State agriculture board will discuss farm bill expiration

The impact of expiring federal farm bill programs on the state of California will be the primary topic of discussion when the California State Board of Food and Agriculture meets in Sacramento next week.

The farm bill is omnibus multi-year legislation for federal food and farm programs, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture said the state board discussion will focus on such areas as research, specialty crop programs, dairy assistance, trade and conservation.

The legislation funds programs such as nutrition assistance—sometimes referred to as food stamps—technical assistance for farmers and ranchers, invasive-species prevention and management, and initiatives intended to support food production and environmental conservation.

The current farm bill—the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008—expired on Sept. 30.

"I remain hopeful that Congress will pass a federal farm bill once it reconvenes in mid-November," CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said. "However, we must move forward with the understanding that with the current expiration of some farm bill programs, dramatic, long-term impacts will be felt by California's farmers and ranchers."

A continuing resolution has extended a number of farm bill programs until March 2013, but more than 30 programs have been immediately impacted by expiration of the previous bill. Among these programs are the Market Access Program, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program.

Speakers scheduled to discuss the situation with the state board include Nathan Bowen of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Linsey Gallagher of the Wine Institute; Helene Wright of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Jean-Mari Peltier of the USDA National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economic Advisory Board; Michael Marsh of Western United Dairymen; Cathy Calfo of California Certified Organic Farmers; and Barry Bedwell of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League.

"California's farmers and ranchers need to reach out to their congressional representatives about the importance and value of farm bill programs," said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. "Without this communication, we run the risk of losing programs of importance to our state and nation."

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.

The state board meeting regarding farm bill programs will be held Nov. 6, beginning at 10 a.m., in the main auditorium of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St., Sacramento.