The revised budget proposal that Gov. Jerry Brown submitted this week would cut an additional $2.5 million from the state Department of Food and Agriculture and make changes in timber harvest plans. The proposal also envisions a tax on lumber that would support regulatory activities. The reduction to CDFA would be in addition to the $31 million in general fund dollars already slashed from the coffers of the agency responsible for agricultural plant and animal health, pest prevention and food safety programs. Previous cuts primarily affect programs relating to border control stations, pest prevention and food safety, the governor's office explained in its budget statement. The CDFA would still receive about $62.5 million from the general fund in fiscal 2012-2013. (more) May 17, 2012 Capital Press