SECRETARY KAWAMURA EMBRACES CALL TO ACTION FOLLOWING NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK

Coalition of organizations gathered in Washington D.C.

SACRAMENTO, January 19, 2010 — CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura joined experts from around the country last week in Washington D.C. to observe National Invasive Species Awareness Week.

The event, held from January 10-14, was organized by a national bi-partisan coalition representing state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, academia, private industry and private citizens. The group came together to call attention to the serious problems posed by invasive species, which impact economies, infrastructures and human health around the world.  Secretary Kawamura delivered remarks and participated in round table discussions.

“We must do all we can to fight invasive species,” said Secretary Kawamura. “Very few causes are this important. Invasive species affect all walks of life - from the environment to our food supply to the health of our families and pets. Working together, I believe we can generate the resources required to minimize the destructiveness of invasive species.”

The coalition is working to create new policies and funding and to build a national grassroots effort to limit the impact of invasive species.  

The protection of California from invasive species has been a core function of CDFA throughout its history. Currently, the department is working on programs against invasive species like bovine tuberculosis, the Asian citrus psyllid, the Mediterranean fruit fly, and the light brown apple moth. These programs assist CDFA in protecting the environment and food supply.     
    

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