The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will host a drought forum on Tuesday, May 5th at the Fresno County Fairgrounds.
Farmers and ranchers and others are encouraged to attend and provide comments.
The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Industry Commerce Building at the Big Fresno Fair on 1121 S. Chance Avenue in Fresno.
“Having the opportunity to hear from our state’s farmers, ranchers and farm workers provides perspective for all us,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “With all the information and misinformation that has developed in the last several weeks, we need to keep in mind that all Californians are in this together.”
Prior to the opening of public comment session the board will hear an update from Director Mark Ghilarducci, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and Bill Croyle, drought coordinator for the California Department of Water Resources, on drought response and current statewide water operations.
Currently, 92 percent of California is considered in ‘severe drought’ by the U.S. Drought Monitor, with more than 44 percent of the state experiencing ‘exceptional drought’ – the highest designation. Last year, more than 400,000 acres of farmland were fallowed and approximately 17,000 jobs were lost at a cost of more than $1.5 billion to the state’s economy. This year the ongoing drought will have a larger impact in the Central Valley and other communities of the state.
