CDFA APPOINTS NEW BRANCH CHIEFS FOR MILK AND DAIRY FOODS CONTROL AND BUREAU OF LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION

SACRAMENTO, April 19, 2002- The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has appointed Bill Bordessa to serve as the Branch Chief for Milk and Dairy Foods Control. His appointment is effective May 1, 2002. Bordessa began his career with the department 27 years ago. He was a dairy foods specialist for 12 years and has served as the regional administrator for the Fresno-area for the last 15 years. Bordessa’s background also includes considerable first-hand experience in both the farm and processing segments of the dairy industry. He is certified as a dairy inspector and holds a degree in dairy science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

CDFA has also appointed Gregory R. Lawley as Branch Chief for the Bureau of Livestock Identification, effective May 1, 2002. Lawley has been employed by the department for 15 years, holding positions that required coordinating agricultural programs and managing key staff. He has a background in livestock, having managed a ranch and served as regional representative for the Western State Angus Association. Lawley holds a degree in animal science from Abilene Christian University.

California is the number one dairy state in the nation, producing 33.1 billion pounds of milk in 2001. The Milk and Dairy Foods Control Branch oversees the inspection and sanitation of milk products produced in the state.

The Bureau of Livestock Identification protects California cattle owners against loss of animals by theft or straying. In 2001, the Bureau maintained 23,847 livestock brands and conducted 3.7 million brand inspections.



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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.