CDFA SECRETARY LYONS RESUMES PRODUCTIVE MEETING SERIES WITH MEXICAN AGRICULTURAL LEADERS

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2002-California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. met with Baja California agricultural leaders today in San Diego, a continuation of a series of meetings to discuss common interests between the two states. The agenda included tuberculosis in animals and the challenges brought by pest prevention issues.

"This was another excellent opportunity to share information with our neighbors in Baja California," said Secretary Lyons. "Working together, I'm confident we will be able to develop regional agricultural solutions that will be effective across our respective borders."

The meeting helped to build upon the successful Border Governors' Conference with Mexico led by California Governor Gray Davis. Secretary Lyons met with his Baja California counterpart, Juan Pablo Hernández Diaz, and agriculture officials from California and Baja California joined, as well.

The California and Baja California agriculture agencies are proceeding according to a 1999 joint agreement signed by Secretary Lyons and Secretary Hernández Diaz’ predecessor.


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