The Agricultural Division
The Agricultural Division acts under the jurisdiction and direction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), and works in cooperation with various federal, state, regional and local agencies. The Agricultural Commissioner enforces the laws and regulations of the California Food and Agriculture Code and the California Code of Regulations while serving at the discretion of the County Board of Supervisors and CDFA Secretary of Agriculture. Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s office employs a staff of twenty-three and has its main office in Santa Rosa with satellite offices in Sonoma and Petaluma.
Sonoma County Agricultural Loss Survey for 2021 Crop Year
The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office surveys producers when there are significant impacts to agricultural production due to weather. Based on survey results, a disaster can be declared and various assistance programs become available through USDA. Grower participation in these surveys is critical in order to document the conditions necessary for a disaster declaration and to potentially obtain additional assistance resources for Sonoma County farmers and ranchers.
Functions and Activities
The primary goal and purpose of all County Agricultural Commissioners statewide is “To Promote and To Protect” agriculture and to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Agriculture is one of the main industries in Sonoma County and it provides a very significant base to the county's economy. The department accomplishes the promotion and protection of agriculture through educational outreach and enforcement.
