California Department of Food & Agriculture

10/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2026 15:31

STATE BOARD TO HEAR UPDATES ON FLOOD PREPAREDNESS ON OCTOBER 6TH MEETING AS EL NIÑO PROSPECTS INCREASE

STATE BOARD TO HEAR UPDATES ON FLOOD PREPAREDNESS ON OCTOBER 6TH MEETING AS EL NIÑO PROSPECTS INCREASE

Release #26-096

Español

SACRAMENTO, October 2, 2026 - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates from state officials on flood preparedness, with an emphasis on groundwater recharge and flood diversions, at its upcoming meeting on October 6, 2026. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street - Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. In addition, the Board will be informed about recent innovation investments at California State University, Fresno and agricultural technology updates from international partners in Australia.

The meeting is also available via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82261838753

Webinar ID: 822 6183 8753

Passcode: Board2026!

(Phone Access Passcode: 3175893718)

(Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)

"From severe storms to historic droughts - California continues to be impacted by a changing climate," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "The more we can do to preplan and prepare is essential in helping to protect our communities and farms throughout the state."

Invited speakers include: Michael Anderson, State Climatologist; Amanda Montgomery, State Water Resources Control Board; Roger Putty, Central Valley Flood-Mar/GEI Consultants; Catherine Van Dyke, Community Alliance with Family Farmers; Eric Hadden, WET Center at Fresno State; Priscilla Koepke, F3 Innovate; Kym Coyne, Queensland Department of Primary Industries; and other invited speakers.

"With the prospects of a strong El Niño season we need to be prepared to maximize flood water capture and intensify groundwater recharge efforts," said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

Last month, Governor Newsom took early action to prepare California for what is forecast to be a historic El Niño season. In proclaiming a state of emergency, Governor Newsom is helping California move faster to protect communities, stage critical resources, and strengthen readiness before severe weather intensifies.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and the public to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

CDFA's Mission: To safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality and sustainability.

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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov

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California Department of Food & Agriculture published this content on October 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 02, 2026 at 21:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]