STATE BOARD REVISITS WATER TRANSFERS, HIGH-SPEED RAIL, AND AG LABOR AT ITS MAY 7th MEETING IN SACRAMENTO

SACRAMENTO, May 1, 2013 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will revisit several key agricultural policy issues on Tuesday, May 7th 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.

“This last month we have seen agricultural settlement agreements with high-speed rail, movement on federal immigration reform, and significant lack of rainfall – meaning less water for farmers and communities in the coming months," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “By addressing these key issues the state board is keeping the interests of farmers and ranchers at the forefront of policy discussions.”

The agenda includes an in-depth discussion on agricultural water transfers, specifically focusing on how the permitting process can allow for the timely movement of water. On high-speed rail, the board will revisit the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s outreach and public engagement efforts with agricultural interests concerning route alignment and mitigation. In addressing agricultural labor, the board will be updated on the current status of federal immigration reform from farm and labor leaders. The agenda concludes with a discussion on the California Agricultural Vision - a policy framework which addresses opportunities for California’s future.

Invited speakers include: David Guy, Northern California Water Association; Jason Peltier, Westlands Water District; Gary Bardini, California Department of Water Resources;  Dan Richard, California High-Speed Rail Authority; Holly King, Wasco-Shafter Agricultural Group; Victor Tolomeo, National Agricultural Statistic Service; Craig Regelbrugge, Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform; Giev Kashkooli, United Farm Workers; Sylvia Torres-Guillén, Agricultural Labor Relations Board; Edward Thompson, Jr., American Farmland Trust; and Richard Matteis, California Farm Bureau Federation.

“It is the board’s role to serve as the public voice for agriculture and consumers,” said Craig McNamara, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “These policy issues are critical to our state and I encourage active participation by our stakeholders to help inform and advise on these topics.”

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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