The food and agriculture industry is navigating an unprecedented level of disruption and change—facing challenges that will likely define the next decade of food safety and quality. From shifting regulations to workforce strain, companies need more than technical updates; they need a place to collaborate, strategize, and lead.
At DFA of California, we knew California couldn’t afford to sit still. So, we made the decision to bring back Safe Food California. After a six-year hiatus, we returned exactly where we left off: Monterey—one of the state’s top agricultural-producing counties and a powerful symbol of California’s strength and innovation.
This wasn’t just another industry event. It was a timely, intentional gathering that gave food safety and quality professionals space to engage on the most pressing issues, share real solutions, and strengthen their networks. For many, it was the only chance all year to connect face-to-face with peers experiencing the same challenges—labor shortages, regulatory shifts, and an increasingly competitive global market.
Attendees left the conference better prepared, better connected, and more equipped to lead. In the article ahead, you’ll see why Safe Food California 2025 was more than a comeback—it was an investment in the future of our industry.
Shaping the Future of Food Safety
From employee burnout to machine learning, this year’s keynote sessions provided attendees with tools and insights to address some of the most defining challenges reshaping our industry.
People First: Tackling the Workforce Challenge
We began with a discussion about the challenges our workforce faces. Erin Clem, Lesa Eidman, and Dane Lance examined how burnout, employee retention, and leadership gaps affect every level of food processing operations. Their solutions weren’t abstract – they were tactical, actionable, and based on real-world experience. Attendees left with valuable tools to support their teams and build resilient, high-performing cultures.
“Quality is not a department, it is a value and a mindset.”
— Erin Clem
AI and Automation in Food Safety
On day two, we shifted our lens toward innovation. Hillari Bynum moderated a conversation between Vince Lubsey, Roger Woehl, and Gabe Youtsey about how automation and AI are already revolutionizing food safety — and how these technologies can support, not replace, human oversight. From predictive analytics to real-time pathogen detection, the panel helped demystify what is possible today and how to prepare yourself and your team for what is ahead.
Trust and Transparency: A Buyer’s Perspective on Food Safety
One of the most anticipated panels featured buyers from OFI, Importaco, and Terra Nova Trading, who offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how major companies evaluate suppliers. The discussion centered on what food safety means from a sourcing perspective, including how buyer expectations are evolving regarding transparency, food safety audits, and sustainability.
Buyers emphasized that food safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a trust signal. Panelists shared their approaches to assessing facility culture, track record, responsiveness, and communication when choosing or maintaining suppliers.
“Food Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility — See It, Say It, Sort It”
— OFI
This session provided attendees with clear insights into what top-tier buyers truly seek—and how food safety teams can help boost their company’s market reputation and buyer confidence.
Regulatory Clarity: Policy Shifts on the Horizon
Equally important was understanding the regulatory shifts shaping daily operations. Brian Ronholm (Consumer Reports) and Steven Mandernach (AFDO) provided valuable insight into how federal government changes are reshaping the regulatory landscape. Their discussion covered what processors should expect in the next 1–3 years, how enforcement might change, and how the MAHA movement is affecting food safety.
Impact Through Education
“The training sessions were informative and well-structured, covering relevant topics that are directly applicable to our field.”
— 2025 Safe Food California Attendee
This feedback captures it perfectly: this year’s program was not just comprehensive; it was designed to deliver results. Covering topics from the latest FSMA regulations to the science of workplace culture, our pre-conference academies and breakout sessions focused on the skills and knowledge attendees need now.
As part of this, we offered three highly requested pre-conference academy courses designed to provide attendees with practical tools they can use immediately. Produce Safety Training with Tom Jones helped participants strengthen their produce safety plans and stay compliant. Traceability Rule – FSMA Section 204, with Amanda Britton, offered the latest updates needed to meet new requirements confidently. Recall Readiness, led by Lily Yang and Christopher Snabes, provided hands-on crisis management practice and best practices for staying prepared. Together, these courses equipped attendees with actionable knowledge they can implement as soon as they return to their workplaces.
Furthermore, our packed schedule included many innovative breakout sessions that drew large crowds, often with standing-room-only audiences. One standout was Food Safety Culture 2.0, led by Erin Clem, where attendees learned practical ways to foster a positive food safety culture in their workplaces and gained tools to translate training into measurable behavioral improvements. Many participants reported that this session was their favorite of the week. Antonio Mungia and Jeff Nelson set an engaging tone early in the program with their session, Ask the Auditor, where they helped teams avoid common mistakes and improve audit preparedness. Meanwhile, nearby, Gaby Chavarria conducted Allergen Management for Tree Nut Processors, providing strategies to help these processors safeguard their brands and customers.
