CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON THE CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET AND SHIPPING POINT INSPECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEES

SACRAMENTO, Friday, November 2, 2007 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing vacancies on the Certified Farmers’ Market and Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committees. Each committee makes recommendations to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the program it oversees.

The California Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee oversees the department’s certified farmers’ market program which allows small farmers to market and sell their products directly to local communities. Through certified farmers’ markets, consumers can purchase and enjoy nutritious California agricultural products direct from the producer. There are approximately 520 certified farmers’ markets and over 2,900 certified producers.  Nine member vacancies and 13 alternate member vacancies are available.

The Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee oversees the department’s shipping point inspection program which provides for the inspection of fresh agricultural products to ensure that these products meet quality standards for commercial sale. The department’s inspection program provides protection to consumer and farmers alike, by ensuring that quality products are available within the marketplace. Four vacancies and eight alternate member vacancies are available.

The term of office for a Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee member is two years and for Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee members it is three years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should send a letter of consideration and include a letter of recommendation from an agricultural company involved in the inspection program. Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled.  Applications for these committees should be sent to California Department of Food and Agriculture, Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

For additional information, please contact CDFA’s Inspection and Compliance Branch at (916) 445-2180.

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