CDFA SECRETARY LYONS WELCOMES OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE TRADE RELATIONS WITH MEXICO AGRICULTURAL AGENCY SAGARPA

Communication plan developed during Governor Davis’ meeting with Mexican President Fox

SACRAMENTO, December 6, 2001-California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. is pleased to announce a new communication plan in cooperation with SAGARPA, the Mexican federal agricultural agency.

The plan, which emerged during Governor Davis’ recent trip to Mexico to meet with President Vicente Fox, consists of a commitment to ongoing discussions between Secretary Lyons and SAGARPA Secretary Javier Usabiaga to standardize policies on trade, food safety and pest prevention as well as eliminate border delays for products moving between California and Mexico.

“We had a very successful trip to Mexico this week,” said Secretary Lyons. “I look forward to a series of productive discussions as we strive to meet Governor Davis’ objective of developing and enhancing strong relations with Mexico.”

In the past, California has worked with agricultural officials in Mexico’s border states on these issues through the Governors’ Border Conference, leading to signed agreements in support of the standardization process.


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