CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS FOOD ACCESS AT APRIL 27 MEETING

SACRAMENTO, April 22, 2011 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address food security and food access at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“As the largest agricultural producer in the nation, California is in a unique position to address issues of food access and security,” said California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.  “We need to continue to encourage innovative farm programs and strengthen urban-rural connections to link those in need with agricultural production.”

Speakers at the meeting will include Diana Dooley, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency; Gus Schumacher, co- founder of Wholesome Wave and former USDA Undersecretary; Sue Sigler, Executive Director of the California Association of Food Banks; and representatives of the Cordova Community Food Locker.

The State Board identified food access as one of the key recommendations of its California Agricultural Vision 2030 (Ag Vision) to be addressed by the larger agricultural community. 

The Ag Vision is a process to develop a strategic plan for the state’s agriculture and food systems that is intended to help address the rapidly growing list of challenges the state faces, from regulations and water supply to urbanization and climate change.

“Food access and food security are critical issues for a number of individuals throughout this state and as we move forward with the Ag Vision, we need to ensure that the food dialogue continues,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the Governor and CDFA Secretary.  The State 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.

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