STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER PROGRAMS AT UPCOMING MEETING ON AUGUST 1

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SACRAMENTO, July 28, 2023 - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss  opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, August 1st. The meeting will be held from 10:00a.m. to 2:30 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/83726346121
 
Webinar ID: 837 2634 6121
Passcode: Board2023!
(Phone Access Passcode: 4324117458)
 
(Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)
 
“Supporting the next generation of California’s farmers, ranchers and farmworkers is an opportunity to grow and expand our food system,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “From farmers markets and farm to school initiatives for producers to new career pathways for agricultural workers, California agriculture is growing opportunities for the next generation.”
 
Invited speakers include: Victor Hernandez, USDA Farm Service Agency; Carine Hine, Kitchen Table Advisors; Ruth Dalquist-Willard, UC Cooperative Extension; Kali Feiereisel, Community Alliance with Family Famers (CAFF); Sara Bernal, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork; Carmen Carrasco; CDFA Small Farm Liaison; Sean Kennedy, California Strategic Growth Council; Deborah Nares, American Farmland Trust; Debra Raven, Valley Small Business Development Corporation; Paige Gilligan, California Ag Lenders Society and other invited speakers.

California’s small family farms, on average, operate on 119 acres according to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture, and 44 percent operate on less than 10 acres.  The 2020 Report to the California Legislature on the Farmer Equity Act identified land tenure as a leading challenging facing social disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 

“California has an amazing environment of agricultural training programs to support new and beginning farmers as well as organizations to assist once a farm is established,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “I’m also excited about recent initiatives to survey employers and farmworkers to align workforce skill gaps with tailored training programs to provide new opportunities for farmworkers to enhance earnings and career promotions.” 
 
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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