Gov. Jerry Brown has named Craig McNamara as president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

“Governor Brown has made an excellent choice in appointing Craig as president of the board,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Craig is dedicated to the agricultural community of this state and will work tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of our food and farming system. California’s farmers and ranchers, along with our diverse stakeholder community, can have no better champion.”

McNamara has served on the California State Board of Food and Agriculture since 2002. McNamara has been the president of the Center for Land-Based Learning since 1993 and the president of Sierra Orchards since 1980. Previously, he was a partner at Bountiful Harvest Food Company. McNamara is a member of the Public Policy Institute of California, the American Farmland Trust and Roots of Change.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and secretary of food and agriculture of findings as they impact agriculture and consumer needs.  The board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

The next meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2011 at CDFA.