Andrew Smith, the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner!
Our Guest Speaker for April 29, 2021 was Andrew Smith, the County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures (and son of Warren Smith!). Andrew’s topic was “Regulating Agriculture in Sonoma County.” Andrew was born and raised in Sonoma County, attended SRJC and graduated in Agroecology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Andrew learned to love dirt, bugs, and plants from his father! He has worked for the Ag Commissioner’s office since returning from college, spending time in all of the Ag division programs. He became the Ag. Commissioner in 2020.
The roots of the Ag. Commissioner’s history run back to the 1800’s. The Commissioner’s historical responsibilities included ensuring food safety, stopping invasive species, and generally promoting agriculture. In 1919, California established the CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Fifty-six California counties have their own Commissioners, who perform work under statutory mandates and contract. Ag. Commissioners also enforce the Weights & Measures laws.
The Commissioner’s responsibilities include environmental, pest, and consumer protection. These responsibilities require the office to, among other things, enforce pesticide use, run the County’s hazardous materials program, control pests (through pest detection, exclusion, eradication, and management), inspect nurseries and seeds, ensure compliance with minimum standards regarding quality and marketing of produce, and inspect egg packagers and retailers. The office also licenses the use of pesticides and runs programs for the detection of pests, including the use of traps to help identify pests.
The Weights & Measures Division works to preserve and maintain confidence in the accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments, product standard, and business practices. The Division monitors, enforces and licenses Weighmasters and inspects all sorts of measuring and weighing devices. Other Ag. Commissioner programs include erosion and sediment control, the Hemp program, and water use efficiency through supervising groundwater recharge and management.
Thank you, Andrew, for explaining the amazingly complex world of the Agriculture Commissioner’s duties and responsibilities. You made it all sound so simple and straightforward!
You may view Andrew's presentation by clicking HERE. It will be available for the next week or so.
