CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE HOLDS 2018 FARM BILL LISTENING SESSION AT WORLD AG EXPO

Thursday, February 16th – Noon to 3:00 p.m.

SACRAMENTO, February 14, 2017 - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be hosting a 2018 Farm Bill Listening Session at the World Ag Expo in Tulare on Thursday, February 16th. The session will be held from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the International Agri-Center/Heritage Complex, 4500 S. Laspina Street (Theater) in Tulare, CA 93274.  Individuals interested in providing public comment on the farm bill are encouraged to attend.

“The farm bill provides the foundation for our nation’s food and agricultural policy. It is legislation that benefits everyone, including California’s farmers and ranchers,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This legislation supports our rural communities, provides nutritional assistance for those that need it most and fosters innovations within our farm economy that benefits our environment, food safety and health.”

The current farm bill, the Agricultural Act of 2014 will expire next year necessitating action by Congress. The farm bill provides an estimated $489 billion in federal funding nationwide to support a variety of food and agricultural programs including crop insurance, conservation, nutrition and trade.

“California needs a farm bill that recognizes our diversity as a region and as a farm state,” said President Craig McNamara, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “We need to invest in beginning farmers, end food waste and provide greater recognition for the on-farm conservation practices that California is well known for.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. 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.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.

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

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