The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces Jenna Leal has been appointed Branch Chief of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services (FFLDRS) Branch of the Division of Inspection Services.
Leal joined CDFA in 2006 as a FFLDRS field inspector in the Central Valley and worked with both the feed and fertilizer industries in one of California’s most productive agriculture regions. She then led FFLDRS’ Commercial Feed Regulatory Program (CFRP) in various capacities, including serving as a program supervisor and specialist, as the program evolved and expanded its legislative authority over the years. In 2018, Leal began serving as the Environmental Program Manager I of FFLDR’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, Livestock Drugs, Safe Animal Feed Education and Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship programs.
Leal graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science and Agriculture Business from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She was a member of the World Champion Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Team and served as an active member of the Future Farmers of America prior to college.
Leal’s leadership and management of several multi-disciplinary, sensitive and complex programs within the Division of Inspection Services has offered her experience in executing high-impact regulatory strategies, including focus on policy and emerging issues, science-based decision making, streamlining program efficiencies, and maintaining open communication and collaboration with CDFA leadership, local, state and federal partners.
Leal is most proud of building and maintaining strong, motivated and effective teams and shares a true passion for agriculture and the work of CDFA.