CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (left) speaking about the drought today at a meeting of the California State Board of Food Agriculture. To Secretary Ross’ left are Dr. Mark Starr of the California Department of Public Health, Secretary John Laird of the California Natural Resources Agency, and Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (left) speaking about the drought today at a meeting of the California State Board of Food Agriculture. To Secretary Ross’ left are Dr. Mark Starr of the California Department of Public Health, Secretary John Laird of the California Natural Resources Agency, and Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

CDFA reported on today’s UC Merced meeting between Members of Governor Brown’s Interagency Drought Task Force, local government leaders and the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.

Hundreds packed the meeting at UC Merced. Word on the street is that farmers are disappointed; the only quick solution is to turn the pumps on!

Task Force representatives were CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird, State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus, Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci, and Department of Public Health Deputy Director Dr. Mark Starr.

No Water LogoThe Task Force is planning additional meetings around California to listen to the concerns of local officials as the drought continues.