CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO HOLD FIRST FARMERS’ MARKET LISTENING SESSION ON OCTOBER 27 IN SACRAMENTO

SACRAMENTO, October 21, 2010 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will host the first California Certified Farmers’ Markets Listening Session in Sacramento on October 27, 2010. The listening session will be held in conjunction with the state board’s regularly scheduled meeting and will be held from 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“California’s certified farmers’ markets are an important component of our food system,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “We hope that the public will participate in these listening sessions to help provide feedback on our farmers’ market system and enhance the role these markets play in our community.”

The California Certified Farmer’s Markets Listening Sessions will provide the opportunity for public comment on the operation of California’s 700-plus certified farmers markets. CDFA, in cooperation with California’s County Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers, enforce regulations governing the direct marketing of produce from growers to consumers. More than 2,200 certified agricultural producers participate in farmers markets throughout the state.

“The popularity of California’s farmers markets continue to grow,” said Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “We need to ensure that these venues remain a fair marketplace for all producers - public comment and participation in these listening sessions is encouraged.”

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.

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