STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO HOLD MEETINGS ON CENTRAL COAST TO HIGHLIGHT AGRICULTURAL LAND CONSERVATION AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Meetings on April 30th (Santa Cruz) and May 1st (Salinas)

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SACRAMENTO, April 19, 2024 - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will visit the Central Coast and host two public meetings focusing on agricultural land conservation and career technical education. The Board will also visit farming operations in the region to learn more about conservation practices, local farming and training initiatives. Meetings will be held on April 30th in Santa Cruz and May 1st in Salinas.
 
“The Central Coast is an iconic region of California – not only for the products grown here but for the environment and landscapes that contributed to the uniqueness and beauty of our state,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The partnerships to protect natural and working lands thrive within this region as well as the commitment of the grower and academic communities to enhance career opportunities for the agricultural workforce.”
   
The April 30, 2024 meeting will be held from 10:00am to 11:45a.m. at the University of California, Santa Cruz – Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, 94 Ranch View Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95006. The meeting will focus on agricultural land conservation. Invited speakers include: Stacy Philpott, Center for Agroecology; Sarah Newkirk, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County; Dash Dunkell Elkhorn Slough; and Walter Moore, Peninsula Open Space Trust.
 
The May 1, 2024 Meeting will be held from 10:00am to 11:45am at Hartnell College – Nursing and Health Sciences Building (Room 101-102), 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901. The meeting will focus on agricultural career technical education. Invited speakers include: Sarah Patiño Hulick, Cabrillo College; Christopher Brown, Agricultural and Land Based Training Association (ALBA); representatives from Hartnell College; and Geoffrey Morgan, Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc. (CHISPA).
 
“It is always a pleasure to visit the Central Coast and hear about on-farm opportunities and partnerships to advance agricultural land conservation and career training ,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Career technical education within the specialty crop sector is critical for the agricultural workforce in the region, helping to improve opportunities for workers and communities.” 
 
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 X at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

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