OFFICIALS FROM MEXICO, CANADA AND U.S. TO PRESENT COMMUNIQUE ON AGRICULTURAL ISSUES

WHAT:     Closing ceremonies for the 15th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord, featuring a signing ceremony.  Agriculture officials representing the U.S., Mexico and Canada will sign a communiqué regarding common issues.

WHO:       California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura

                  New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan Rudgers, President, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)

                  Manitoba Deputy Premier and Minister Rosann Wowchuk

                  Michoacan Agriculture Secretary Silvano Aureoles, President, Mexican Association of Secretaries of Agriculture (AMSDA)

                  Idaho Agriculture Secretary Pat Takasugi, Co-Chair, US/Canada Working Group

                  New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Miley Gonzalez, Co-Chair, US/Mexico Working Group 

WHEN:     Saturday, April 16, 2005, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:  State Capitol Building, Sacramento

                  Hearing Room 4202

WHY:        The Tri-National Agricultural Accord concludes with the joint signing and presentation of a communiqué among the delegates, which is intended to provide an opportunity and mechanism for Canadian provinces and U.S. and Mexican states to exchange information, views and suggestions on various aspects of the agriculture and food industries in their respective jurisdictions.

NOTE:      CDFA is issuing this advisory on behalf of NASDA, the organizer of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord. CDFA is host of the event.

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