Western Farm Press published an article May 18 about the need for inter-agency collaboration to improve California food safety and water quality. The article was an outgrowth of a three-day San Luis Obispo meeting in April: The Coordinated Management of Water Quality and Food Safety Conference.

"More than 100 leaders in water quality and food safety from thoughout the nation gathered to develop strategies to protect both the environment and fresh produce," wrote the article's unnamed author.

The writer noted that UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Mary Bianchi, a conference coordinator, said the complex nature of food safety will require scientific, regulatory and food distribution communities to coordinate their efforts.

"The value in each person striving to connect beyond their current sphere of influence cannot be underestimated," Bianchi is quoted.

The article said there were 4 conference organizers, 13 planning partners and 7 government agencies that sent representatives.