What is a agriculture inspection?

Agricultural inspectors keep agricultural practices in check by making sure they follow state and federal regulations for food safety and public health. They inspect the amount of fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides used in plantations or farms and compare it with what is allowed by authorities.

What do agricultural inspectors do?

Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.

Why does California have agricultural inspections?

To reduce the number of pest introductions and subsequent infestations, California maintains a pest prevention system. A major part of this system is pest exclusion—inspecting commodities as they enter to prevent introductions.

What is an agricultural inspection stop?

For those of you that have never RVed through the agricultural portions of The Golden State, California Border Protection Stations (aka inspection stations) are checkpoints located on popular routes entering California where state inspectors check vehicles with the hopes of stopping the spread of invasive species that …

Where does an agricultural inspector work?

Inspectors work in production facilities, labs and offices, out in the field at logging operations and fish farms, and may even testify about a case in court. The majority of agricultural inspectors work 40 hours or more per week. Agricultural inspectors typically need a bachelor’s degree.

What is a produce inspector?

A produce inspector is responsible for physically inspecting fresh produce during the growth and harvest process. Produce inspectors will also grade the product in accordance to the USDA guidelines.

Are California agricultural checkpoints legal?

While there aren’t any inspection stations leaving California, all states do have plant quarantine regulations that must be complied with to prevent the spread of exotic pests.

Why does California ask if you have fruit?

California is an agricultural state. It cannot afford to allow fruit in from another state or country due to the possibility that some pest may get in. If you drive into California, you will be asked if you have any fruit and if you do, what kind.

Why do you have to stop when entering California?

It’s a California agricultural inspection checkpoint. You can read an FAQ about who they are and what they’re doing: WHAT ARE YOUR INSPECTORS LOOKING FOR? Our inspectors check vehicles and commodities for compliance with California and federal plant quarantine regulations.

Do I have to stop at California agricultural inspection station?

Everyone must stop and cannot “willfully avoid an inspection station” by routing around it. So, if you are stopped by the inspector so they can ask “Do you have any fruits or vegetables in your vehicle?” you have to stop.

What fruit is not allowed in California?

Apples and apricots are, by and large, banned from mid-Western and Eastern states, while bananas and beets from all states are welcome. Your broccoli, carrots, and cantaloupe will be fine, but don’t even think about bringing in citrus; walnuts, hickory nuts, or pecans; and butternut squash.

Can you take oranges out of California?

For example, citrus fruits are especially vulnerable to disease, which is why the United States Department of Agriculture has urged Americans to not move citrus trees or fruits off their property. California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida all have problems with …

Can you bring food to California?

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Is there a checkpoint entering California?

Location. There are currently eight checkpoint locations in the state of California. These include: … Highway 78/86 – positioned just south of the intersection of California State Routes 78 and 86, just west of the Salton Sea, and controlling northbound traffic only.

How can I bring my plants to California?

To be eligible for entry into California, house plants should have been grown in an indoor setting only, such as in a home or enclosed greenhouse, and planted in sterile, packaged, commercial potting mix.

Can I bring houseplants into California?

Yes, California’s border inspection officers may reject and confiscate any such plant material. House plants must be free of surface pests and appear healthy with no visible signs of disease. Q. … The plants should be stored near the van doors to facilitate ease of inspection at the California border station.

Can I bring bananas on a plane?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows both whole and sliced bananas to pass through airport security. Whole, unpeeled bananas don’t require any additional wrapping. If you’re taking sliced bananas, you’ll need to wrap them up or place them in a resealable bag or container with a secure-fitting lid.

What is the California Bacon law?

WHAT ABOUT THE BACON? The sausage-making stems from a 2018 ballot measure where California voters set the nation’s toughest living space standards for breeding pigs starting Jan. … The minimum for businesses with 25 or fewer employees bumps to $14 with the new year and will increase to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2023.

Can you bring seeds to California?

Declare any plant matter at the border of California or face the consequences. That’s because “plants for planting” may harbor pests that can wreak havoc on ecosystems, and they are, in polite language, unwelcome. …

Can I bring mangoes from Hawaii to California?

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the entry of many agricultural products from Hawaii into the U.S. mainland, including most fresh fruits and vegetables and certain types of plants and flowers.