SECRETARY KAWAMURA TO SERVE ON PANEL AT USDA CONSERVATION LISTENING SESSION IN COACHELLA VALLEY

SACRAMENTO – CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura is scheduled to serve on a panel at a USDA conservation listening session Thursday, February 12 in Indio. The hearing will be one of three scheduled in California to solicit comments on the new Conservation Security Program, which will provide financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, and plant and animal life. The program is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“Our success as farmers and ranchers depends on our ability to maintain and protect agricultural lands as conscientious environmental stewards,” said Secretary Kawamura. “I am honored to be asked to serve on this listening panel. These types of partnerships with the federal government meet the expectations of Governor Schwarzenegger, as he made clear recently in his state-of-the-state address.”

According to the USDA, the program’s goals are to improve the conditions of working farms and ranches and to enhance natural resources for the public.

The Conservation Security Program was authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill. Comments on the proposed federal rule that would implement the program will be accepted through March 2, 2004.

The listening session on February 12 in Indio will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Indio Service Center, 82-901 Bliss Avenue. On Feburary 17, a listening panel will be held in Sacramento at the Resources Agency Auditorium, 1416 9th Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The final listening session in California will be held on February 19 at California State University Fresno, 550 E. Shaw Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.           

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