SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be hosting two public meetings in the Bay Area next week, on May 31st in Emeryville and on June 1st in Palo Alto, to discuss issues related to agricultural innovation and food waste.

“California’s agricultural diversity and on-farm innovation is a driving force behind the foods and farm products we enjoy on a daily basis,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “When we take the uniqueness that is California agriculture and combine it with the innovation of Silicon Valley, we have the potential to redefine how we grow, harvest and purchase food. This collaboration can also allow us to combat serious issues in our food supply, like food waste.”

The meeting on May 31st will focus on agricultural technology and innovation and will be held at from 9 a.m. to Noon at Amyris, 5885 Hollis Street, Ste. 100, Emeryville.

Amyris is a renewable products company that provides sustainable solutions for a growing world combing science and technology.

Invited speakers include: John Melo, Amyris; Hank Giclas, Western Growers;  Brook Porter, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; John Stephenson, Amazon; John Jefferson, AT&T; Jay Keasling, Joint BioEnergy Institute; and companies participating in Western Growers’ Center for Innovation and Technology – Food Origins, TerrAvion, and HeavyConnect.

The meeting on June 1st will focus on the issue of food waste, bringing together agricultural representatives and stakeholders to address potential solutions to a growing global problem.

The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303. Invited speakers include: Tristram Stuart, author (via Skype); Sarah Vared, MissionPoint Partners; JoAnne Berkenkamp, National Resources Defense Council (via Skype); Joe Pezzini, Ocean Mist; Tim York, Markon; Ron Clark Imperfect; Lynne Figone, Ag Against Hunger; and Robert Gore, The Gualco Group, Inc.

“Food waste is an important topic, because in finding solutions to the issue we can help address food insecurity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in landfills and promote job creation throughout the economy in recycling and recovery efforts,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “It is estimated that about 62.5 million tons of food is wasted annually in the United States and as the largest agricultural producer in the nation, California is well positioned to help develop solutions.”

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

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.

Follow the board on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard .