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CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE UPDATES
- February 2008

Stormy Conditions for California Ag at the start of the year

California farmers and ranchers were once again tested by a capricious Mother Nature during a January Pacific winter storm that left orchards, outbuildings and infrastructure damaged or destroyed across several counties. Wind gusts that sometimes reached 100 MPH toppled hundreds of thousands of productive almond, plum and walnut trees, and blew fruit off citrus trees. Crop and physical losses reported from the storm were in the millions of dollars. There will be costs to remove the uprooted trees and replace them with new stock if possible, as well as to repair or replace damaged irrigation systems, fences and structures. Crop insurance doesn't cover wind-downed trees, but only loss from acts of nature such as frost or rain. CDFA Undersecretary George Gomes witnessed some of the destruction firsthand in Butte County and was told by growers that entire groves may need to be removed and replanted.

Damage to a prune tree orchard in Gridley, Butte County, from the recent wind storm.
Damage to outbuildings in Butte County, from the recent wind storm.
Damage to an almond tree orchard in Butte County, from the recent wind storm.
Damage to an almond tree orchard in Butte County, from the recent wind storm.
Despite the regular, severe challenges to agriculture faced in this state--including pests and pestilence, wind, rain, droughts, fires, floods and freezes--those who dare to grow crops and livestock here continue to produce an amazing bounty of the best agricultural products in the nation and help to feed the world. Everyone benefits from the willingness of farmers, ranchers and growers to persevere despite frequent setbacks, something we should all remember when we visit the grocery store, harvest something from our own backyard or enjoy a meal with family and friends.

USDA Secretary Schafer and CDFA Secretary Kawamura at the American Meat Association meeting in Monterey, California.
USDA Secretary Schafer and CDFA Secretary Kawamura at the Monterey Food Bank.
USDA Secretary Schafer & CDFA Secretary Kawamura with Salinas Schoolchildren, 02/08
A different type of "storm," but also one of great impact, hit our state this month with the disclosure of illegal practices involving livestock at a California meat processing plant. I am in full support of newly-appointed USDA Secretary Ed Schafer's actions to handle this situation and conduct an investigation. Neither I personally nor CDFA as a government agency will tolerate any of the practices alleged to have occurred at one particular facility. The wholesomeness of our food supply must never be compromised and livestock animals must always be protected from inhumane practices.

During Secretary Schafer's February visit to our state, I was able to host the new USDA secretary and share with him some of the more positive aspects of California agriculture, including a tour of a Monterey food bank and a question & answer session about nutrition with students at a Salinas elementary school. In fact, if you select the video image link on this page, you can even learn from Secretary Schafer what his favorite fruit and vegetable are--and both are grown here in California, in great quality and abundance.

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California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Report on Program Audits and Actions
More positive agricultural news was announced with the release of the first report from the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) -- there were no reported food borne illnesses associated with California leafy greens during all of 2007.

Marketing Services staff here at CDFA provide oversight of this inspection program to ensure that farmers follow LGMA accepted food safety practices for lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens. I am happy to report that the LGMA has become a model for growers of leafy greens in other states.

It is an example of how the agricultural industry and goverment can work together effectively to improve food safety and protect public health. The program is expected to take advantage of new discoveries and developments from ongoing research in food safety practices.

A Reminder. . .Save This Date: Tuesday, March 25th

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri
If you're in town for the day, plan to join us, along with California Women for Agriculture, for Ag Day 2008 on Tuesday, March 25, on the west steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. The theme is "Decisions Today, Impacting Tomorrow."

Renowned celebrity chef Guy Fieri (left) will show us how you can enjoy "Cooking With Your Kids" during a demonstration of his culinary showmanship.

This event opens to legislators and their staffs at 10:30 AM. The public program begins at 11:30 AM.

For more information, contact Jonnalee Henderson or Kelly Hoppin at (916) 654-0433.

 

As always, thank you for your support. Feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.

A.G. Kawamura

Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0433

[Photos: R. Tse and E. Williams, Video: R. Tse / CDFA]