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Apply by April 10 to fill vacancy on Feed Inspection Advisory Board

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces one vacancy on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB). This board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to CDFA to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk, meat and eggs. 

There is one board position available. The term of office for board members is up to three years. This vacancy will fill an unfinished board term of service until April 30, 2025. Board members do not receive compensation, but they are entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources. Board member applicants must hold a current California Commercial Feed License. 

Individuals interested in a board appointment must submit a resume and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ). The PMAQ is available on the CDFA website at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/PMAQ_Feed_IAB.pdf. Both the resume and PMAQ are due by April 10, 2023.  

Send resume and PMAQ via email to Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to:  

CDFA
Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Service Branch
Attn: Brittnie Williams
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

For further information, please contact Brittnie Williams at (916) 862-4014 or Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Staff Spotlight: Valerie White helps ensure CA livestock industry is getting safe and nutritional feed

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

NAME: Valerie White

YEARS AT CDFA: 5

PROGRAM: Commercial Feed Regulatory Program

TITLE: Environmental Scientist, Feed Lab Coordinator

USUAL ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB: My job consists of being the middle woman for all of our livestock feed samples that are taken by our field inspectors and sent to our lab for testing. I ensure that all the information provided to our lab is accurate, results we receive from the lab are entered, and issue lab reports to all the firms and purchasers associated with each sample.

HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY: I work for the California food supply by providing data to show that the livestock industry is getting safe and nutritional feed for its animals. The feed that we sample and regulate is for the livestock in California that provides us with milk, meat and eggs, so it is important that these animals get proper nutrition to be able to provide us with quality food.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? There are a few things I love about my job. One is that I get to help the agricultural industry all while learning new things about it every day. I grew up in an area that wasn’t huge on agriculture, so it is fascinating to see all the components that go into providing food for Californians. Another thing I enjoy and I think is the top one is the team that I get to work with. We are a team that works well together, gets along and communicates well.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE? My philosophy has always been you get what you give. If you are positive every day, positivity will come your way.

This staff spotlight first ran in CDFA’s Winter 2023 Quarterly Feed Update newsletter. Click here to view the newsletter. The Commercial Feed Regulatory Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Regulatory Services Branch of CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services.

Posted in CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Inspection Services Division annual report highlights accomplishments of 2022

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces the release of its Inspection Services Division Annual Report 2022.

The annual report offers an overview of Inspection Services Division’s (ISD) programs, boards and committees, fiscal year expenditures, mission, vision, goals and strategic direction. Photos, graphics and brief descriptions highlights how each ISD branch throughout the year helped to promote and protect resilient food systems, ensure environmentally sound agricultural practices and build equity for all in California.

Highlights include:

  • Helping Salinas Valley agricultural neighbors join resources for food safety efforts that aim to stay on the cutting edge of innovation
  • Working with stakeholders to develop a California farm to school roadmap that reimagines and advances nutrition opportunities
  • Improving efficiency and customer satisfaction by upgrading Center for Analytical Chemistry processes, technology and equipment

“We have an amazing team of thinkers and innovators whose work I encourage you to explore,” Division Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg states in the report’s opening pages. “As we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future, we make an ongoing commitment to do right by one another and to do right by the future generations to come.”

Click here to view the CDFA Division of Inspection Services Annual Report 2022 (FY 2021-22).

Posted in California Avocado Inspection Committee, California Nutrition Incentive Program, California Organic Products Advisory Committee, CDFA Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Program, CDFA Avocado Inspection Program, CDFA California Citrus Program, CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Direct Marketing Program, CDFA Environmental Safety Laboratory, CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, CDFA Food Recovery, CDFA Food Safety Laboratory, CDFA Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Inspection Services: Did You Know?, CDFA Livestock Drug Program, CDFA OCal Cannabis Certification Program, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork, CDFA Organic Input Material Program, CDFA Organic Input Material Program, CDFA Produce Safety Program, CDFA Quality Assurance Program, CDFA Regulatory Analysis Laboratory, CDFA Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE), CDFA Shipping Point Inspection Program, CDFA Standardization Advisory Committee, CDFA Standardization Program, CDFA Technical Assistance Program, CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program, Certified Farmers Market, Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee, Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee, Inspection Services Division Administration Unit | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Apply now for active handler of avocados vacancy on Avocado Inspection Committee

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing a vacancy on the Avocado Inspection Committee (AIC).

The AIC advises the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the California Avocado Inspection Program. This program protects the consumer and industry by providing uniform inspections of avocados, ensuring that the product meets size requirements, contains minimal defects and has an appropriate package count. The program also ensures that avocados purchased by consumers have met standards established by the industry to provide a quality product in the marketplace.

There is one active handler of avocados vacancy. The term of office for committee members is two years. While members do not receive compensation, they are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/pdfs/CAIC-PMAQ.pdf, and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applications should be sent to Sarah Cardoni, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via email to Sarah.Cardoni@cdfa.ca.gov.

