BUREAU OF RECLAMATION AND DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES TO DISCUSS WATER DELIVERY ALLOCATIONS AT STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MEETING

Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 24th in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, March 18, 2010 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address federal and state water delivery allocations at its upcoming meeting on March 24, 2010. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Regional Director Donald R. Glaser, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will be providing remarks.

“California’s water challenges continue despite recent winter weather,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “Farmers need to hear from federal and state officials on the future water outlook and the proactive steps government agencies are taking to assist during this difficult time.”

The meeting will also include presentations by Thomas Birmingham, General Manager, Westlands Water District, and Daniel Nelson, Executive Director, San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority.  The board will also continue its dialogue with Australian Water Officials from the State of Victoria with presentations by David Downie, Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Murray Smith, Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project.

“Misperceptions continue to dominate the headlines,” said Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “The crisis is real. Farmers are going bankrupt and farm workers are losing their jobs – we need action by federal and state water agencies.”

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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