STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS DROUGHT AT UPCOMING MEETING

Public Meeting on Wednesday, January 27th in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, January 25, 2010 —The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will continue drought discussions with state government officials, water agency representatives and county agricultural commissioners on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, in Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.
 
“Recent storms have helped, but a fourth continuous year of drought is a strong possibility,” said Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “Developing a predictable and reliable water supply is essential for California’s diverse food system as we prepare for the future.”
 
The state board will hear testimony from Director Lester Snow, California Department of Water Resources; Scott Hudson, President of the California Association of County Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers; and Sarah Woolf, Westlands Water District. Discussions will focus on current drought conditions, local impacts and water transfers. In December 2009, California Department of Water Resources estimated that the 21,000 jobs were impacted as a result of drought and environmental pumping restrictions. The agricultural sector continues to demonstrate the site-specific nature of drought impacts.
 
“We have the lowest state water delivery allocation since 1968,” said Al Montna, President of State Board of Food and Agriculture. “A 5 percent allocation will hurt California farmers, local communities and result in more agricultural related job losses – we must work together to find solutions.”

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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