STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE SCHEDULES 2007 FARM BILL UPDATE

Agriculture industry leaders to present California’s perspective at March 28 session

SACRAMENTO  – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its recommendations for the 2007 Farm Bill, including 65 proposals covering everything from conservation and specialty crops to disaster relief and food stamps.  As farming groups, government officials and other organizations enter the discussion, California’s State Board of Food and Agriculture will host a session dedicated to the state’s unique perspective on the Farm Bill.

The event will take place on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at CDFA Headquarters, located at 1220 N Street in Sacramento.

“The Farm Bill is an important investment that this nation makes in the future of our food supply, and also in the future of alternative fuels, resource conservation, and many other agriculture-based benefits to society,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura.  “We are working to ensure that the 2007 Farm Bill takes into account the diversity and importance of California’s agricultural production.”

The day’s schedule includes a summary of CDFA’s recommendations for the Farm Bill by Secretary Kawamura, as well as presentations by the California Resources Agency, the California Farm Bureau Federation, Western Growers Association, Western United Dairymen, California Cattlemen’s Association, the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association, the California Rice Commission, Environmental Defense, and the University of California Agricultural Issues Center.

“The farmers and ranchers in this state provide a tremendous range of crops and commodities for the entire country,” said Al Montna, president of the State Board of Food and Agriculture. “We are engaged in this Farm Bill discussion because it represents an opportunity to emphasize just how important California’s agriculture is to the nation.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and secretary of food and agriculture of findings as they impact agriculture and consumer needs.  The board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

All California State Board of Food and Agriculture meetings are open to the media and general public.