STATE BOARD TO BRING TOGETHER WATER GROUPS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ON OCTOBER 26 TO DISCUSS WATER TRANSFERS

SACRAMENTO, October 19, 2011 –The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss policies for agricultural water transfers at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 26th in Sacramento. 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.

 “As policy discussions continue about California’s water future we cannot forget about the need to facilitate water transfers for agricultural purposes,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “An adequate supply of affordable water for agriculture that accommodates reasonable urban needs and improves environmental quality is a goal we all strive for.”
 
Scheduled speakers include: Deputy Regional Director Pablo Arroyave, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region; Director Mark Cowin, California Department of Water Resources; Dante John Nomellino, Sr., Central Delta Water Agency; Ed Smith, Palo Verde Irrigation District; Roger Patterson, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; Lewis Bair, Reclamation District 108; Spreck Rosekrans, Environmental Defense Fund; and Carol Perkins, Butte Environmental Council. Additional invited speakers include representatives from water districts and environmental organizations.

“Every year California’s farmers and ranchers struggle with a process to transfer water within this state,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “By bringing these various stakeholders together, we are highlighting this important topic as well as furthering public discussion on the issue.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs.  The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representative and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

Follow the board on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

-30-