California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross is holding farm bill listening sessions across the state to gather input from farmers, ranchers and the public regarding California’s priorities for the federal farm bill. The listening sessions will offer an opportunity for individuals and organizations to provide comments that will help determine California’s farm bill priorities.
“California needs to have a strong voice in the national food policy discussion,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “I strongly encourage everyone’s participation in this process.”
Covering such issues as research, conservation, nutrition, commodities and rural development – the farm bill is omnibus multi-year legislation for major food and farm programs. The legislation funds critical programs such as nutrition assistance (food stamps), technical assistance for farmers and ranchers, research, invasive species prevention and management, and initiatives that support food production and environmental conservation. The current farm bill, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 will expire in 2012, necessitating action by Congress.
California Farm Bill listening session schedule:
August 29, 2011 – Fresno, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Fresno County Farm Bureau
1274 West Hedges
Fresno, CA 93728
September 7, 2011 – San Diego, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
San Diego County Farm Bureau
1670 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027
September 8, 2011 – Salinas, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monterey County Agricultural Commissioners Office
1428 Abbott Street
Salinas, CA 93901
If you wish to submit comments or position papers regarding a California perspective on the farm bill please email: farmbill@cdfa.ca.gov
Comments may also be submitted to:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814