STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY KAWAMURA ON USDA DISASTER DESIGNATION

SACRAMENTO,  September 22, 2009 – CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura made the following statement following a drought disaster declaration by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack:

“I wish to thank Secretary Vilsack for his consideration and the declaration of disaster.  This is an important first step in helping farmers, ranchers and entire communities that have been decimated by the drought.

“The losses from this drought reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars and affect the entire state, from Shasta County in the north to San Diego County in the south; from the coast, to the desert, to the eastern Sierra. This is a genuine crisis for California’s food supply, and for all Californians.   

“We look forward to continuing to work with the USDA. We will keep the lines of communication open and we’ll continue to pursue opportunities to provide much needed assistance to our farmers and ranchers.”  
 

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