AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER - K. OVERSTREET

Request approval for Agricultural Commissioner to travel out of state to Washington, D.C. from March 3, 2019 through March 8, 2019, to attend the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) annual delegation.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 1.1

Each year, CACASA selects members to participate in the California delegation that meets with legislators and department secretaries in Washington, D.C. to advocate for state, regional and local agricultural and weights and measures issues. Currently, the San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner serves as the Chair of the CACASA Legislative Committee.  The presence of CACASA in Washington, D.C. has proven beneficial to the state and counties, including San Benito.  As competition for available funding resources increases, showing a presence with name recognition will be beneficial to local and state agricultural and weights and measures interests.  Recent past delegations have been successful in assuring appropriations continue for early plant pest detection and surveillance programs that protect California against invasive pests.  Delegates also advocate with legislative members on the issues of noxious and invasive weed control on federal lands and with USDA Wildlife Services in efforts to procure additional funding for California.

Airfare and lodging expenses are reimbursable by CACASA.  Funding for meals and local transportation expenses is sufficient in the current budget.

Approve out of state travel to Washington, D.C. from March 3, 2019 through March 8, 2019 for Agricultural Commissioner, Karen Overstreet to attend the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) annual delegation.