California Department of Food & Agriculture

The California Department of Food and Agriculture traces its roots back to 1880 when the legislature appointed a seven-member State Board of Viticulture to protect grape vines from phylloxera root rot. Social and technological changes around the turn-of-the-century created the need for additional agricultural protection and consumer assurance. In 1919, the California Legislature created a single department responsible for protecting and promoting agriculture. For more than 90 years, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has fulfilled its mission in a manner that encourages farming, ranching and agribusiness, while protecting consumers and natural resources. Programs are continually being developed to support improved quality assurance, production and on-farm food safety management practices. The department continues to strengthen pest and disease prevention activities and enhance the ability to respond to emergencies that threaten California and impact foreign trade. Among its 2,300 employees statewide are scientists, veterinarians, economists, marketing specialists, laboratory technicians, administrators and communicators. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is located in Sacramento, Calif.