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News Release

California Department of Food and Agriculture

Media Contacts: Steve Lyle, Director of Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462, slyle@cdfa.ca.gov,

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Release #07-011
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SECRETARY KAWAMURA WELCOMES USDA FARM BILL PROPOSALS

SACRAMENTO, January 31, 2007 - California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura made the following statement today about the USDA proposals for the 2007 Farm Bill:


“First, I would like to congratulate the USDA and Secretary Mike Johanns for developing proposals that embrace the emerging needs and priorities of  21st century agriculture. This plan achieves that while continuing to ensure a strong safety net for producers. In California, we are thrilled with nearly $5 billion in proposed funding to support specialty crop producers by increasing nutrition in food assistance programs—including school meals—through the purchase of fruits and vegetables. This is important because it establishes a significant official link between specialty crops and healthy diets. Funding of specialty crop research is also important, as is a plan to fight trade barriers and expand export markets. We are also encouraged by the proposal to increase conservation funding by $7.8 billion and a proposed $1.6 billion in new funding for renewable energy research.  I am scheduled to travel to Washington D.C. next week and look forward to the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to discuss the merits of this proposal.”


On Thursday, February 1, Secretary Kawamura will join Secretary Johanns in Modesto for a discussion on the farm bill proposals.  The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at the Stanislaus County Agriculture Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA, 95358.


More information about the Farm Bill is available at www.usda.gov, and information about California’s input into the process can be found at www.cdfa.ca.gov.


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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov