Services and Programs

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Agricultural Commodity Grading Program

  1. Grading using federal standards
    Through a cooperative relationship between the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture, CASS staff are able to evaluate the quality and condition of agricultural commodities at the point of production, packing, storage, shipping or receiving within California using federal grading standards. This is a voluntary and user supported service.
    The grading process measures the quality and condition of a commodity against a commonly recognized standard. Because federal grade standards are used, grading and certification communicates information about the product accepted nationally and internationally.
  2. Grading using county, State or industry standards
    County, State or industry standards may be used in the grading process. By providing an impartial third-party evaluation, a commodity can be certified as meeting the requirements of a county ordinance, State minimum standards, or to establish a fair price for the product between buyer and seller based upon predetermined criteria. Users of this service are charged a contract rate based upon an hourly, package or tonnage fee.
  3. Offices are strategically located throughout California
    CASS has staff located in Chico, Lodi, Ceres, Kerman, Dinuba, Shafter, Oxnard, Riverside and San Diego on a year around basis. CASS operates seasonal offices in Ukiah, Salinas, Coachella and Brawley.

Emergency Pest Detection Trapping and Survey Program

  1. Plant Pest Detection and Delimitation Trapping
    CASS is able to provide staff to carry out routine or emergency exotic plant pest (insect or plant) disease detection and delimitation trapping or surveillance activities in support of federal, State or county projects. Staff work in a field setting and follow a prescribed set of procedures to place and check insect traps. Any suspect target plant pest samples found in the traps are collected and submitted for analysis performed by our partner agency's scientific staff.
  2. Staff work throughout California
    Wherever a plant pest is detected in California that triggers a quarantine action and eradication effort, CASS is available to provide program support. CASS staff are currently working in a number of southern, coastal, and central California Counties on a variety of projects.

 

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