CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS FARM BILL PRIORITIES AT JUNE 29 MEETING

SACRAMENTO, June 28, 2011 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address the upcoming farm bill at its meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 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.

While due to be reauthorized in 2012, the evolving federal budget talks have led to efforts to write a farm bill in 2011.

“The farm bill is critical not only for California’s farmers and ranchers but for all Californians,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.  “This national legislation supports vital nutritional programs, provides funding for agricultural research and conservation, and assists farmers in addressing on-farm challenges.”

The farm bill funds a variety of federal programs that support food and agriculture nationwide. The legislation expires every five years providing an opportunity to review and revise priorities and programs impacting nutrition, conservation, research, plant and animal health and other programs critical to supporting a diverse farm economy.

Speakers at the meeting will include Dorene D’Adamo, Office of Congressman Dennis Cardoza; Val Dolcini, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency; Lincoln E. Burton, State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service; Robert Guenther, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance; Tim Johnson, California Rice Commission; and a variety of representatives from California’s agricultural community. A complete list of speakers is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/State_Board/

“With budget pressures at the federal level, the national farm bill discussion will not be easy,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.  “California needs to have an active role in developing this legislation and I look forward to working with the agricultural community to advance our priorities.”
 
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the Governor and CDFA Secretary.  The State 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.

Follow the board on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

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