STATE BOARD TO DISCUSS AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LEADERS

Meeting is April 2nd in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, March 28, 2013 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss the economic, trade, and policy outlook for California’s $43.5 billion agricultural sector on Tuesday, April 2nd in Sacramento. The meeting is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street - Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“California’s agricultural production and exports are at an all time high," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “However, changes within the global and domestic markets can have a significant impact on the future prospects of our farmers and ranchers. It is an important and timely discussion to have as the federal budget and the farm bill remain unresolved.”

California has more than 81,500 individual farms, 75 percent of which are on less than 100 acres. The state leads the nation in dairy, tree-nut, and fresh fruit and vegetable production. In addition, California agriculture employs an average of 385,300 individuals per year. California’s agricultural economy is vital not only to the economy of the state, but too the nation as well.

Invited speakers include: Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative; Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture; Vernon Crowder, senior vice president and agricultural economist for Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory Group; Richard Rominger, former USDA deputy secretary and CDFA director; and Sue Sigler, California Association of Food Banks.

“California’s long term agricultural outlook is important to the state and nation,” said Craig McNamara, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “How we position ourselves globally, respond to consumer expectations, and adjust to changing dynamics in the water and labor arena are essential for our industry.”

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

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