Urban Agriculturalists must help refine the California Ag Vision 2030

"Yes We Can" help refine our California Ag Vision 2030, scheduled for release March 24, 2009, almost exactly two year's since the O'bama Oakland Rally in 2007

http://www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=97
Letter to our new "Farmer in Chief"

Read and comment today and/or attend the California State Board of Food and Agriculture Meeting

CDFA ~ Main Auditorium
10:00 a.m., December 17, 2008
Main Auditorium ~ Across the South Steps of the State Capitol
1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Current Draft from CDFA Website: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision/

It is the policy of the State of California that agriculture is a strategic resource necessary to support a sustainable food production and delivery system as well as a vibrant natural resource base in California that promotes healthy citizens, thriving communities and a healthy environment.

This new California food policy unleashes solutions to the obstacles that compromise our ability to profitably produce food.

Three policy priorities can result in a sustainable agri-food system for California:

Better health and well-being for Californians
A healthier state and world
Thriving communities

Better Health and Well-being: Meeting the Nutrition Needs of California’s Diverse Population by 2030...

Consumers have a California food supply at the highest possible level of safety using best management practices that protect California’s unique natural resources.

All Californians have access to healthy food, understand the importance of meeting the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and have fundamental knowledge about how food is grown and prepared for the table.

A Healthier Planet: Agricultural Stewardship of the Natural Resource Base upon which California and Food Production Depends by 2030...

A reliable water supply and conveyance system assures adequate quality and quantity of water to meet the needs of California and to sustain agriculture’s prominence as a global food producer.

Agricultural land resources are conserved to maintain California’s thriving agricultural economy and healthy ecosystems.

An updated regulatory system recognizes and fosters ecosystem services provided by working farms and ranches and encourages the sustainability of our food supply.

Natural and agricultural resources are protected from plant and animal diseases by preventing the entry and establishment of invasive species and disease.

Agriculture will help meet California’s climate change goals through innovative management practices and technologies that recognize the unique opportunities in agriculture to reduce green house gas emissions.

Agriculture has adapted to changes in climate and maintained its competitive advantage in the global food production system.

California agriculture is a leader in providing renewable energy resources for California.

California agriculture is a leader in applying innovation to improve air quality conditions in California.

Thriving Communities: Food Production is a Driver of Sustainable California Economic Growth.By 2030...

California’s economy is strengthened through growth of a vibrant agricultural sector by promoting healthy consumption, export market expansion for a growing world population and job creation.

Consumers worldwide view California as the supplier of the highest quality and most nutritious food products using the most sustainable practices.

California agricultural policies encourage and foster diverse agricultural production systems to meet a variety of market demands.

Agriculture is a highly desirable green career of choice and will have a stable, well educated and trained workforce.

Research and extension of research stimulates innovation and adaptability to keep California’s agri-food system the world’s most productive, profitable and environmentally sound.