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News Release

California Department of Food and Agriculture

Media Contacts: Steve Lyle, CDFA Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462,

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Release #10-029
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CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE TO DISCUSS INVASIVE SPECIES AND ORGANIC CERTIFICATION OVERSIGHT AT JUNE 30 MEETING

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address invasive species and organic certification oversight at its Wednesday, June 30, 2010 meeting in Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.


“Protecting California from invasive species and disease is essential for our state,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “Without robust protection and exclusion measures we endanger our environment and agricultural production. We must foster public awareness and involvement in combating these serious threats.”


The state board will hear from federal and state officials as well as agricultural organizations regarding the impact of invasive pests on California. The board will also address organic certification oversight, following the release of a United States Department of Agriculture audit of the National Organic Program. Several California organic certifiers will speak in response to the audit and the certification process.


“California has the largest number of certified organic operations in the United States,” said Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Oversight by CDFA and certifier compliance with established rules ensures that we enjoy a vibrant organic industry in California.”


The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and secretary of food and agriculture of findings as they impact agriculture and consumer needs.  The board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.


All California State Board of Food and Agriculture meetings are open to the media and general public.


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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