SECRETARY KAWAMURA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON THE CALIFORNIA CITRUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SACRAMENTO – July 3, 2006 - California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura has announced six member vacancies on the California Citrus Advisory Committee. The committee makes recommendations to the secretary on all matters pertaining to the citrus program, the annual budget and the necessary fees to provide adequate inspection services.

The department’s citrus program ensures that consumers can purchase and enjoy delicious and nutritious California citrus by maintaining minimum maturity and quality standards in terms of size, color, and sugar content. California citrus is known for its high quality and the citrus program works to maintain this reputation.

Appointments will be for four producer and two handler positions. Three of the producer members must be engaged in the production of Navel or Valencia oranges within the San Joaquin Valley. One producer member must be engaged in lemon production within Ventura County. Handler members shall be engaged in the handling of Navel and/or Valencia oranges, lemons or Mandarin citrus. One handler member will be in the San Joaquin Valley, the other in Southern California.

The committee is to be composed of individuals who are producers and handlers of Navel and Valencia oranges, lemons and Mandarin citrus. The term of office for committee members is two years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement of necessary traveling expenses. 

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment as a member of the committee should send a letter of consideration and a letter of recommendation from the industry. Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled. Nominations can be mailed to the Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. For additional information, please contact Kevin Masuhara at (916) 445-2180, extension 2514 or email Kmasuhara@cdfa.ca.gov.

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