Media Contacts: Nancy Lungren, Deputy Secretary of Public Affairs, (916) 531-3039, nlungren@cdfa.ca.gov, Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462
WHAT: California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura will be inspecting freeze damage on crops in San Diego County, California on Saturday, January 20, 2007. There has been significant and widespread damage to the agricultural industry due to numerous days of temperatures below the freezing level. The visit will include tours of an orchard and a flower farm.
Media availability can be arranged prior to and following the event.
WHEN: Saturday, January 20, 2007, 10:00 a.m.
WHO: Secretary A.G. Kawamura
Senator Dennis Holllingsworth, R – El Cajon
Representative from Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Eric Larsen, Executive Director, San Diego Farm Bureau
Al Stehly, Avocado Grower
Janet Kister, Nursery Plant Grower
Michael Mellano and Julie Walker, Flower Growers
WHERE: San Diego County Farm Bureau, 1670 East Valley Pkwy, Escondido
WHY: Southern California has been affected by unseasonably cold temperatures in recent days, including readings well below freezing. These cold nights and early mornings have damaged agricultural crops in the region. Secretary Kawamura will tour an orchard and fields to inspect damage firsthand.