CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS FLOOD AND DROUGHT ISSUES AT UPCOMING MEETING ON FEBRUARY 7th

Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap will also be discussed

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SACRAMENTO, February 3, 2023 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss water issues related to temporary permits for groundwater recharge as well as the status of water operations and planning for the summer months. In addition, California Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Julie Henderson will present the Sustainable Pest Management 2050 report, released on January 26th for a 45-day comment period.
 
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA, 95814.
 
The meeting is also available via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82143085610
 
Webinar ID: 821 4308 5610
Passcode: Board2023!
(Phone Access Passcode: 6525791393)
 
(Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)
 
“This winter’s weather events – moving from a historic drought to flooding events caused by atmospheric rivers – has proven the need to modernize our water management system for a future of extreme events to meet the needs of our communities, the environment and food production,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The Newsom Administration remains committed to the Water Resilience Portfolio and the Water Supply Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future  to secure our water supply for all Californians.  Budget investments have already been made in new water supplies, including storage and water recycling, as well as continued conservation.  It is not one thing, it is an all-of-the above approach.  Groundwater recharge offers a huge opportunity to secure drinking water and sustainable agricultural production into the future, but we need flexibilities in the system to optimize floodwater capture during storm events.”
 
Invited speakers include: Director Karla Nemeth, CA Department of Water Resources, Director Julie Henderson, CA Department of Pesticide Regulation; Erik Ekdahl, State Water Resources Control Board; and Arima Kozina, CA Department of Food and Agriculture.
 
For the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap discussion, the following work group members are scheduled to participate: Taylor Roschen, Kahn, Soares and Conway; Suguet Lopez, Líderes Campesinas; Dan Kaiser, Environmental Defense Fund; and Margaret Lloyd, UC Small Farms Advisor.
 
“Our recent winter storms have demonstrated that California’s water operations and policies have opportunities for change,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “During these unprecedented storm events, we should be able to maximize our ability to capture, store and move water effectively while protecting our natural environment. We can find collaborative solutions but we must be prepared to take advantage of these opportunities. I look forward to our discussion with water officials.”
 
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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