NFACT COALITION TRAVELING TO WASHINGTON D.C.

Work to Continue on 2002 Farm Bill

SACRAMENTO, February 23, 2001-Following a series of 14 successful facilitated forums on the 2002 Farm Bill, the NFACT border states coalition will now travel to Washington D.C. for the next step in the process.

NFACT, comprised of the New Mexico, Florida, Arizona, California and Texas departments of agriculture, will meet in Washington, D.C. from February 23rd through February 28th, during a meeting of NASDA, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

“This will be a great opportunity to compare notes”, said William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr., Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). “Almost all the states held forums of their own, so now we can start work on really shaping the Farm Bill in the interest of our farmers and our states. And our agenda moves beyond what is traditionally regarded as agriculture. We’ll also be talking about issues like trade, nutrition, conservation and the prevention of exotic pests.”

The NFACT member states represent over 25 percent of American agricultural receipts and contain 27 percent of the United States Congressional delegation.

NFACT is working to assemble a joint platform regarding the 2002 Farm Bill.

NFACT was formed in 1999 and has already gained prominence for its work on animal and plant health, food safety, conservation, international trade, research, and risk management.

-30-

FLEX YOUR POWER. To meet California’s energy challenge, CDFA urges businesses and consumers to conserve. For a list of simple ways that you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web site @www.cdfa.ca.gov.