SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will focus on issues related to agricultural groundwater use at its meeting on Tuesday, June 3, in Sacramento.

This meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St., Main Auditorium, in Sacramento.
 
“Groundwater, especially in times of drought, is critically important to California and the long-term viability of agriculture,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “How we manage this precious resource sustainably, while respecting the rights of landowners and the public, is vital as we plan for drought and climate change resiliency.”

In January, the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Food and Agriculture released the California Water Action Plan outlining the state’s near- and long-term water priorities.

One of actions identified in the report, “Expand Water Storage Capacity and Improve Groundwater Management,” outlined the intent to improve sustainable groundwater management through the legislative process.

The discussion at the board meeting will focus on proposals provided by stakeholders groups and include an overview from the California Environmental Protection Agency on the issue.

Invited speakers include: Gordon Burns, California Environmental Protection Agency; Lester Snow, California Water Foundation; Timothy Quinn, Association of California Water Agencies; Tim Parker, Groundwater Resources Association of California; Dave Puglia, Western Growers and Chris Scheuring, California Farm Bureau Federation.

“Groundwater is an important aspect of California’s integrated water portfolio,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “How we address surface water through storage, infrastructure and operations is as equally important. Farmers throughout the state need to remain engaged in these important discussions.”

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.

This meeting will be streamed online at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/LiveMediaStream.html .