CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS AB 32 IMPLEMENTATION AND STATEWIDE WATER POLICY AT MARCH 30 MEETING

SACRAMENTO, March 28, 2011 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address climate change and water policy at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. 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's farmers and ranchers have a significant role in our state's future," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.  "As we continue to address climate change and water policy we encourage engagement and collaboration among all the regulatory agencies and stakeholder groups."

AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, established the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The act, among other provisions, ensures that early voluntary reductions receive appropriate credit in the implementation process.  In development of a “cap and trade” market, agricultural emissions and conservation will have significant role in the voluntary reductions arena. The board will hear from variety of speakers on the issue, including: California Farm Bureau Federation, the Climate Action Reserve, the University of California, the California Rice Commission, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Agricultural Council of California.

"With the implementation of AB 32 we see private entities developing protocols to evaluate agricultural production and with water policy we see continued action at the local and state level to address efficiency," said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.  “Our input as farmers in these activities is critical.”

In addition, the board will continue its dialogue on statewide water policy. Secretary John Laird, California Natural Resources Agency, has been invited to discuss the agency’s plans moving forward for the Delta and California’s water system. The San Luis Water District and the Siskiyou County Water Users Association will also provide an update on regional issues impacting agricultural water users.

 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.

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