News From…
Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California
Cardoza Hosts Specialty Crop Forum |
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CDFA Secretary Bill Lyons and USDA Administrator A.J. Yates To Participate In Event That Brings Industry Experts Together To Share Information, Discuss Block Grants |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2003 |
CONTACT: Bret Ladine (202) 225-6131 |
| WASHINGTON – Concerned about the many issues that continue to challenge California’s specialty crop industry, Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, will host a specialty crop forum on Wednesday, August 13 in Fresno. CDFA Secretary Bill Lyons, Jr. and USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator A.J. Yates will be participating. The forum will be held in the Fresno City Council Chambers at 2600 Fresno Street, 2nd Floor, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lyons and other officials will highlight the California Specialty Block Grant Program and Federal Block Grant Program. The event will also feature a substantive discussion of specialty crop issues, including H.R. 2592, "The Healthy America Act", methyl bromide, trade, and invasive pest and disease issues. "I’m particularly interested in hearing from industry representatives about the range of issues that they see as critically important," Cardoza said. "Secretary Lyons, Administrator Yates and I look forward to discussing ways in which we can maximize programs that support and enhance the specialty crop sector of California’s agriculture industry." The specialty crop discussion will include five panels: Panel 1 – California Statewide Agriculture Organizations Panel 2 – CA Grown Campaign Panel 3 – California Agriculture International Market Promotion Program Panel 4 – Nutrition, Organics, and Agricultural Research Panel 5 – Specialty Crop Industry Perspective |
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