About the Department

The Agricultural Commissioner is mandated to promote and protect agriculture, the environment, and public welfare through enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The department is organized into three distinct divisions: Agricultural Commissioner, Sealer of Weights and Measures, and Fish and Wildlife Commission. The Agricultural Commissioner also participates on the County Planning Review Advisory and Environmental Review Committees.

The Agricultural Commissioner Division

is charged with environmental protection and worker health and safety which are accomplished through enforcing pesticide laws and regulations and agricultural hazardous materials programs. A primary responsibility of the division is the prevention of the establishment of exotic pests detrimental to agriculture and the environment through exclusion, detection and eradication programs. Consumers are protected through inspection of agricultural commodities, growing sites and farm markets. The Agricultural Commissioner is mandated to compile an annual crop report which includes pest issues to the California Secretary of Agriculture and the Board of Supervisors for public information. Protection of waterways from sediment and erosion in the county is accomplished through enforcement of the County Grading, Drainage, and Vineyard and Orchard Site Development Ordinance.

The Weights and Measures Division

protects consumers and prevents unfair business practices for a wide range of devices and business practices. Commercially used weighing and measuring devices are tested for their accuracy. Quantities of packaged products are routinely verified against their label statement. Fuels and other petroleum products are tested for quality and octane specifications. Sales of bulk commodities are monitored for proper documentation. The division also administers the Weights and Measures Transaction Verification Fund, which is used to fund test purchases and equipment used in the program.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission)

is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission is responsible for funding grants from monies derived from fines and restitution for violations under the California Fish and Game Code the purpose of which is the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife and their habitat in Sonoma County. The Commission also administers the Abalone Fund, which primarily serves to fund grants to enhance the abalone population on the North Coast. The Agricultural Commissioner provides staff support to the Commission.

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