Sacramento, California - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear from state and local officials on issues related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the Bay Delta Plan and other water initiatives.  The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“California has a role in sustaining the long-term productivity of our farmers and ranchers through protecting and conserving surface and groundwater resources,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As water policy moves forward at the state and local level it is important to recognize the diversity, uniqueness and contribution that California agriculture provides to our state and local communities.”

Invited speakers include: Director Karla Nemeth, California Department of Water Resources; Michael Carlin, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; Jeff Cattaneo, San Benito County Water District; Ann Dubay, Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency; Peter Brown, Indian Wells Groundwater Authority; Erik Ekdahl, State Water Resources Control Board; and Kamyar Guivetchi, California Department of Water Resources.

“Knowing first-hand the complexity of issues related to the implementation of local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, I look forward to hearing perspectives and experiences from different regions of the state,” 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.