The California State Board of Food and Agriculture focused on water issues during its March 3 meeting in Sacramento.
Board members received updates on current water conditions, groundwater management and the proposed Sites Reservoir project. They also heard an update on the climate resilience strategy from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The meeting was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CDFA headquarters and was streamed online with Spanish interpretation available via Zoom.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross told the board that recent storms improved the state’s water outlook heading into the summer months, but long-term water reliability remains a concern for farms, cities and the environment. She emphasized the importance of continued discussions around groundwater management, water storage, recharge and floodwater capture.
Board President Don Cameron acknowledged the complexity of California’s water system and said transparency and communication with farmers and ranchers remain essential as water policies evolve.
Presentations were delivered by representatives from the California Department of Water Resources, the Sites Project Authority, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Tulare Irrigation District and other water policy groups.
The board serves in an advisory role to the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and regularly convenes public meetings to address matters affecting California agriculture.
