California’s State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss pests and diseases affecting this year’s crops and hear an update on a drought and flood relief grant program during its Oct. 3 meeting.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the main auditorium at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St., Sacramento. It will also be streamed online with simultaneous Spanish interpretation.

“It has been a challenging year for agricultural pest and disease issues,” said state Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “We’ve seen a significant uptick in detections, fruit flies in particular, that endanger a variety of fruits, nuts and vegetables. CDFA, along with federal and local counterparts, are at the front lines in protecting commercial and residential production from these pests.”

Invited speakers include: Director Tara Lynn Gray, California Office of the Small Business Advocate; Lauren Fann, Almond Board of California; Mary Zischke, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California; Mike Montna, California Tomato Growers Association; Aaron Lange, LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyard; Cherie Watte Angulo, CAGROWN; Andrew Cline and Joshua Kress, CDFA Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services; Deputy Secretary Rachael O’Brien, California Department of Food and Agriculture and others.

The board advises Ross and Gov. Gavin Newsom on agricultural issues and consumer needs.

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture