With a growing population, a changing climate, and increased resource constraints, there has never been a greater need to produce more with less.
The California Bountiful Foundation presents a unique opportunity to address those challenges head-on by supporting studies on climate-smart agriculture, farming technology, forest management, and water and economic security.
Sustaining California’s agricultural heritage and resources.
Adapting to climate change and other environmental challenges.
Innovating solutions to pressing issues.
“Our goal is to create a program that provides the farmers and ranchers of California with the most recent science and research while influencing policy to benefit the state’s agriculture. We aim to be a one-stop shop for the agricultural community as a place to get science and research done.”
—Dr. Amrith Gunasekara
Dr. Amrith Gunasekara recently joined the California Bountiful Foundation as its new Director of Science and Research. He will conduct and support scientific studies on critical matters affecting California agricultural communities.
Gunasekara previously served as the Science Advisor to California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, and as Environmental Program Manager for the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation at CDFA, which specialized in environmental incentive programs and climate change issues.
At 16-years-old, Gunasekara came to the United States from Sri Lanka where food security was an issue. He says that gives him an appreciation
for what California's farmers and ranchers do for their communities on a daily basis that we often take for granted.
Also supporting the Foundation is Tad Bell, Senior Research Advisor, to help guide the foundation's ongoing development of best available data and research results for use in the public policy arena on behalf of California's farmers and ranchers. Bell, a former undersecretary at CDFA, brings 36 years of leadership experience in problem solving and crisis management skills in public and private sectors. He's widely respected among diverse agricultural and local, state and federal government constituencies.
California has long been a land of plenty, but farmers and ranchers are faced with increasing challenges to their livelihood. Water continues to be scarce, wildfires more prevalent, and there is constant pressure to produce more with less. To continue providing for the families of California and beyond, the California Bountiful Foundation is committed to addressing the following key issues:
Under the auspices of the California Farm Bureau, the California Bountiful Foundation will support the science to help create tools for farmers and ranchers to deal with these challenges.
The foundation has already supported a research study showing that it is not just nitrates (from inorganic fertilizers and animal waste) that have impacted groundwater quality in the southern Central Valley, but also septic systems.
We will provide a place to engage on new research topics such as climate smart agriculture, agricultural technologies and forest management to ensure water and economic security.
With a focus on climate-smart agricultural programs, the Bountiful Foundation will ensure the sustainability of the state's agricultural heritage, as well as its land and resources.
Rooted in California
In 1919, the California Farm Bureau was formed primarily as a partnership between farmers, ranchers and academia to enhance ag land productivity and provide greater access to nutritious food for all.
More than a century later, we are still pursuing that mission by investing in and reinvigorating the California Bountiful Foundation—the research arm of the Farm Bureau.
Dedicated to Our Future
With your help, the California Bountiful Foundation will collaborate, lead and fund research to benefit all Californians involved in agriculture. This research is crucial to impacting policy and legislation to advocate for agricultural sustainability and food security for generations to come.
Together, we will sustain the rich tradition of agriculture in this state—and a way of life for farmers, ranchers and foresters who call it home.
Partner with us in creating a bountiful future for all Californians with your support of the California Bountiful Foundation.
- Phone: (916) 561-5500
- Fax: (916) 561-4507
- Email: cfbf@cfbf.com
- 2600 River Plaza Dr.
- Sacramento, CA 95833
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