CDFA SNIFF DOG “JOE” TO PERFORM AT CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU EXPO 2001

Demonstrations to highlight “Don’t Pack A Pest” message

SACRAMENTO, November 29, 2001 - Joe, the California Department of Food and Agriculture public relations dog, is scheduled to entertain visitors at EXPO 2001, The California Farm Bureau Federation’s annual trade show. Joe, a two-year-old Brittany Spaniel, is slated to perform six times during the two-day event, sniffing out fruits and vegetables to help demonstrate CDFA’s “Don’t Pack A Pest” campaign, which warns Californians against importing fruits, vegetables and plant materials in unmarked containers. The state’s $27 billion agricultural industry is constantly threatened by exotic foreign and domestic pests.

The “Don’t Pack A Pest” theme generates widespread public awareness, which is essential in controlling the threat. In the past year, Joe and his handler, Adrian Woodfork, have visited many schools, community organizations, and public functions and even appeared on national television to demonstrate the role that dogs play in detecting illegally shipped produce and plants.

EXPO 2001 will take place in the grand ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel on December 3-4. The event hours are 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday and from 7:00 AM to noon on Tuesday. For more information about the dog demonstration, contact Adrian Woodfork at 916-654-0297 or via cell phone, 916-296-3615.


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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.