June 2-4 UC Davis Ag Energy & Environmental Conference

Posted by john on April 22, 2008 - 1:15am

Start: 06/02/2008 - 8:30am

End: 06/04/2008 - 6:30pm

Air quality is coming under greater scrutiny not only because of health effects and environmental impacts but also due to global warming concerns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California have conducted research and developed regulations for several decades in regards to toxins such as pesticides and to reduce industrial emissions including PM (particulate matter), NOx and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Agricultural activity generates a number of airborne emissions. Particulate matter enters the air from tilling, burning, using farm equipment & vehicles (diesel exhaust & fugitive road dust) and spraying. Pesticides can be dispersed from their point of application into the atmosphere and can drift downwind to enter the air of nearby communities. Toxins can also enter surface and groundwater causing further air impacts later on. Livestock give off VOCs and methane (an expelled by-product of digestion) which is a greenhouse gas of concern.

Recent legislation, such as California’s AB 32 the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, has set up the first enforceable state-wide program in the U.S. to cap all greenhouse gas emissions from major industries with penalties for non-compliance. The Bill requires that by 2020 California’s greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels. Agriculturally-generated greenhouse gases of concern include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The California Air Resources Board and agriculture industry leaders are actively working on how to meet this objective.

Researchers at the UC Davis Air Quality Research Center are breaking new ground with studies ranging from the cardio-pulmonary effects of inhalation of particulate matter, to the fate and transport of various chemicals in the atmosphere, to converting agricultural waste materials into energy. This cutting-edge science informs the public policy debate which generates legislation and regulatory frameworks which in turn impact commodities producers. As increasing numbers of politicians and public advocates call for a reduction in air pollution, many producers are generating new ideas for how to better regulate their pollution footprint – be that with new farming practices, improved mitigation and control technologies, converting diesel farm equipment, or generating carbon offsets.

Objectives:

The purpose of this conference is to bring together key stakeholders working towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable agricultural industry in California. This includes commodities producers and farmers, agricultural industry leaders, researchers, policy-makers and legal experts, regulators, environmental advocates, and providers of green technology. Anyone with an interest in the subject is welcome to attend the conference.

Structure of the Conference:

To better facilitate participation of commodities producers, the conference has been structured around 3 broad areas of agriculture – Dairy (Monday), Row & Field Crops (Tuesday), and Orchards & Vineyards (Wednesday). Each day will begin with Continental Breakfast followed by a keynote presentation and an overview of the topical area. The 1^st session will address sources of air pollution and areas of concern. Following the lunch break, the 2^nd session will examine recent research into health and environmental effects and new regulatory initiatives. The final session will showcase research and new ‘best practices’ efforts. Each day will end with a Reception to allow for networking opportunities.

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