SACRAMENTO – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss innovations in plant and animal breeding, including gene editing technology, at its upcoming meeting on Feb. 5.

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.

“Advances in gene editing technology have great potential for food and agricultural production across the globe,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Better understanding this technology and how it complements current production practices will benefit California’s farmers and ranchers.”

Invited speakers include: Becky Mackelprang, The CLEAR Project (UC Berkeley); Dr. Richard Michelmore, Genome Center (UC Davis); John Lindbo, HM.Clause; Dr. James Murray, UC Davis Department of Animal Sciences and a representative from the Non-GMO Project.

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.

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