Sacramento, California - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss pests and diseases that threaten agricultural crops at its next meeting on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street - Main Auditorium, Sacramento.

Invited speakers include: John Kabashima, UC Cooperative Extension; Nat DiBuduo, Allied Grape Growers; Ryan Metzler, Fruita Del Sol; Joel Nelsen, California Citrus Mutual; Jim Gorden, Citrus Research Board/Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee; Aaron Dillon, Four Winds Growers. CDFA staff members will also provide updates to the Board.

“California growers, academia and the public sector working collaboratively have had immense success on pest issues in the past – Mediterranean fruit fly, Glassy-winged sharpshooter and the eradication of Pink bollworm and European Grapevine Moth,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “The success of these programs may help to inform approaches on our current pest challenges as we deal with an ever-increasing number of new pest detections and longer lasting pest seasons due to a changing climate within our state.”

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 representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.