SECRETARY LYONS TO JOIN IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

Food and fun in store at State Capitol

SACRAMENTO – CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. will join legislative and agricultural leaders for a celebration of National Agriculture Day, Wednesday, March 19, at 11:30 a.m. near the south steps of the State Capitol. The event will take place rain or shine

Following a brief program, a tent featuring food booths and information will open to the public on the Capitol’s south lawn. There will be a number of costumed mascots roving the grounds, including Poppy from the California State Fair; the Sunkist Orange; an ear of corn named Cornelius, representing a roasted corn booth; Bonnie Bloomer, a kangaroo representing the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers; and the Foster Farms chickens made famous in recent advertising campaigns.

“This is a unique opportunity for our agricultural community to educate and to demonstrate its diversity,” said Secretary Lyons. “It’s also an opportunity for people who may not be familiar with agriculture to learn more about it. National Agriculture Day is a time for all of us to celebrate our great heritage, and to look forward to an exciting, prosperous future.”

California is the largest agricultural state in the nation, with production totaling $27.6 billion in 2001. Eight of the top ten agricultural producing counties nationwide are in California.

Editors’ Note
The costumed mascots are scheduled to hand out fliers inside the State Capitol at 10:30 a.m.

For More Information
Steve Lyle (916) 654-0462




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