SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss agricultural regulations at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ St., Main Auditorium, Sacramento.

“California’s environmental regulations are designed to protect air and water quality and natural resources throughout the state,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Working together, California’s farmers, regulatory agencies, and environmental stakeholders can refine our regulatory system to reduce on-farm complexities, while providing the same level of environmental protections and ecosystem services.”

Environmental regulations concerning air and water quality have significant impacts to California farmers and ranchers at the state and local level.

A variety of efforts are currently occurring throughout the state to help address regulatory issues and provide additional resources, such as training and research, to farmers that benefit the farming operation and the environment.

Scheduled speakers include Kish Rajan, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development; Ken Harris, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board; Ken Landau, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board; Parry Klassen, East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition; Serena Coltrane-Briscoe, Ag Innovations Network; Ashley Boren, Sustainable Conservation; Paul Martin, Governor’s Office and Business and Economic Development; and Sandra Schubert, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

“As a farmer, I know first-hand the regulatory challenges that exist and I’m encouraged by the cooperative work that is occurring to enhance environmental quality, while reducing the regulatory maze that farmers face,” 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 representative and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

Follow the board on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard .