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SACRAMENTO, July 29, 2026 - The State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear comments on funding priorities for California's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and updates on the Department's Farm to School program at its upcoming meeting on August 4, 2026. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street - Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. In addition, the Board will be briefed on a recent study that evaluated food safety and water quality reporting requirements as part of an effort to streamline these processes for farmers and optimize information collected by the state.
The meeting is also available via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81327452977
Webinar ID: 813 2745 2977
Passcode: Board2026!
(Phone Access Passcode: 2183126360)
(Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)
"California's innovation and leadership in specialty crop production provide significant opportunities to advance health, nutrition and local food production," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "Enhancing farm to school ties, creating connections through consumer marketing, and supporting research and food safety deliver on the California Grown brand."
Invited speakers include: Nick Anicich, CA Department of Food and Agriculture; Brianna St. Pierre, State Water Resources Control Board; Cherie Watte, Buy California Marketing Agreement; Joe Pezzini, Center for Produce Safety; Michael Dimock, Roots of Change; Justin Miller, California Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee; and others.
"California's investment in Farm to School programs is delivering results for school children, farmers and educators," said Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture President. "Connecting local farmers with school districts to provide local foods makes sense and benefits farmers and ranchers across the state."
Earlier this month, Governor Newsom signed SB 172, which permanently funds California's nation-leading Farm to School Program, ensuring schools can continue serving students healthy meals made with California-grown ingredients. Championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the program supports local farmers, strengthens regional food systems, and expands nutrition education in classrooms.
In June, the Newsom administration also released final recommendations on a regulatory alignment study that intends to streamline food safety and water quality reporting for California's agricultural community. This interagency collaboration between CDFA, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and the State Water Resources Control Board was developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and local leaders and demonstrates California's continued efforts to build a roadmap for the future.
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.
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