CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO HEAR UPDATES ON REGIONAL COLLABORATION INITIATIVES, CALIFORNIA FAIRS AND THE CALCANNABIS PROGRAM ON JULY 11

SACRAMENTO,  July 6, 2017 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates on a variety of programs impacting agricultural communities across the state at its upcoming meeting on July 11th in Sacramento. Discussion items include an overview of regional collaborations aimed to develop agricultural workforce strategies and accelerate on-farm innovation, as well as updates on CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Program and California’s Fair Network.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2017 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.

“Regional collaborations across industry sectors can greatly benefit California’s farm communities” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “From the Central Valley to Salinas Valley initiatives are being implemented that positively address workforce challenges and improve technology, entrepreneurship and innovation on farms and ranches.”

Invited speakers for the meeting include: Dennis Donahue, Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology; Mike Betts, Betts Company; Dr. Stuart Van Horn, West Hills Community College District; Amber Morris, CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Program; Taylor Roschen, CDFA; Stephen Chambers, Western Fairs Association, Cliff Munson, Siskiyou Golden Fair; Rick Pickering, California State Fair and John Quiroz, CDFA’s Fairs & Exposition Branch.

“Our upcoming meeting underscores the diversity and opportunities within California’s agricultural sector,” said President Craig McNamara, California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

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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