Spring is a busy time of year for Sacramento County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures, a small department of 26 full-time employees, 18-20 seasonal AgAides, and one K-9, working behind the scenes to keep the county safe in many ways. SCERS asked Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Kevin Martyn to tell us more about the important work of this department.

Describe some of what your department is responsible for.

Our pest exclusion and pest detection programs prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests. Our direct marketing program regulates certified producers, farmers’ markets, and organic growers to verify compliance. We inspect all commercial nurseries in the county to ensure cleanliness. Our Pesticide Use Enforcement program ensures that pesticides are being used safely. We assist with apiary registrations and regulation enforcement. To ensure equity in the marketplace, we inspect commercial scales, gas and propane dispensers, and water, electric and vapor sub-meters to confirm accuracy. We also inspect stores to ensure customers receive the advertised price.

Describe how your department is involved with farmers’ markets.

Our agricultural inspectors play a crucial role in enforcing direct marketing laws and regulations. They
conduct property inspections and issue certified producer certificates, ensuring that market vendors are growing the items listed on their certificates. They also register Certified Farmers’ Markets and perform market inspections to verify producer and operator compliance.

 

What is the difference between pest exclusion and pest detection?

Pest exclusion is our first line of defense at preventing the introduction of invasive pests and diseases. We inspect agricultural material coming into Sacramento County at parcel facilities such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, USPS, and other high-risk locations to verify that the shipments are pest-free and meet California’s requirements for entry.

Pest detection is our second line of defense. Insect traps are placed and maintained throughout the county to detect invasive pests. Once detected, we coordinate with the CA Department of Food & Agriculture to place additional traps to prevent the spread and eradicate the pest.

Which insects are doing the most damage, and how did they get here?

Over the last five years, our inspectors have intercepted over 80 invasive pests of known economic
importance each year, and three have been of the most concern. Japanese Beetles were first discovered in New Jersey in 1916 and are now a serious pest in over 35 states. They are often introduced into the
state from incoming air cargo shipments.

The Oriental Fruit Fly is widespread throughout southern Asia and in Africa. It was first found in Hawaii in the mid-1940s. Detections throughout California have increased over the past decade as international passenger air travel has increased.

Glassy-winged Sharpshooters were first reported in California in 1994 and now infest 11 Southern and Central counties. They spread primarily from movement of infested plant material.

Tell us about your K-9 helper.

Kernul, our highly trained detector dog, works at parcel facilities detecting soil, produce, and pests. Kernul is a chocolate lab owned by the USDA and handled by Sacramento County Sr. Agricultural & Standards Inspector (K-9) Michelle King. Kernul is 9 years old and will be retiring this year and adopted by Ms. King. Unfortunately,
due to the reallocation of state funds, our department will not be able to replace Kernul at this time.

What makes your department a great place to work?

Our work is a dynamic blend of agriculture, science, and public service that keeps things interesting and meaningful. Our team is made up of passionate professionals who genuinely care about protecting Sacramento County’s agriculture, environment, and consumers. Whether we’re stopping invasive pests in their tracks, ensuring farmers markets stay honest, or making sure customers aren’t overcharged at the pump, every day brings a new challenge.

We get to work with cutting-edge pest detection techniques, visit farms, inspect nurseries, and even certify agricultural exports heading around the world. Our work directly impacts the food people eat, the plants they grow, and the fairness of everyday transactions.

We’re a tight-knit, supportive team. Job stability, a pension, and the satisfaction of making a difference is hard to beat. It’s reassuring to know that after a rewarding career with the county, staff can have financial stability in retirement.

Visit Sacramento County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures here.

For a list of Certified Farmers’ Market locations, visit their Direct Marketing page.