California Ag Network

Tag: Jobs

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy on the Nursery Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 26, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing one mid-term vacancy on the Nursery Advisory Board.  The Board is composed of twelve voting members, each representing an establishment with a valid California License to Sell Nursery Stock.  No two members shall represent the same organization.  Members will represent a wide spectrum of the nursery industry, and the Board will be geographically representative of the nursery industry in California.

    The term of office for Board Members is four years. This position is a mid-term appointment and the term ends on January 31, 2021. Members typically meet twice per year but can meet more frequently if needed.  The members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

    In addition, the Board includes eight non-voting ex officio members from the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association, the University of California, and groups affiliated with the nursery industry.

    The mission of the Nursery Advisory Board is to grow and maintain a strong relationship between CDFA and the nursery industry in order to secure the industry’s future.  The Board facilitates communication between state and federal regulators and the nursery industry, and it advises CDFA’s Nursery Services Program on policies, fees, and other issues concerning nurseries and nursery stock.

    Individuals interested in being considered for this Board appointment should send a brief résumé to Erin Lovig, Board Manager, by April 30, 2018 at:

    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Pest Exclusion Branch
    1220 N Street, Room 344
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Attention: Erin Lovig

    For additional information, you may contact the Nursery Services Program at (916) 654-0435.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Avocado Inspection Advisory Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 8, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing two vacancies on the Avocado Inspection Advisory Committee (AIC). This committee makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the California Avocado Inspection Program.

    This program ensures that avocados purchased by consumers have met standards established by the industry to provide a quality product in the marketplace. The California Avocado Inspection Program protects consumers and growers by providing uniform inspections of avocados, ensuring that the product meets size requirements and contains minimal defects.

    The AIC vacancies are for active handlers of avocados. The term of office is up to two years. Members receive no compensation, but 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 a Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire, available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/pdfs/CAIC-PMAQ.pdf, and attain a letter of recommendation from industry. Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled. Applications should be sent to Thomas Osborn, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via e-mail to thomas.osborn@cdfa.ca.gov.

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

  • California Department of Food and Agriculture Announces Vacancy on Nursery Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 2, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing two, mid-term vacancies on the Nursery Advisory Board.  The Board is composed of twelve voting members, each representing an establishment with a valid California License to Sell Nursery Stock.  No two members shall represent the same organization.  Members will represent a wide spectrum of the nursery industry, and the Board will be geographically representative of the nursery industry in California.

    The term of office for Board Members is four years. These positions are mid-term appointments. Members typically meet twice per year but can meet more frequently if needed.  The members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

    In addition, the Board includes eight non-voting ex officio members from the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association, the University of California, and groups affiliated with the nursery industry.

    The mission of the Nursery Advisory Board is to grow and maintain a strong relationship between CDFA and the nursery industry in order to secure the industry’s future.  The Board facilitates communication between state and federal regulators and the nursery industry, and it advises CDFA’s Nursery Services Program on policies, fees, and other issues concerning nurseries and nursery stock.

    Individuals interested in being considered for this Board appointment should send a brief résumé to Erin Lovig, Board Manager, by February 12, 2018 at:

    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Pest Exclusion Branch
    1220 N Street, Room 344
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Attention: Erin Lovig

    For additional information, you may contact the Nursery Services Program at (916) 654-0435.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Feed Inspection Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 15, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing two vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board.  The board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to the department to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk, meat, and eggs.

    The vacancies are for two commercial feed industry representatives, and applicants must hold a current California Commercial Feed License.  The term of office is three years.  Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Personnel Administration.

    Individuals interested in serving on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board must submit a short resume along with a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire by March 2, 2018

    Send the resume and questionnaire via email to Brittnie.Sabalbro@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to:

    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Service Branch
    Attention: Brittnie Sabalbro
    1220 N Street
    Sacramento, California 95814

    For further information on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board and vacancies, you may contact Brittnie Sabalbro at (916) 900-5022 or Brittnie.Sabalbro@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Standardization Advisory Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 12, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing nine vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee. This committee makes recommendations to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Standardization Program.

    The Standardization Program, through legislation, enforces laws and regulations governing minimum standards for maturity, quality, size, standard container and pack, and container markings. County agricultural commissioners and their staff enforce standards at the local level. Inspections take place in fields and packinghouses, at wholesale markets and retail distribution centers, and retail outlets.

    The Standardization Advisory Committee vacancies are for individuals who have a financial interest in a commodity represented. The term of office is up to two years. Members receive no compensation, but 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 a Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire, and attain a letter of recommendation from industry. Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled. Applications should be sent to Thomas Osborn, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via e-mail to thomas.osborn@cdfa.ca.gov.
    For further information on the Standardization Advisory Committee and vacancies, please contact Stacey Hughes at (559) 977-5416 or Stacey.hughes@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • TCFB Board of Directors Seeks Candidates for the Board

    Tulare, Calif., (December 20, 2017) – May 2018 will bring elections for the Tulare County Farm Bureau board of directors.  There will be terms ending in several of the district seats, and an election of new officers to be announced at the 101st Annual Meeting of the Members on May 1, 2018.

