SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates on a variety of statewide programs including industrial hemp, the Alternatives to Chlorpyrifos Work Group, and the Water Resilience Portfolio at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The board will also be celebrating Healthy Soils Week, Dec. 2 to 6, with a panel presentation and discussion.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street, Main Auditorium, Sacramento.

“As we celebrate Healthy Soils Week, we recognize the uniqueness of California’s farmland and its great potential to sequester carbon to help combat climate change,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Restoring and preserving healthy soils continues a statewide commitment to sustainability, improved air and water quality, as well as enhanced biological diversity and habitat - values that California’s farmers and ranchers share.”

Invited speakers include: Joseph McIntyre, Ag Innovations; Aline DeLucia, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Caddie Bergen, UC Cooperative Extension; Nancy Vogel, Governor’s Water Portfolio Program; CDFA Deputy Secretary Rachel O’Brien; Joshua Kress, CDFA’s Division of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services; Geetkia Joshi, CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation.

Other invited speakers include representatives from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Service and a hemp industry member.

“Healthy soils are the foundation for our upcoming meeting,” said Don Cameron, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “From water resilience to new agricultural crops and sustainable pest management solutions, healthy soils are vital for productivity and sustainability of our farm economy.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs.

The board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

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

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