BGC MEETING MINUTES - JUNE 2001 

The Agriculture and Livestock Working Table of the Border Governors Conference met on June 8, 2001 at the Hotel Maeva in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Co-chairs Arizona and Sonora called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. The agenda was reviewed and it was decided that the representatives from Tamaulipas would lead the meeting, as they were our hosts.

The first item of business was a review of the Joint Declaration to be signed by the Governors later that afternoon. The worktable accepted the draft of the Joint Declaration without amendment.

The second item of business was to review the Action Plan for the table for 2001-2002. The worktable accepted the Action Plan without amendment.

The third item of business was a presentation by Apoyos y Servicios a la Comercializacion Agropecuaria (ASERCA). ASERCA is an organization that works to support agricultural production and ensures fairness in the issues of commerce that impact production agriculture industries.

The fourth item of business was discussion of the Foot and Mouth Disease pledge of support. The draft pledge was amended to request our federal governments work together to develop a DNA-marked vaccine to protect future generations of livestock producers in the Region. Additionally, the pledge was amended to authorize each state’s respective veterinarian or animal health commission the authority to develop and enhance strategies that promote communication, control, and, if necessary, the eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease from a regional perspective.

The fifth item of business was a presentation by SAGARPA on Mexico’s efforts to exclude the introduction of Foot and Mouth Disease.

The sixth item of business was the presentation of general issues for review and comment. Arizona Director Sheldon R. Jones requested the worktable review a proposal he and the staff of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture developed that encourages Arizona and Sonora to work in cooperation to streamline as much as possible the regulatory functions that take place on both sides of the physical border to increase the flow and expediency of commerce in the Region. Director Jones asked that the worktable representatives review the proposal and respond to whether or not this is something they support Arizona and Sonora addressing on their behalf.

Under the same item of business, California’s delegate, Victor Velez of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, requested the worktable review an proposed organizational chart and operational guidelines for the Agriculture and Livestock worktable. He stated that he would follow up with the states for the their feedback in the weeks to come.

Without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 am.

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