Mar 28, 2018

Officials to give updates on California water conditions

Federal and state officials will give updates on current California water conditions and the outlook for this summer at an upcoming meeting of the California Department of Food and Agriculture10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

The meeting will be held at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

“Over the last two years I’ve had the opportunity to visit several countries impacted by drought as well as limited groundwater supplies,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “What sets California apart, is our forward-thinking approach to long-term challenges and a commitment by farmers and ranchers to be part of the solution. Water availability is critical to all sectors of our economy, including cities, agriculture and the environment.”

Invited speakers include: Region Director David Murillo, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region, Director Karla Nemeth, California Department of Water Resources; Erik Ekdahl, State Water Resources Control Board; Ronald Samuelian, Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group; Jason Pucheu, Maricopa Orchards; and Christina Babbitt, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

In addition, the board will hear an update on sustainable groundwater management.  Representatives from Maricopa Orchards and Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group will provide perspective on groundwater challenges from a critical over-drafted groundwater basin.

“While recent weather conditions have been beneficial, we are still below average on statewide snowpack,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Hearing from federal and state water officials on our water outlook is critical to growers not just in the Central Valley, but throughout the state as we plan for the next water year.”

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.

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