SECRETARY KAWAMURA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON THE STANDARDIZATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SACRAMENTO – July 3, 2006 - California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura has announced ten member vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee. The committee makes recommendations to the secretary on all matters pertaining to the standardization program, the annual budget and the necessary fees to provide adequate inspection services.

The department’s standardization program works to ensure that California’s fresh fruit and vegetables meet the quality standards that consumers expect. Quality in the sense that products are mature and the minimum sugar levels in fruit for sweetness are met, which provides assurance to consumers that they are getting what they pay for. Funded by the agricultural industry and implemented by the department, the standardization program maintains California’s high quality standards.

Appointments will be for four fresh fruit representatives, four fresh vegetable representatives, one county agricultural representative and one alternate county agricultural representative. The committee is to be composed of individuals who have a financial interest, either personal or through their employment, in a represented commodity. The term of office for committee members is two years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement of necessary traveling expenses. 

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment as a member or alternate of the committee should send a letter of consideration and a letter of recommendation from the industry. Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled. Nominations can be mailed to the Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. For additional information, please contact Kevin Masuhara at (916) 445-2180, extension 2514 or email Kmasuhara@cdfa.ca.gov.

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