California,
Sun Valley Rice has offices in London, Abu Dhabi, and Sacramento. House brand labels include
Planet Rice, Gen-Ji-Mai, and Daichi. For more information please visit SunValleyRice.com
Press Contact:
Ali Cox for Sun Valley Rice, 917-882-4132 or ali@alicox.com
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