CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO FOCUS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY AT MAY 26 MEETING

Meeting to be held in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, May 24, 2010 —The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss renewable energy technology at its May 26, 2010 meeting in Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street –Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“California farms and ranches can no longer be seen as just being suppliers of food, fiber and forage,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura.  “Renewable energy technology, with scalability and alignment, offers solutions and exciting opportunities for on-farm energy production. “

The state board will hear from a variety of renewable energy companies, local and regional government agencies, and farmers who have implemented green energy technologies on their farming operation.  Speakers include Casey Houweling, Houweling’s Hothouse Group; Professor Scott Samuelsen, National Fuel Research Center and Pamela Creedon, Center Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.

“Farmers continue to face significant regulatory hurdles in adapting to renewable energy production,” said President Al Montna, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “This meeting will help clarify the obstacles and bring regulatory agencies to the table.”

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.