California Groundbreakers

In this episode, we’re taking a look at California’s food supply chain – how it’s under stress, and even breaking, because of the coronavirus crisis. We’re talking with a couple of people who are literally “in the field” and seeing how pandemic-induced glitches in the food supply chain are playing out. First is Evan Wiig, communications director for the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, which is helping California’s small farms get through the pandemic by matchmaking them with food banks, school districts and other food hubs that need supplies. In the second half, we talk with Dave Daley, chair of California Cattle Council, a fifth-generation cattle rancher, and a just-retired professor of animal sciences at Chico State, about the meatpacking-plants shutdown, why he supports President Trump ordering them to stay open, and how this will play out in the butcher shop and the supermarket. PODCAST PLAY-BY-PLAY Part One: Evan Wiig * 0 to 5:30 min - Intro to California Groundbreakers, and why we're doi