THE ALFALFA SEED PRODUCTION RESEARCH BOARD

The Alfalfa Seed Production Research Board was established over thirty years ago for the purpose of funding primarily grower-directed research to improve alfalfa seed production practices in California.  Some projects have immediate application to the grower while others may be more long term, yielding results in the years to come.  While the challenges of today’s agricultural environment have changed and perhaps grown, the Board’s purpose continues to be finding ways to maximize alfalfa seed production through applied research.  In addition, the Board has taken a more active role in grower education by providing a biennial Seed Symposium with topics that cover pesticide updates, pest management strategic plans, GMO seed production, and other industry challenges.

On the Board, there are five producer members and alternates, five conditioner members and alternates, an at-large member and alternate for both producer and conditioner, a public member and alternate as well as two ex-officio members.  District 1, which represents northern California, has one producer member/alternate and one conditioner member/alternate.  District 2, representing central California, has two producer members/alternates and two conditioner members/alternates.  District 3, representing southern California, has two producer members/alternates and two conditioner members/alternates.  Each producer/conditioner member and alternate must be active in alfalfa seed production. 

A Research Committee appointed by the Chairman of the Board serves as a steering committee to make project recommendations and/or other activities to the Board.  This committee interfaces closely with university researchers and industry representatives to ensure the Board is sponsoring timely and necessary or high priority projects.  Board members or alternates would be happy to listen to your ideas and input regarding current and/or future research projects and convey them to the rest of the Board..

In 2003 the Board officially joined a new organization called the National Alfalfa Alliance (NAA). The NAA represents both the alfalfa forage and seed production industries in the United States through political advocacy, promotion, and education.    Membership and involvement in the National Alfalfa Alliance will continue to strengthen the California alfalfa seed industry’s position and representation at a national level. 

The California Marketing Act requires the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to conduct a public hearing every five years to consider continuation of the California Alfalfa Seed Production Research Board.  The most recent public hearing was held in July 2003.  CDFA received, examined and analyzed testimony and evidence submitted for the record and concluded that the Board is serving the alfalfa seed industry in an manner consistent with the stated purposes of the Marketing Order and may continue operation for another five years.  The next industry referendum to consider the continuance of the Board will be conducted in 2008.

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