LAKE COUNTY ? The state legislature is discussing today whether to eliminate the state Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in order to close its $24 billion deficit.
Lake County Agricultural Commissioner Steve Hajik said he received word about the proposal on Friday, and drafted a letter to state senators opposing the move. The board modified Hajik”s wording and signed the letter to be sent immediately.
“Agriculture is the number #1 (sic) industry in Lake County, generating $72,670,221 in 2007,” Hajik wrote in the letter.
In addition, the CDFA coordinates statewide animal health and invasive pest responses. Of particular concern was the CDFA”s involvement in the county”s ongoing efforts to prevent quagga and zebra mussel infestation in its waters and hydrilla eradication.
“The proposal to abolish marketing orders and commissions could lead to chaos in various commodity industries. In addition, these boards and commissions are funded by the various industries they serve. No state general fund money is involved,” Hajik wrote.
The board modified the letter to ask the legislature to “carefully consider the unknown factors when deciding to eliminate the CDFA in order to avoid possible economic impacts on Lake County and eventually the entire state of California.”
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
