[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF CALIFORNIA'S COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California's County 
Agricultural Commissioners. Agriculture is California's No. 1 industry. 
In 2004 the fertile soils of California supported over 350 different 
crops, which were valued at over $37.5 billion and shipped throughout 
the United States and foreign countries. Weather, water and good 
farmers are some of the major factors contributing to California's 
bountiful crops. One other prime factor in California's agricultural 
success has been the presence of California Agricultural Commissioners.
  California County Agricultural Commissioners will celebrate their 
first 125 years during their annual convention in May 2006, in San Luis 
Obispo, CA. No other State in the United States has the Agricultural 
Commissioners system, which has been in existence in California since 
1881. It is fitting that the California Agricultural Commissioners be 
recognized and honored for their contributions to the well being of 
California and to our Nation.
  As prescribed by State Law, the County Agricultural Commissioner is 
responsible for the local administration of State wide enforcement 
programs that promote and protect the agricultural industry of the 
State. In addition this commission is dedicated to protecting public 
health, safety and welfare. In fulfilling this responsibility, the 
primary objective of the County Agricultural Commissioner is to 
maintain a viable system of production and delivery of an abundant 
supply of wholesome food and fiber to domestic and export consumers. 
Each agricultural commissioner adheres to the following policies in 
order to maintain the integrity of the County Agricultural 
Commissioner's Office.
  The first and foremost policy is to ensure the protection of 
California's agricultural resources and the environment in manner that 
will result in the greatest long-term benefit to all. One of the 
primary ways the commission protects agricultural resources, the 
environment and public health is by supporting beneficial legislation 
as well as preserving local determination. The Commissioner seeks to 
insure that all interagency and joint policies provide adequate 
flexibility to accommodate local concerns and resources.
  The County Agricultural Commissioner recognizes the need to protect 
the agriculture industry from the introduction and spread of damaging 
pests. Therefore, it encourages and promotes the suppression of pests 
through biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical methods. However, 
the Commissioner has always been cognizant of the effects of harmful 
pesticides and has adamantly enforced all laws and regulations that 
provide for the appropriate, safe and efficient use of pesticides.
  The Commissioner protects both businesses and consumers. The 
consumers are protected from fraud and deception and are assured 
marketing equity among producers and among shippers in the distribution 
of fruits, nuts, vegetables, eggs and honey by the uniform enforcement 
of quality standards. The Commissioner's Office also encourages the 
development of alternate disposal methods for substandard commodities 
to prevent waste.
  The Agricultural Commissioners are today enforcing legislation of the 
basic quarantine sections that have stood for over 115 years. It has 
been the enforcement of these quarantine laws that has helped to keep 
California agriculture free from biological pollution caused by 
invasive insect and plant diseases found in other parts of the world.
  The work of the Agricultural Commissioners is to be commended as 
their presence, dedication, knowledge, professionalism and hard work, 
has insured an adequate food supply for millions of people and a 
healthy economy for the State of California. Our Nation's residents as 
well as citizens of other nations are the beneficiaries of an amazing 
supply of agricultural products grown throughout the year in 
California. California, her farmers and Agricultural Commissioners can 
be proud of the first 125 years of service.

                          ____________________