STATE BOARD TO REVIEW CDFA FISCAL AND PROGRAM POLICIES AT MONTHLY MEETING

SACRAMENTO, July 16, 2009 – From keeping contaminated ‘bathtub’ cheese off the market to developing leafy green sanitary practices with farmers, the California Department of Food and Agriculture protects consumers. With $348 million from federal, producer and state funds, the department safeguards California’s food supply and agribusiness environment. The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will review the department’s budget at its July 22 meeting in Sacramento. The meeting will be held at the California Farm Bureau Federation, 2300 River Plaza Drive – 1st Floor Conference Rm., Sacramento, CA 95833, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“As the largest agricultural state in the nation, with the largest population – the role of CDFA is vital for consumer protection and safety,” said Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “This department is in the fields, at the dairies, and in the supermarkets for consumer protection.”

California’s state taxpayer obligation is an estimated 28 percent of total departmental funding. User fees represent 47 percent of funding and federal funds provide the balance. Federal funds and user fees make up the majority of CDFA’s budget.

“California’s diverse food system is one of the key economic drivers of this state,” said Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “We need to ensure that the agency representing consumers, farmers and ranchers is efficient and continues to meet the needs of all Californians.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and secretary of food and agriculture of findings as they impact agriculture and consumer needs.  The board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

All California State Board of Food and Agriculture meetings are open to the media and general public.

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