HEARING SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH “BUY CALIFORNIA”

Marketing program to feature California produce

SACRAMENTO, August 6, 2001-The California Department of Food and Agriculture is set to launch the highly anticipated “Buy California” marketing agreement with a public hearing scheduled for Friday, August 31st.

“Buy California” is funded by a $5 million state budget appropriation requested by Governor Davis. The agriculture industry has pledged to co-fund the proposed program, with additional funding under consideration at the federal level.

The program was conceived to reach out to Californians with a positive message about state-grown agricultural products. A recent survey showed that Californians consume 24 percent less fresh produce that the level recommended by health experts. Other research has indicated that the majority of shoppers would choose a home grown product when made aware of that fact, which could deliver a much needed boost to the rural economy.

The public hearing is required by statute. It will help to determine specifics in implementing “Buy California”. The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the CDFA auditorium, 1220 N Street, Sacramento.


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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.