For further information on the AIC and vacancies, please contact Sam Santander at (760) 743-4712 or Samuel.Santander@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in California Avocado Inspection Committee, CDFA Avocado Inspection Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA announces vacancies on California Organic Products Advisory Committee

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC).

COPAC advises the CDFA Secretary on matters pertaining to the California State Organic Program (SOP). The SOP is responsible for enforcement of federal and state laws governing organic production, as well as administration of the organic program in the state. There are currently more than 4,700 organic operations registered with CDFA.

Current COPAC vacancies include producer representative; wholesale distributor representative; processor representative; environmental representative; technical representative; consumer representative; producer representative alternate; wholesale distributor representative alternate; processor representative alternate; retail representative alternate; environmental representative alternate; technical representative alternate; consumer representative alternate; and accredited certifier representative alternate. 

The term of office for committee members is three years. While members do not receive compensation, they are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/organicprogram/pdfs/copac/COPAC-PMAQ.pdf and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. 

Applications should be sent to Sarah Cardoni, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via email to Sarah.Cardoni@cdfa.ca.gov.

For further information on the California State Organic Program and COPAC vacancies, contact Danny Lee at Danny.Lee@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in California Organic Products Advisory Committee, CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

FREP blog welcomes new FIAB Technical Advisory Subcommittee members

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
New FIAB TASC members include Charlotte Decock (left) and Mike Almasri.

The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) blog welcomes two new members of the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC).

TASC members advise on FREP activities and assist with the FREP Grant Program through helping set project priorities and reviewing grant applications to recommend to the FIAB which research and outreach proposals should receive funding.

FIAB TASC’s new members include Charlotte Decock, Ph.D., and Mike Almasri, Ph.D. Click here to read the FREP blog and learn more about them!

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch of the Inspection Services Division.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Inspection Services Division, Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee | Leave a comment

CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program helps ensure quality and compliance

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

Did you know that CDFA’s Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program (FMIP) conducts routine inspections to ensure fertilizing materials meet the quantity and quality guaranteed by the manufacturer?

For example, in the accompanying photo a CDFA inspector is taking a sample of commercial fertilizer at the manufacturing firm’s location just before the material is delivered to a grower. The sample is then sent to the CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry for lab analysis. If there are violations, such as if the composition falls below or differs from what is purported on the product label, FMIP will follow up by taking another sample or move toward administrative enforcement action, depending on the seriousness of the violation and the firm’s history.

In addition, the grower who purchased the material will receive a copy of the lab analysis. By receiving a copy of the lab analysis, growers gain confidence that the material they are purchasing meets its guarantees.

The inspection program demonstrates to growers and consumers that FMIP field staff are working on their behalf by protecting them from purchasing non-compliant products.

The Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch of CDFA’s Inspection Services Division.

Click here to view this post on CDFA’s Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CA Farm to School Network newsletter offers tips, resources and connections to F2S community

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

Click here to view the newsletter.

The California Farm to School Network includes farm to school practitioners and enthusiasts statewide. Visit the CDFA Farm to School Program webpage to subscribe to these monthly updates that include information about grants, resources, research, webinars, events and news from the National Farm to School Network. The California Farm to School Program is part of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) in the Division of Inspection Services.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Apply now to fill vacancies on Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee (CFMAC). 

The CFMAC advises the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Direct Marketing Program, including legislation, regulations, enforcement, and administrative policies and procedures pertaining to the direct marketing of California-grown agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFMs). California currently has more than 2,700 certified agricultural producers participating in approximately 650 CFMs within the state. 

Current CFMAC vacancies include producer or representative of agricultural organization that represents producers; alternate producer or organization that represents producers; alternate CFM operator or representative of operator; and county agricultural commissioner alternate.

The term of office for committee members is two years. While members do not receive compensation, they are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/pdfs/CFM-PMAQ.pdf and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. 

Applications should be sent to Sarah Cardoni, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or via email to Sarah.Cardoni@cdfa.ca.gov.

For further information regarding the Direct Marketing Program and CFMAC vacancies, please contact Jennifer Leidolf at Jennifer.Leidolf@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA press release.

Posted in CDFA Direct Marketing Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, Certified Farmers Market, Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Learn about CDFA programs, opportunities at World Ag Expo

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) invites you to visit our World Ag Expo booth, Corteva Building, spaces 3514 and 3515, today through Thursday to learn about CDFA programs, grants and employment opportunities. CDFA staff is on hand to answer questions about produce inspections, climate smart agriculture and more!
Posted in CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork, CDFA Produce Safety Program, CDFA Shipping Point Inspection Program, CDFA Standardization Program, CDFA Technical Assistance Program | Tagged | Leave a comment