Media Contacts: Steve Lyle (CDFA), 916-654-0462 , officeofpublicaffairs@cdfa.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO, April 30, 2020- The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hold a discussion with agricultural members of the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery at its upcoming webinar meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The Board will also hear perspectives from agricultural stakeholders on post-recovery needs. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via GoToWebinar.
Meeting Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5639185538585593099
Webinar ID: 797-704-859
“California’s farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers continue to provide food for our tables and we cannot thank them enough for their ongoing service during this period.” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As we look towards recovery – from retail to food service – we need to safeguard a marketplace so that food from farms and processing plants can reach consumers and those in need.”
On April 17th, Governor Newsom formed a state Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery to chart a path forward on recovery in the wake of COVID-19. The Task Force will work to develop actions government and businesses can take to help California recover.
“As a farmer, current market uncertainty is a challenge,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “However, I know that California agriculture will persevere. We have the innovation, diversification and commitment to grow the food we need and we will find solutions through partnerships and collaborations statewide and nationally.”
Invited Task Force members include: Theodore Balestreri, California Restaurant Association; Amelia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards; Ron Fong, California Grocers Association; Garrett Patricio, Westside Produce; Teresa Romero, United Farm Workers; Fred Ruiz, Ruiz Foods; and Elaine Trevino, Almond Alliance of California. Other speakers include: Dennis Donohue, Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology; Trish Kelly, Valley Vision; and Glenda Humiston, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.
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