DATE: June 10, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Melissa Cregan, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures
SUBJECT: Amendment to Revenue Agreement with California Department of Food and Agriculture
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures, or designee, to approve and execute on behalf of the County of Fresno, First Amendment to Agreement No. 23-0280-000-SA with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the Noxious Weed Program, to extend the term by two-and-a-half years from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, and increase the maximum by $55,191 to a total of $97,612.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will increase the maximum amount of funding in the Noxious Weed Program Agreement No. 23-0280-000-SA (Agreement) with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) from $42,421 to $97,612 and extend the termination date of the Agreement from June 30, 2025, to December 31, 2027, which will support ongoing program operations. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended action, the Department will not receive additional funding from the CDFA for Noxious Weed Program activities and the Agreement will expire on June 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action, which will increase the monetary amount of the Agreement with CDFA by $55,191, to a total of $97,612. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues will be included in the FY 2025-26 Department of Agriculture Org 4010 Recommended Budget and future budget requests for the duration of the Agreement term.
DISCUSSION:
The Agreement provides funds for the Department to survey, map, and manage noxious and invasive, as well as CDFA rated “A”, “Q”, and regionally important “B” rated weed species in the County. Noxious weeds are designated as such through regulation by the CDFA and can apply to any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate. Weeds receiving an “A” rating are of known economic or environmental detriment and are either not known to be established in California or present in a limited distribution that allows for the possibility of eradication or successful containment. While “Q” ratings are assigned to weeds suspected to be of economic or environmental detriment, but whose status is uncertain because of incomplete identification or inadequate information. “B” rated weeds are of known economic or environmental detriment and, if present in California, are of limited distribution.
The Department manages weeds along roadways, parks, and other public locations under the authority and control of the County. Surveys and treatments of additional lands may be conducted with the proper authorization from the relevant public agency or property owner, subject to available resources. As situations allow, management activities include chemical treatment and integrated pest management techniques such as mowing, weed eating and biocontrol. The objective is to increase the profitability and value of crop land and rangeland; decrease the costs of roadside, park, and waterway maintenance; reduce the fire hazard and fire control costs in the County; protect the biodiversity of native ecosystems; and maintain the recreational and aesthetic value of open space, recreational, and public areas.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #41, September 19, 2023
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Amendment I to Agreement No. 23-0280-000-SA with CDFA
CAO ANALYST:
Amy Ryals