Sutter's Michael Darnell, policy director for the American Farmland Trust, has been appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve a four-year term on the state Board of Food and Agriculture.

As one of the 15-member, governor-appointed panel, Darnell will assist in advising the governor and the secretary of the state Department of Food and Agriculture on issues facing agriculture and consumer needs.

The board also acts as a host to bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss issues of concern to California agriculture, according to the board's Web site.

Darnell, who learned of his appointment Friday, said he looks "forward to facing the challenges in California farming in the next four years."

On additional questions about his appointment, Darnell said he must refer to the governor's office of appointments. The office does not have Sunday hours.

Darnell, 41, has served the farming community for several years by participating in a number of boards and policy-making groups in the Yuba-Sutter area. Most recently, he began his position with the American Farmland Trust in 2007.

He has also worked as the executive director of the Middle Mountain Foundation and as data and marketing manager for Sunsweet Growers Inc.

The state Board of Food and Agriculture position is not paid and does not require state Senate approval.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey at 749-4709 or akoskey@appeal-democrat.com