    Interested candidates should contact the office, or the chair of the Nominating Committee, Joe Russell, to discuss their interest in serving.  A brief application and interview are required of those interested in being nominated.  The office can provide you the application.

    The district seats match the Supervisorial Districts in the county (1,2,3,4,5).

    District 2 (Tulare and the southwest corner of the County) will have two vacancies to be filled.

    Other districts may also have vacancies with the rotation of officers or current directors moving into officer seats.

    The board meets up to 10 times per year on the second Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm.  Duties of the board include participation on one or more Farm Bureau committees, volunteering at a special event or taking part in fundraising efforts and membership recruitment efforts.

    Call the office and discuss your interest. To be a candidate for the board you must be a Farm Bureau member in Tulare County, with an agricultural related occupation or income from farming. The director terms are for two years, and may be renewed up to eight years total.

    Interviews with the nominating committee will be held in the next two months.

  • TCFB Board of Directors Seeks Candidates for the Board

    Tulare, Calif., (December 13, 2017) – May 2018 will bring elections for the Tulare County Farm Bureau board of directors.  There will be terms ending in several of the district seats, and an election of new officers to be announced at the 101st Annual Meeting of the Members on May 1, 2018.

    Interested candidates should contact the office, or the chair of the Nominating Committee, Joe Russell, to discuss their interest in serving.  A brief application and interview are required of those interested in being nominated.  The office can provide you the application.

    The district seats match the Supervisorial Districts in the county (1,2,3,4,5).

    District 2 (Tulare and the southwest corner of the County) will have two vacancies to be filled.

    Other districts may also have vacancies with the rotation of officers or current directors moving into officer seats.

    The board meets up to 10 times per year on the second Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm.  Duties of the board include participation on one or more Farm Bureau committees, volunteering at a special event or taking part in fundraising efforts and membership recruitment efforts.

    Call the office and discuss your interest. To be a candidate for the board you must be a Farm Bureau member in Tulare County, with an agricultural related occupation or income from farming. The director terms are for two years, and may be renewed up to eight years total.

    Interviews with the nominating committee will be held in the next two months.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Citrus Pest And Disease Prevention Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (November 2, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing two vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA Secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus specific pest and disease work plan that includes, but is not limited to outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

    Committee member vacancies exist for a grower representative from the Coast, expiring on September 30, 2019 and a nursery representative, expiring on September 30, 2020. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by November 30, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: Victoria Hornbaker.

    For additional information, contact: Victoria Hornbaker, Program Manager at (916) 654-0317, or e-mail (Victoria.hornbaker@cdfa.ca.gov).

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Rendering Industry Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 25, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Branch (MPES) is announcing two vacancies on the Rendering Industry Advisory Board (RIAB). The RIAB makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the MPES Rendering Program, including:

    Adoption, modification, and repeal of regulations and procedures for employment, training, supervision, and compensation of inspectors and other personnel

    • Rate and collection of license fees and penalties
    • Acquisition and use of equipment
    • Posting and noticing changes in bylaws, general procedures, or orders
    • All matters pertaining to Food and Agricultural Code Division 9, Part 3,
      Chapter 5, including, but not limited to, the inspection and enforcement program, its annual budget, necessary fees to provide adequate services, and regulations required to accomplish the purposes of the chapter

    The vacancies are for a public member and an industry member and the term for both is 36 months. Applicants for the public member position should have experience and expertise in water quality, publicly-owned treatment works, and water infrastructure or law enforcement. Applicants for the industry member position must be affiliated with a licensed renderer, collection center, dead animal hauler, or registered transporter of inedible kitchen grease. Members of the board receive no compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for transportation to and from meetings and per diem expenses for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. Applicants interested in being considered for RIAB appointment should send a resume by November 3, 2017 to:

    Laura  Barlow,  Rendering Lead
    Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Branch

    1220 N Street
    Sacramento, California 95814

    Additional information is available at the MPES web page at:
    http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/mpes/index.html. You may also contact Paula Batarseh, Branch Chief, Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety at (916) 900-5004.

  • Technical Review Committee Members Wanted For 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 15, 2017) – California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross is welcoming volunteers with knowledge and expertise regarding California’s specialty crop industry to serve as reviewers on the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Technical Review Committee. This committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding to California’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

    The program is a competitive solicitation process designed to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $300,000 per project and projects may last for up to two years and six months.

    The Technical Review Committee includes representatives from government and non-government organizations. Technical Review Committee members will attend one webinar and one in-person meeting between November 2017 and March 2018 to make recommendations on concept and grant proposals.

    All individuals interested in serving on the Technical Review Committee must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé to grants@cdfa.ca.gov before 5 PM on October 12, 2017. Please reference page two of the application form for requirements and restrictions.

    Within the applicant form, applicants must identify at least one of the following grant funding categories related to their area of expertise:

    • Specialty Crop Access and Nutrition Education
    • Equipping Current and Next Generation Specialty Crop Farmers
    • Environmental Stewardship and Conservation
    • Plant Health and Pest Management

    For a description of each funding category and more details about the program, please reference the 2018 Request for Concept Proposals. The application form and the 2018 Request for Concept Proposals can be found on the program’s website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants. Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at (916) 657-3231 or grants@cdfa.ca.gov for additional information.