CDFA Nursery Inspection Program FY 26/27

Tulare County is entering into an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to fund the Nursery Inspection Program for fiscal year 2026/2027. The program is managed by the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner's Office and is designed to prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests through nursery stock. This initiative protects the local agricultural industry and consumers from economic losses associated with the sale of inferior, defective, or pest-infested stock. The scope of work includes regulatory inspections, sampling, the issuance of hold notices, and follow-up inspections. The program also involves implementing sanitation procedures and pest prevention management, as well as the mitigation or remediation of infested nursery stock when necessary. All activities must adhere to CDFA protocols, management practices, and the CDFA Statewide Plant Pest Prevention and Management Program Final Program Environmental Impact Report. The project is performed countywide within Tulare County and has been determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA under Sections 15307 and 15308. Key administrative personnel include Christopher P. Greer as the Project Planner and Reed Schenke as the Environmental Assessment Officer.