SECRETARY KAWAMURA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON THE CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SACRAMENTO, December 2, 2009 – California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura is announcing seven member vacancies and fifteen alternate member vacancies on the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.  The vacancies include four certified producer representatives, seven alternate certified producer representatives, two certified farmers’ market manager representatives, three alternate certified farmers’ market manager representatives, one major direct marketing representative, one alternate major direct marketing representative, and one alternate public member representative.

The certified producer representatives must be active in the direct sales or marketing of certified agricultural products at certified farmers’ markets.

The Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee is charged with making recommendations to the Secretary on legislation, regulations, enforcement issues, and administrative policies and procedures pertaining to the direct marketing of agricultural products at certified farmers’ markets.  The committee also recommends the annual budget and fees to provide enforcement services.

The committee generally meets two times per year in Northern California.  Members of the committee receive no compensation, but are entitled to receive travel expense reimbursement.  The term of office for a member of the committee is two years.  Notification of the committee meetings and their meeting minutes can be found via the Internet from the Department’s web page by going to the following website address: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/meetings.html

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment as a member or an alternate member should send a letter of consideration and include a letter of recommendation from the industry.  Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled.  Nominations can be sent to Steve Patton, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Inspection Services Division, Certified Farmers’ Market Program, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA  95814 or emailed to spatton@cdfa.ca.gov.  Please contact Mr. Patton at (916) 445-2180 for additional information.

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