California Ag Day brought food, flowers and some horses to the lawns around the state Capitol Wednesday. The annual event showcases the variety of foods and crops produced in the state. California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross said what's grown here is increasingly attractive in markets around the world.
"As we see income growth and economies like China, like South Korea, where we now have a free trade agreement, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam is one of those emerging markets, Brazil," said Ross. "Those create strong demand for exactly what we grow here. People shift from just getting enough calories to having better nutrition."
Ross said areas of concern right now for California agriculture include adequate water supplies and water quality.
As for the upcoming federal farm bill, Ross said important areas for funding include nutrition programs for the needy, as well as conservation and research programs.
