Sacramento, California - Incentive programs available to farmers and local communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will be the focus of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting on Tuesday, August 4th, 2015. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“Programs that are being offered within the state are giving farmers and ranchers the opportunity to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to reducing the overall impacts from climate change,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “In addition to building drought and climate resiliency on our farms, the solutions incentivized by these programs are practical and timely.”

Incentive programs available for agricultural producers and local communities are funded through California’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund which receives revenue from cap and trade auction proceeds. In 2006, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) was passed making California the first state in the nation to take a long-term approach in addressing climate change. Available programs through the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Strategic Growth Council are funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

Invited speakers include representatives from the California Strategic Growth Council – Ken Alex, Randall Winston and John Lowrie; representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture – Jenny Lester Moffitt, Carla Sanchez and Carolyn Cook; and Juliet Christian-Smith with the Union of Concerned Scientists who will be addressing climate change issues. The Board will also hear a drought update from Karla Nemeth, California Natural Resources Agency.

“As a farmer, I know that improvements in irrigation practices and soil conservation provide opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and further California’s climate adaptation goals, “said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
 
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 representatives 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