Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to cut an additional $2.5 million from the state Department of Food and Agriculture was enacted when he signed the new budget late June 27.  The cuts to the state's agricultural agency came as California lawmakers finished work on the 2012-2013 ledger, passing 21 implementation bills on a majority vote aimed at closing a $15.7 billion deficit. Accordingly, the CDFA will slash funding for its border protection stations by another $1 million, which will cause a partial closure of some stations on a seasonal basis and rotating hours at others, Secretary Karen Ross said during a conference call with reporters June 28. In addition, the department will cut $750,000 from high-risk pest exclusion activities, $250,000 apiece from medfly and animal health and food safety programs and $125,000 from administration, Ross said. (more) June 29, 2012 Capital Press