SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing 17 vacancies on the Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee.

This committee makes recommendations to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Shipping Point Inspection Program.

The Shipping Point Inspection Program provides third party grading and certification services to the fruit, nut and vegetable industries throughout the state – ensuring that California’s specialty crops meet identified quality standards.

The program supports agricultural producers, packers, shippers and processors by providing a nationally and internationally recognized grading and certification service.

The committee makes recommendations to the Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Department’s Shipping Point Inspection program.

The committee, with the exception of the public member, is composed of shippers of fruit and vegetables using the inspection certification services of the CDFA.

The public member must be a resident of the state of California and not a producer, shipper, or processor nor be financially interested in any producer, shipper or processor.

Alternate members are appointed for each member and serve only in the absence of the designated member.

Seven appointments will be members, one appointment will be a public member, and nine appointments will be alternate members.

Terms will commence Jan. 1, 2018, and the term of office for a committee member is three years.

Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete a prospective member appointment questionnaire, and attain a letter of recommendation from industry.

Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Applications should be sent to Thomas Osborn, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information on the Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee and vacancies, please contact Kevin Batchelor at 559-595-8000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..