SHIPMENT OF CALIFORNIA WHEAT TO MEXICO RESUMES AFTER 10 YEARS

First rail cars set to depart from Woodland on Friday, May 5

WHAT: An event sponsored by the California Wheat Commission in honor of the first commercial shipment of wheat to Mexico in 10 years.

WHEN: Friday, May 5, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.

WHO: California Department of Food and Agriculture Undersecretary A.J.  

            Yates

            California Department of Business, Transportation and Housing  

            Undersecretary Garrett Ashley

            Mexico Consul General Alejandra Bologna

            California Department of Food and Agriculture Director of Trade 

            Robert Tse

            California Wheat Commission Chairman Mike Scriven

            California Association of Wheat Growers Chairman Larry Hunn

WHERE: Adams Grain Elevator, 1030 East Street, Woodland, CA.

WHY: In 1996, Mexico placed a ban on all California wheat exports after karnal bunt fungus was found in limited areas of the desert southwest. Following a lengthy period of negotiation, the ban was lifted in 2005, through the efforts of the Mexican government and a public/private partnership consisting of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a team of California state legislators, members of the California Congressional Delegation, national wheat organizations, the California Wheat Commission, and the California Association of Wheat Growers. Mexico imports 3.6 million metric tons of wheat a year, 80 percent of which comes from the U.S. With the California ban lifted, the state will again have the opportunity to offer wheat to this large export market.

DIRECTIONS: I-5 to East Main freeway exit. Travel westbound on East Main to East St. Go left and travel southbound to Gibson. Make a right and immediately look for a gravel parking lot. Look for signs to the event.

NOTE TO EDITORS:  The visuals for this event will consist of rail cars at the scene loaded with grain in preparation for the first commercial shipment of wheat to Mexico in 10 years. 

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