By Karen Ross, CDFA Secretary
“Thanks for everything you do.”
I’ve said those words to my CDFA colleagues and coworkers so many times over the past 16 years, in meeting rooms and at Ag Day and at holiday parties, in personal conversations and public venues. And I’ve meant it every single time.
Public Service Recognition Week is May 3-9. To our CDFA employees, I say once more, “Thank You. We see what you do for California agriculture every day, and we appreciate it.”
CDFA doesn’t quite fit the mold when you think of a government agency or an office-hours kind of organization. It’s a dynamic and vibrant place to work, full of expertise and creativity and commitment and experience. We have gained a reputation as a workplace that openly welcomes expertise in all forms and benefits from the diversity of our people. Your education, experience and technical expertise are the foundation that makes us all better.
CDFA employee are located throughout the state of California where agricultural production, packaging and processing occur every day of the year but also in remote rural areas where Border Protection Stations are located and throughout urban areas in farmers’ markets, schools and where many pest prevention and exclusion activities occur and verification of scales and measuring devices ensure accuracy for consumer protection and fair business practices. I am always inspired by my conversations with CDFA staff who talk with passion about the sense of mission to protect the ability of California to have a secure, safe, and healthy food and fiber production system so important to our Nation and the world.
This year, I want to also include my appreciation for the workers at the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers offices around our state, who are truly our partners in carrying out inspections, enforcement, outreach and so many other aspects of this work. Your local knowledge and expertise is part of the “secret sauce” that makes California agriculture taste so good and work so well.
I’m proud to work alongside you, and I’m thankful for all of the lessons and laughter and friendship along the way.