NAME: Kimber Collins-Florian
YEARS AT CDFA: Almost 9 years
PROGRAM: Fertilizing Materials Inspection Organic Input Material Program
TITLE: Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist
USUAL DAILY ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB? Our program registers Organic Input Material (OIM) labels. OIMs are fertilizing materials suitable for organic crop and food production. During the review process, I confirm that a label is compliant with California fertilizing laws and regulations and that the product meets U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (NOP) standards. I look in detail at the manufacturing processes for each ingredient in the product and the final product. I am also the point person for questions regarding registering biochar as a fertilizing material.
HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY? Organic crop and food production is a very important industry in California, and OIMs are essential components of this. When organic growers or organic certifiers use a fertilizing material registered as an OIM with our program, they can trust that it meets NOP standards and is suitable for organic crop and food production.
THOUGHTS OF WORKING AT INSPECTION SERVICES? Working at Inspection Services is both interesting and rewarding. Each year our program reviews thousands of OIM applications from California and around the world. This requires me to constantly learn about new products, processes and crop production, including the challenges and tools available to assist growers in the production of all the important crops grown in California.
PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE? Change your perspective to change your life, and practice gratitude daily.
SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOU? I am someone who is happiest experiencing life in nature. I hike, backpack, bike on the American River Bike trail and play on my paddle board whenever I can. If I’m indoors, I enjoy yoga. I also love traveling with my husband and spending time with my fur-kids (currently two senior cats), but I really miss my backyard chickens.