Sacramento, California - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will travel to the Sierra foothills for a two-day meeting addressing foothill farming and forest health issues on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 and Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Meetings and site visits will be held at various locations in El Dorado County.

“Communities within the Sierra Nevada have a strong interconnection with forests and farming,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “They are also nestled in California’s primary watershed, which has an essential role in the state’s overall water supply. Visiting this area will provide the opportunity to connect with farmers and ranchers in the region and better understand the challenges related to forest health.”

The meeting on July 31st will focus on forest health issues and will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the U.S. Institute for Forest Genetics, 2480 Carson Rd., Placerville, CA 95667. Invited speakers include: Russ Henly, California Natural Resources Agency; Helge Eng, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; Jim Branham, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Malcom North, University of California.

Following the meeting, the Board will visit several sites including the Placerville Nursey (U.S. Forest Service), a cattle ranching operation, and restoration project at Jenkinson Lake where they will also hear from Dan Corcoran with the El Dorado Irrigation District.

The meeting on August 1st will be held from 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. at High Hill Ranch, 2901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667 and will focus on foothill farming. Invited speakers include Charlene Carveth, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer for El Dorado County; Chris Delfino, Apple Hill Growers Association and a representative from the El Dorado County Farm Bureau Federation. Following the meeting the Board will visit local area farmers in the region.

“Foothill farming provides an excellent example on the uniqueness and diversity of California agriculture,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

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.