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Consumer Protection - Agricultural Programs

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Ensuring equity in the marketplace and fair business competition to foster consumer confidence     Produce Market Inspection The Golden Gate Produce Terminal in South San Francisco is the largest wholesale produce distribution center in Northern California. Fruits and vegetables are inspected daily at the market to protect consumers from substandard quality, deceptive packaging and mislabeled containers. Product at retail stores is checked on a complaint basis for quality and labeling requirements.   Golden Gate Produce Terminal South San Francisco   A typical market day in San Mateo County Certified Farmers' Markets San Mateo County currently has 13 Certified Farmers' Markets where local growers can sell their fresh produce and flowers directly to county residents. The Department certifies each market and performs periodic inspections to ensure compliance with State regulations. Producer Certificates are issued to growers, verifying that they produce the agricultural commodities sold at the markets.    Organic Program All San Mateo County producers and handlers of organic produce are required to register with the State as outlined in the California Organic Products Act of 2003. The Department audits growers, distributors, and retailers to verify "organic" labeling on fresh agricultural products.   Nursery Inspection Wholesale nurseries are inspected annually to check for the presence of insect pests and plant diseases. Regular inspections allow businesses to ship nursery stock to other counties and states. Retail nurseries are inspected on a complaint basis for pest cleanliness and proper labeling. Hydrangeas at a coastside wholesale nursery Agricultural Crop Report The Department compiles crop statistics and publishes an annual San Mateo County Agricultural Crop Report  for use by government agencies, the agricultural industry and other interested parties. San Mateo County is one of California's leading producers of ornamental nursery crops, including cut flowers. Other major crops include Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, leeks, peas, pumpkins and artichokes. The annual Crop Report is available on the Department website.       Back to Top