CALIFORNIA SELECTED TO CO-CHAIR COMMITTEE ON MEXICAN AGRICULTURE

Border Governors’ Agriculture Work Table meets to plan prevention programs

SACRAMENTO, November 6, 2001-California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. announces that California and the State of Coahuila, Mexico, have been selected as the 2001-2002 co-chairs of the Border Governors Agriculture Work Table, which will meet on November 7, 2001, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Work Table, composed of state representatives from both countries, will develop and implement action plans based on the joint resolution of the Border Governors Conference.

The agenda will include coordinating prevention, control and eradication programs for animal and plant pests and diseases, including Foot and Mouth disease and bovine tuberculosis. There will also be discussion aimed at promoting coordinated research between the United States and Mexico, and enhancing inspection processes to expedite trade while maintaining the quality and safety of agricultural commodities.

“Working together, all the border states have the opportunity to continue helping our region take the lead on agricultural issues,” said Secretary Lyons. “This partnership promotes food safety and trade relations that benefit the economies of both countries.”

Governors and key cabinet members from 10 U.S. and Mexican border states meet regularly to work towards consensus on issues of mutual concern.

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