Connection & Community
“It [Safe Food California] provided a great platform to connect with professionals from various backgrounds, fostering meaningful networking opportunities.”
— 2025 Safe Food California Attendee
Safe Food California fostered a sense of collaboration, community, and connection throughout the week, reminding everyone that in a field defined by complex challenges, we move further when we move together.
Beginning with our opening night reception, this mixer provided numerous opportunities for attendees, exhibitors, partners, and speakers to exchange ideas and establish trusted relationships that enhance food safety beyond the conference. The reception was so successful that it extended past its scheduled closing, as attendees enjoyed lively conversations, an open bar, and the chance to spend time with adoptable dogs and kittens.
This year, the Paw Pavilion debuted, featuring adoptable dogs and kittens hosted by South County Animal Rescue (SCAR), a local rescue organization. DFA of California was proud to partner with SCAR to showcase adoptable animals and highlight the impact of this local rescue’s work. The Pavilion, featuring adoptable pets from South County Animal Rescue, offered a welcome break from heavy topics—and even led to a few adoptions. These moments helped attendees pause, recharge, and come back to complex discussions feeling refreshed – a small but impactful way to combat burnout in a high-pressure field.
For our DFA members, Safe Food California started a bit early, kicking off their conference week with a DFA member breakfast hosted by our CEO, Brendan O’Donnell, and DFA’s board chair, Brian Dunning.
The best party in food safety took place this year at the beautiful Monterey Bay Aquarium. Safe Food California Evening Gala guests had the chance to explore ‘the deep,’ enjoying exclusive after-hours access to many exhibits. They arrived with a grand, red-carpet-style entrance, followed by a sunset cocktail hour. The evening featured a three-course plated dinner, an interactive photo booth, and a lively six-piece band, all illuminated by the captivating glow of the exhibits. One attendee summed it up perfectly: “The Aquarium was amazing at night.” However, it was more than just a party; the gala was an opportunity to celebrate shared successes, forge new friendships, and strengthen the community spirit that drives our industry forward.
These moments of connection reminded everyone that while food safety can be complex and demanding, no one has to tackle it alone.
Exhibitor & Industry Collaboration
Safe Food California offered attendees an opportunity to network with partners and develop practical solutions for their food safety programs. The exhibitor showcase featured an impressive array of companies, including specialists in food safety testing, sanitation, pest management, and third-party certification audits, among others. We’re grateful to every exhibitor who invested their time and expertise to make Safe Food California 2025 a success.
One of this year’s innovative exhibitors, AMVT, said, “Safe Food California 2025 is in full swing, and AMVT is thrilled to be a part of this significant event. Discover how our Inspection Equipment can elevate your dedication to Food Safety standards.”
The collaboration went beyond the exhibit hall with the launch of the attendee hub app. It simplified access to all conference elements, allowing participants to customize schedules with breakout sessions, keynotes, and networking events. The app also streamlined registration and check-in through personalized QR codes. Attendees actively utilized features like live Q&A, showcasing Safe Food California’s commitment to sharing insights and providing attendees with direct access to tools, partners, and ideas that can be put into practice immediately.
Safe Food California 2025 was not only a return— it was a renewal.
Safe Food California 2025 was more than a return—it was a renewal. After a six-year hiatus, we didn’t just bring the conference back—we pushed it forward, providing attendees with tools, insight, and connections they can act on today.
We couldn’t have achieved such a transformative event without the unwavering dedication and support of our DFA members and attendees. Thank you for trusting this event, supporting DFA of California over the years, and helping us establish a stronger place in the food safety and quality industry in a post-COVID-19 world. This conference is for industry, by industry, and was made possible because of you. We also sincerely thank our speakers, partners, exhibitors, and staff for their time, effort, and dedication in making Safe Food California an investment in the future strength, safety, and success of California’s specialty crop industry.
Perhaps the most meaningful feedback we received was from an attendee who said they felt right at home. After a few years’ break, it was an honor to bring Safe Food California back and to do so in a way that felt both familiar and at the forefront of our industry. The work continues, and with planning already underway for next year, we look forward to welcoming you home again.
Relive the energy, connection, and innovation that defined Safe Food California 2025. Our highlight video captures the excitement, while our photo gallery showcases the many faces and moments that made this year’s event unforgettable. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to build on that momentum.
Looking Ahead
We’re thrilled to share that Safe Food California is returning to Monterey from April 7-9, 2026—and we’d love for you to be there! Registration for 2026 is officially open! Secure your spot today and take advantage of early bird savings.
If you’d like to help shape next year’s event, now is the time to get involved:
- Submit a suggestion for a topic, speaker, or networking event
- Apply to be a speaker and share your expertise
- Apply to be part of our programming committee and help design the 2026 session schedule
