UPDATES ON DROUGHT IMPACTS, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND CDFA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS - TOPICS FOR CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MEETING ON MAY 3RD

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SACRAMENTO, April 29, 2022 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss a variety of issues at its upcoming meeting in Sacramento on May 3rd. As significant drought challenges remain for the summer months, the Board will hear updates on labor and community impacts as well as on the status of vulnerable drinking water systems. In addition, the Board will hear from a representative of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency on program engagement within the agricultural sector.
 
The Board will also have an overview presentation on Planting the Seed: Farm to School Roadmap for Success
 
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.
 
The meeting will also available via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81273998618
Passcode: Board2022! 
 
“Drought will be top of mind for California’s farmers and ranchers this summer,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “While April storm events brought welcome precipitation – it did little to mitigate the drought challenges facing agriculture, rural communities and ecosystems.  Every one of us can take steps to save water and conserve this precious resource to support the California we all care for.”
 
Invited speakers include: Secretary Natalie Palugyai, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; Darrin Polhemus, State Water Resources Control Board; Marco Lizarraga, La Cooperativa Campesina de California; Nigel Bocanegra, California Farm Labor Contractors Association; Mona Shulman, Pacific Coast Producers; Arima Kozina, California Department of Food and Agriculture; Thea Rittenhouse, CDFA Farm Equity Advisor, Nicholas Anicich, CDFA Farm to School Coordinator and other invited speakers.
 
“Farming and growing food during this drought has underscored the on-farm needs that exist within the agricultural sector,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Technical assistance and workforce development are critical tools as farmers adjust to new growing realities, support a skilled workforce and produce food for both our local communities and the rest of our country.”
 
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.
 
Follow the board on twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

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