CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS FARMWORKER RESOURCES AMID COVID-19 OUTBREAKS AND HEAR PERSPECTIVES FROM FARM LABOR ADVOCATES

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SACRAMENTO, July 2, 2020 - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss farmworker safety and resources related to COVID-19 and also hear from farm labor advocates at its upcoming webinar meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  The board will also hear updates on CDFA’s Farmer Equity Report and rural broadband efforts by stakeholders. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. via GoToWebinar.

Meeting Link:            https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3299499562864702221
Webinar ID: 760-948-179

“California’s agricultural sector has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the resulting economic impacts,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.  “Protecting agricultural workers – in fields, processing plants and throughout the food system is critical as we continue to take action in response to this virus. Farm worker protection and food safety are paramount as California agriculture continues to feed the nation.”

Invited speakers include: Hernan Hernandez, California Farm Worker Foundation; Kent Pinkerton, Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety; Theresa Kiehn, Ag Safe; Bryan Little, Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS); Giev Kashkooli, United Farm Workers (UFW); Estella Cisneros, California Rural Legal Assistance; Barbara Hayes, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC); and Thea Rittenhouse, CDFA’s Farmer Equity Advisor.

 “The summer months are peak harvest for a variety of California crops,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Everyone in farming understands the challenge this virus has on operations and what it means for the workforce. As a board, we are committed to connecting local resources, working with stakeholders and finding solutions that provide needed protections that keep everyone involved in food production safe in their working environment.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

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

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