CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FOOD FUTURE – CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL VISION FRAMEWORK RELEASED

Public Comment on Agricultural Policy Priorities due by February 20, 2009

SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are releasing the California Agricultural Vision framework for public comment. This “Ag Vision” will help craft long term policy priorities for California’s food system that will bring together various stakeholders with the common goal of advancing innovation and the sustainability of California’s agricultural future. This includes perspectives from farmers, ranchers and processors as well as nutrition, conservation, environmental and rural development groups.

The Ag Vision’s framework is centered on three policy priorities for a sustainable agri-food system:

• Better Health and Well-being: Meeting the nutritional needs of California’s diverse population

• A Healthier Planet: Agricultural stewardship of the natural resources upon which California food production depends

• Thriving Communities: Food production is a driver of sustainable California economic growth

The complete Ag Vision framework is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision

“We must come together to create a lasting and dynamic food system for California,” said California Secretary of Food and Agriculture A.G. Kawamura. “This can only be achieved through active participation by all stakeholders.”

The Ag Vision is a culmination of seven public listening sessions and hundreds of comments submitted by agricultural stakeholders.  It reflects the issues, policy priorities and needs of California’s food sector. 

“Dialogue is key in creating policy priorities for the Ag Vision,” said State Board of Food and Agriculture President Al Montna. “With important issues such as regulations, labor, water and the environment needing action– public feedback is essential.”

Public feedback on the Ag Vision is due by February 20, 2009. Comments can be submitted online at www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision , emailed at agvision@cdfa.ca.gov or sent to California Agricultural Vision, 1220 N Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Funding for the California Agricultural Vision is provided in part by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation and Columbia Foundation.