JANUARY MEETING SCHEDULED FOR STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

SACRAMENTO, January 18, 2001 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. announces that the next meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be held on January 31, 2001, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The location for the January meeting will be at the California Department of Food and Agriculture Auditorium, Room 127, 1220 “N” Street, Sacramento. The meeting’s focus will be on programs and opportunities offered by the Great Valley Center and the New Valley Connexions’ report: Producing a Competitive Advantage: Agri-Tech in the San Joaquin Valley.

The State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the Governor and the Secretary of Food and Agriculture on agricultural issues and consumer needs. In the past, the Board has hosted forums that brought together local, state, and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture. The Board’s fifteen members are appointed by the Governor, and are selected to represent a broad range of agricultural commodities, geographical regions, and both the University of California and the California State University academic systems. Members serve four-year terms without pay. There are no term limits and appointments do not require Senate confirmation.

All State Board of Food and Agriculture meetings are open to the media and the general public. For more information about the State Board, please contact our Office of Public Affairs at 916/654-0462 or Vanessa S. Arellano, Executive Director of the State Board of Food and Agriculture at 916/653-7643.

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