CDFA SECRETARY LYONS URGES CALIFORNIA NOMINEES FOR USDA FRUIT AND VEGETABLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SACRAMENTO, September 5, 2001- CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J Lyons, Jr. is urging the California fruit and vegetable industry to participate on a USDA advisory committee on fruits and vegetables.

The USDA has set a deadline of September 20, 2001 for nominations to the 20-member board, which is seeking a body of growers, shippers, wholesalers, brokers, processors, retailers and food service suppliers. A representative of state government will also serve on the board, which will offer the federal Secretary of Agriculture advice on how USDA can tailor its programs to meet industry needs.

“California grows approximately half of our nation’s fresh fruits and vegetables,” said CDFA Secretary Lyons. “I would like to see our state represented accordingly on the advisory board. This is a great opportunity to promote California specialty crops in a regulatory environment.”

Written nominations will be accepted on or before September 20, 2001. They should be sent to Robert C. Keeney, Deputy Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, USDA Room 2077 South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456. Nominations may also be faxed to (202) 720-0016 or e-mailed to robert.keeney@usda.gov.


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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.