Dr. David Zoldoske served as a panel member at the California Drought Solutions Forum on Aug. 25 at the Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center in Stockton.

Zoldoske, director of the Fresno State Center for Irrigation Technology, spoke at the 11 a.m. discussion “Agriculture, Technology, and Water Sustainability” about issues including agricultural sector technologies, tools, policies and incentives, future priorities. The panel also discussed related federal, state and local initiatives.

The event also included the panel discussion “Water, Energy and Technology: Partnerships and Solutions.”

U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney hosted the event that explored how different constituencies can partner together to advance technological, scientific and energy solutions to help California respond to its severe drought. The invited experts discussed opportunities for policy innovation by improving conservation, water supply, and storage, as well as water and energy efficiency.

The diverse panels of panelists included farmers, water technology innovators, federal and state experts, policy makers and academia.

Besides Zoldoske, other panel members included representatives from the Association of California Water Agencies, California Council of Science and Technology, California Energy Commission Water Energy Technology Program, IBM, Jain Irrigation, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s office, Stockton East Water District and WaterSmart Software.

The Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State is internationally recognized as an independent testing laboratory, applied research facility and educational resource for water and irrigation technology.

More information on the event is available by calling 209.476.8552.

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