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CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE UPDATES
- August 2007
FARM BILL 2007: California's fruit, nut and vegetable crop producers received some very good news this month: the 2007 farm bill just released by the House Agriculture Committee includes more than a billion and a half dollars for pest detection programs and research [View Report]. This approval is a breakthrough for California's specialty crop growers, who did not receive subsidies in previous farm bills. The legislation in its present form also includes more funds for farmers' markets and for fresh produce in school lunch programs. The bill must now be taken up by the Senate's committee for agriculture in September, as it continues its journey through Congress. California is the world's bread basket, producing more than 400 crops that are valued at $32 billion a year. I urge you to support the California Congressional Delegation in their discussions surrounding this legislation to ensure a California-friendly farm bill is approved by Congress this year.
IMMIGRATION ISSUES AND FARM WORKERS: The ongoing national dialog concerning this labor issue is one that impacts us all. Both Governor Schwarzenegger and I are advocates for a strong and secure border, but at the same time feel very strongly we must be able to bring guest workers into the United States legally who can work in California, especially in the agricultural industry. In order help feed the nation and the world, our farms need their labor to plant, cultivate, harvest and pack crops, jobs that many state citizens will not do.
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH: The USDA announced this month the infusion of $15 million in federal funding to combat the light brown apple moth infestation in California. The commitment allows the Cooperative Light Brown Apple Moth Eradication Project to move forward with plans to eradicate the pest in a number of California counties--a project intended to protect the environment and prevent spread of the moth elsewhere in the United States. This funding is vital for the forward progress of the program. There is so much at stake, in California and the rest of the country. I wish to thank the USDA for taking this important step, and we’re grateful for the efforts of Governor Schwarzenegger and the agriculture industry for communicating the urgent need in California for this assistance. The light brown apple moth eradication project is a multi-year program. The USDA funding will cover expenditures incurred already this year and projected expenses for the remainder of 2007.
TRUCKEE INSPECTION STATION: I enjoyed the ribbon-busting ceremonies for the reopening of the Truckee Agricultural Inspection Station on July 9th. I have always been a strong advocate for border station inspections as part of a comprehensive system to keep invasive pests out of our state. Few would argue with the strategy that preventing a troublesome species from entering is definitely more cost-effective than dealing with it once it's found within our borders. It's the best use of scarce funds and staff time. With this station, California now benefits from state-of-the-art inspection techniques at the border, providing it with a more rigorous "first line of defense" against hitchhiking pests that threaten our agriculture and environment.
The Truckee Inspection Station buildings have been relocated and undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade to improve their inspection system. The new station has enhanced traffic flow, better parking and avoids congesting nearby surface streets. With a long history in Truckee, this station is considered an integral and essential part of the local community. I salute the hard work the inspection teams accomplish every day of the year.
PORT OF OAKLAND: The federal inspectors at the Port of Oakland also have an important job keeping invasive species out of California and the U.S. Last month, during a tour with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner W. Ralph Basham, I was able to see firsthand some of the inspection activities at the port that help keep our food supply safe. CBP agriculture specialist Margurite Stetson showed us a shipment of Chinese ginger at the port of Oakland, California.
TRADE MISSIONS: CDFA is partnering with the Center for International Trade Development/Fresno to lead a trade mission to São Paulo, Brazil from September 22-29, 2007, that will focus on market opportunities in the production and use of biofuels and renewable energy. This trip will include meetings with American officials, Brazilian researchers and industry officials, tours of biomethane production plants and ethanol mills, and a wholesale market visit with agricultural importers.
Later this year Governor Schwarzenegger will lead a trade mission to India from November 11-16, 2007. His trade mission will promote California products and services. Its aims are to encourage foreign investment and expand cultural and educational ties with the world's second most populated country. Business leaders from all industry sectors (agriculture, clean technology, biotech, tourism, aerospace, banking, high-tech and entertainment - to name a few) who are interested in building relationships in India are encouraged to apply.
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR: Please drop by CDFA's booth at the State Fair from August 17 - September 3, 2007. I encourage everyone to see our multimedia display, which this year emphasizes the many different forms of agricultural energy resources we have in this state.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD-WINNING BUSINESS: I am very proud to acknowledge an agricultural company that is leading the way in sustainable growing practices. Fetzer Vineyards, located on the north coast in Mendocino County, won a 2007 Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award was given in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Montréal Protocol, a signature event in climate protection endorsed by 190 nations. The award was evaluated by the EPA and judged by industry, government and non-government personal from around the world. It really is an award given to the best-of-the-best.
RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Deputy Secretary Valerie Brown retired recently after 25 years of service at CDFA. Valerie's career with the Department was distinguished by the range of programs and activities she managed. Her background in entomology meant she played a key role in many of the state's Medfly and other exotic pest eradication campaigns and served as liaison to local and state government officials. Valerie also had a strong background in environmental issues and worked on many special projects with the Department of Pesticide Regulation, which led to her appointment as the chief of CDFA's Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis in 1997. Later as a deputy secretary she directed the divisions of Inspection Services and Measurement Standards. She was CDFA's principal liaison on nutrition issues and advised the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health on a number of programs aimed at improving the nutrition of all Californians, but especially children. She was CDFA's representative on California's Nutrition Action Plan group, and works on various other committees to improve the connection between farmers, the healthy products they produce, and nutrition advocates and consumers.
Chief Counsel John Dyer retires this month after 33 years of public service, in both county and state government. He served CDFA for the past 10 years, offering strong leadership over the Legal Office, Equal Employment Office, federal Grants Management Office and the Audit Office. His advice on a wide range of issues affecting the agricultural industry, state’s regulatory authority and the consuming public has been highly valued by three Secretaries of Agriculture serving under three Governors. Two of his important contributions in recent years have garnered high praise within government, legal and industry circles: His role in creating the State Veterinarian Intervention Authority and in helping California’s produce growers, shippers and processors to develop the Leafy Green Marketing Agreement. His mission, no matter what the issue, has always been that of putting the health and safety of consumers first and foremost.
Farewell and best wishes to my friends!
As always, thank you for your support. Feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
A.G. Kawamura
Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0433