Every five years we have the ability to help shape national food policy through the farm bill. This legislation funds critical programs such as nutrition assistance (food stamps), technical assistance for farmers and ranchers, and initiatives that support food production and environmental conservation.
In representing California’s 81,500 farms, I have the pleasure to work directly with the men and women who work the soil and care for our agricultural and food landscape. Theses farmers and ranchers need to be part of the conversations that are occurring at the national level – conversations concerning food and farm policy that will have an impact of future generations.
To help advocate California farm bill priorities at the national level, CDFA will be hosting a series of listening sessions across the state seeking public input on the farm bill. I strongly encourage everyone to participate and provide input as part of this process.
California Farm Bill listening session schedule:
August 22, 2011 – Sacramento, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street – Main Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95814
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 Commissioner’s 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