SECRETARY KAWAMURA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON THE CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE FERTILIZER INSPECTION ADVISORY BOARD

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary A.G. Kawamura is announcing vacancies on the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee and the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. The committee and board make recommendations to the Secretary on all matters pertaining to the program overseen.

The California Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee oversees the department’s Certified Farmers’ Market Program, which allows small farmers to market and sell their products directly to local communities. Through certified farmers’ markets, consumers can purchase and enjoy nutritious California agricultural products direct from the producer. There are approximately 520 certified farmers’ markets and over 2,900 certified producers. Three member vacancies and nine alternate member vacancies are available on the committee.

The Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board oversees the department’s Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, which works to ensure that consumers receive fertilizing materials that are safe and effective and meet the quality guaranteed by the manufacturer. Program inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conduct routine sampling and inspections; respond to consumer complaints; and enforce the laws and regulations that govern the manufacturing and distribution of fertilizing materials. Six member vacancies are available on the advisory board.

The term of office for the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee is two years and for the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board it is three years. Applicants for the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board should hold a current California Fertilizing Materials License or be a representative of a licensed firm. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment to the advisory committee or advisory board should send a brief resume to the appropriate program listed below by August 1, 2008:

Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee 
Dr. Amadou Ba, Phone: (916) 445-2180   
aba@cdfa.ca.gov     

Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board
Dr. Asif Maan, Phone: (916) 445-0444
amaan@cdfa.ca.gov

For further information regarding these programs, contact CDFA’s Inspection Services Division at (916) 445-0029.

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