CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS STATE WATER PLAN AND "CAP AND TRADE" AT JULY 28 MEETING

SACRAMENTO, July 27, 2010 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address national offset programs and the California Water Plan Update 2009 at its Wednesday, July 28, 2010 meeting in Sacramento. 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.

“The global dialogue on climate change must include a conversation on agriculture’s role in finding solutions,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “The opportunities for carbon sequestration and the generation of on-farm renewable energy are only first steps.”

The state board will hear testimony from the Climate Action Reserve, a national offset program that develops standards for the quantification and verification of projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The board will also hear from the Department of Water Resources on the California Water Plan Update 2009.

“In addressing the carbon offset market and the state’s framework for future water planning, the state board is highlighting vital issues that will impact California agriculture,” said President Al Montna, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Our dialogue will help inform regulators and officials within the developing carbon market about the needs of California’s farmers and ranchers.”

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.

All California State Board of Food and Agriculture meetings are open to the media and general public.

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