The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC) welcomes two new members and one reappointment for 2026.
The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water for CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP). TASC members assist in setting project priorities for FREP’s grant program, review and recommend research and outreach proposals to the FIAB for funding, and make recommendations regarding FREP activities.
Gina Colfer, new TASC member
Gina Colfer is a licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) who has worked in the Salinas Valley for over 30 years. She is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science. She got her start in the field of pest management as a PCA on the Central Coast, first working at service companies, then as an in-house agronomist for a large organic leafy greens operation. When taking on her role at Wilbur Ellis, Gina helped to develop their organic program and is now focused on sustainable solutions and what that means for Wilbur Ellis and their grower partners.
Devin Clarke, new TASC member
Devin Clarke is a graduate of California State University, Chico, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He holds both PCA and CCA licenses and is a current committee member on the Almond Board Strategic Ag Innovation Committee. Devin previously worked as a crop consultant for Stanislaus Farm Supply and as a Permanent Crop Manager overseeing Yara’s Incubator Farm. He is currently the co-founder of Unbound Ag LLC.
Mike Almasri, reappointed TASC member
Mike Almasri has a Ph.D. in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of California, Davis, and over 10 years of research experience in plant nutrition and soil water relations. He is currently a Senior Agronomist for Simplot Grower Solutions and has experience working in a variety of cropping systems across California. Mike also holds a CCA, PCA and Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) license.