Jerry Brown and USDA's Rominger to talk at Farm Conference

Richard Rominger, U.S. Department of Agriculture deputy secretary, and former California governor Jerry Brown will be the featured speakers at the 11th annual California Farm Conference Feb. 3-6 in Ventura. The event draws hundreds of small-scale agricultural producers together to share information on the latest innovations in family farming, direct marketing and sustainable agriculture. Members of the media are invited to a special press preview of food and wine tasting 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Other conference activities include workshops, short courses, panel discussions, tours to area farms and markets, and a trade show featuring innovations in small-scale agriculture and direct marketing. Conference cosponsors by are the UC Davis-based Small Farm Center, the California Association of Family Farmers and a number of farmers markets throughout the state.