California ag board to talk organics at Aug. 3 meeting

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be discussing market trends, research and emerging issues related to organic production at its upcoming meeting. The meeting will be held 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, August 3 at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95815.

The meeting will also be available via GoToWebinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5110661304311370508. The webinar ID is 600-396-867.

“Organic agriculture has its roots in California and our State continues to help shape the national conversation on production, sustainability and resilience,” CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said in a news release. “Advances in sustainable pest management, growing market opportunities and consumer demand are fostering new interest in how our food is grown and produced.”

Invited speakers include: Laura Batcha, Organic Trade Association; Brise Tencer Organic Farming Research Foundation; Kelly Damewood, CCOF; Jeremy Johnson, Traditional Medicinals; Claire Balint, CalPoly Center for Sustainability; Houston Wilson, University of California Organic Institute; Shelley Phillips, California Department of Food and Agriculture and other invited speakers.

“As a grower with organic and traditional production, I see strong opportunities in both sectors,” State Board President Don Cameron said in the news release. “Growing food is only one aspect of farming – it also has a role in addressing climate change, fostering biodiversity and contributing to communities. How we define and label food today may not be the standard in the future.”

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.

This meeting will have simultaneous audio translation in Spanish and can be accessed at (844) 460-0074 at the start of the meeting.