Ag Research Critical for Future
The
California State Board of Food and Agriculture announced TODAY they will focus
on agricultural research needs at its upcoming meeting on October 8th in
Sacramento, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food
and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.
“Agricultural research is essential to ensuring a highly productive,
continuously innovative, and safe food supply,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Our national investment
in agricultural research is critical if we are to meet the challenge of
increasing agricultural productivity to meet the food and fiber needs of a
growing world population while adapting to a changing climate.”
Agricultural
research has an everyday presence in consumers’ lives. From the diversity of
food products on grocery shelves, to safe drinking water, and climate
adaptation– agricultural research is at the forefront of improving and
innovating on-farm practices and food production. Promoting agricultural
research that anticipates 21st century challenges is crucial to keep
California’s agriculture productive, profitable, and environmentally sound.
Invited
speakers include: Chancellor Linda P.B.
Katehi, University of California, Davis; President Jeffrey Armstrong, California Polytechnic State University, San
Luis Obispo; Vice President Barbara H.
Allen-Diaz, University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources; Maureen Whalen, Assistant Area Director
– Pacific West Area, USDA Agricultural Research Service; Paul Wenger, California Farm Bureau; Richard Waycott, Almond Board of California; Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Center for Produce Safety; and Ken Keck, California Citrus Research
Board.
“Agricultural
research needs to be readily available, relevant to what we need as growers,
and responsive to overall industry needs,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and
Agriculture. “This meeting is an opportunity for farmers to have an open
dialogue with our research institutions and help us frame the priorities our
state needs.”
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.
Labels: Ag Research Critical for Future, California State Board of Food and Agriculture, CDFA, CDFA to address California's Agricultural Research Needs, UC Davis