8570 Department of Food & Agriculture
Program Descriptions

11 - AGRICULTURAL PLANT AND ANIMAL HEALTH; PEST PREVENTION; FOOD SAFETY SERVICES

The objective of this program is to prevent the introduction and establishment of serious plant and animal pests and diseases to California and protect the safety of California's dairy products and meat and poultry products exempt from Federal inspection. In particular, the program is focused on pests and diseases that can: (1) be transmitted to humans, (2) inflict catastrophic financial loss on California's farmers, ranchers, and associated businesses, (3) have severe negative impact on the environment, or (4) adversely affect the supply of agricultural products to the consumer.

21 - MARKETING; COMMODITIES AND AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

California agriculture produces over 350 different crops, which enter state, national, and international commerce. The objectives of this program are to assure orderly domestic and international marketing of safe and quality agricultural commodities, consumer protection, fair pricing practices, industry-supported grading services, and standards of measurement which provide a basis of value comparison, fair competition in the marketplace, and quality of conventional and alternative fuels and automotive products.

This program also provides support to governmental agencies needing chemical or product determinations by providing accurate and timely chemical analyses.

31 - ASSISTANCE TO FAIRS AND COUNTY AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES

This program provides fiscal and policy oversight to the network of California fairs to advance their success. This program also partially reimburses counties for carrying out agricultural programs authorized by the Food and Agricultural Code under the supervision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The state has a network of 70 fairs including county fairs, citrus fruit fairs and District Agricultural Associations. State support of these local fairs includes budget approval, year-end financial statement review, and annual audit review.

41 - EXECUTIVE, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Executive and Management Services include the executive leadership of the Secretary's Office. The Secretary's Office sets priorities and policies to protect, support, and promote agriculture in the State of California, as well as helping to protect the health and welfare of the public and the environment.

Administrative Services provides centralized administrative support to the Department through fiscal operations, employee-employer relations, personnel management, employee development, and general business services.

51 - GENERAL AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES

This program provides the fiscal and policy oversight of the federal grants awarded that promote California agriculture. In addition, this program serves as the central point of contact for logistical coordination of all departmental resources, provides industry and agency coordination on environmental issues affecting agriculture, and provides centralized communications to our agricultural industry, including Agricultural Commissioners and the statewide fairgrounds.

This program also partially reimburses counties for carrying out agricultural programs authorized by the Food and Agricultural Code under the supervision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.