Mission Statement
To serve the public's interest by ensuring equity in the marketplace, promoting and protecting agriculture, assuring environmental quality, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Santa Cruz County's citizens.
Department Overview
The Agricultural Commissioner department plays a critical role in promoting and protecting the county's agricultural sector while ensuring that consumers are protected, and the environment remains clean and healthy. The Agricultural Commissioner comprises three divisions: the County Agricultural Commissioner, Weights & Measures, and Vector Control. The County Agricultural Commissioner enforces the provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code to promote and protect the production, sale, and distribution of food, feed, and horticultural crops. Weights & Measures ensures equity in the marketplace through regulations to protect consumers from fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. Vector Control provides public health pest protection through mosquito surveillance and control. The division follows Integrated Pest Management practices, including education, biological control, source reduction, and the use of least-toxic pesticide interventions for minimal impact on people, wildlife, and the environment.