STATEMENT FROM CDFA SECRETARY A.G. KAWAMURA CONGRATULATING STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE PRESIDENT AL MONTNA ON RECEIVING THE 2010 LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD IN CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO, December 7, 2010 — “I congratulate Al Montna and Montna Farms for the receiving the 2010 Leopold Conservation Award in California. This award helps to set the standard for land stewardship and management by recognizing the great achievement by private landowners in conserving the natural resources of our state. Al is a respected leader in the agricultural community, from his leadership on the California State Board of Food and Agriculture to the forward thinking conservation practices on his farming operation.  In receiving this award, Montna Farms helps to set an industry wide standard for conservation. Congratulations to Al Montna and Montna Farms for their vision of California’s future.”

The Leopold Conservation Award, presented by the Sand County Foundation, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. The award also serves to inspire landowners and help the public understand the vital role private landowners can and do play in conservation success.

For more information, please visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.