Title
a. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to execute, on behalf of the County of Monterey, a Standard Agreement with the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to perform work under the CDFA Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program with Registration retroactive from April 30, 2019, through June 30, 2020, with a maximum amount of $2,000;
b. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner, or Commissioner’s designee, to sign up to three (3) Amendments to the Agreement where the Amendment does not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. Provide direction to staff on whether to begin work on a pilot program for the cultivation of industrial hemp in certain unincorporated areas, including the parameters of such a program and timing for implementation. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to execute, on behalf of the County of Monterey, a Standard Agreement with the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to perform work under the CDFA Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program with Registration for a period from April 30, 2019, through June 30, 2020, with a maximum amount of $2,000;
b. Approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner, or Commissioner’s designee, to sign up to three (3) Amendments to the Agreement where the Amendment does not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. Provide direction to staff on whether to begin work on a pilot program for the cultivation of industrial hemp in certain unincorporated areas, including the parameters of such a program and timing for implementation.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The CDFA routinely contracts with the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner (MCAC) to provide specific services. The MCAC shall register interested industrial hemp growers and seed breeders and enforce all laws and regulations pertaining to industrial hemp per Food and Agricultural Code 81000-81011.
The CDFA Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program is newly created. The MCAC will collect registration fees on behalf of the CDFA and withhold a servicing fee that has yet to be determined. Once contracted activities begin, and program operations are observed, the CDFA will seek to amend the contract to specify the distribution and amount of funds. The MCAC will bring an amended contract to the Board of Supervisors at that time.
The Agricultural Commissioner requests authorization to enter into the proposed State Standard Agreement (Attachment 1).
Staff also seeks direction from the Board of Supervisors on whether to begin work on a pilot program to allow the cultivation of industrial hemp outdoors in certain unincorporated areas, including the parameters of such a program and timing for implementation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel-Risk Management has approved the proposed Agreement as to form and legality.
FINANCING:
Sufficient revenues and appropriations are available in the FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget. Staff will return to the Board if additional revenues and appropriations are needed in FY 2019-20.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Activities carried out under this Agreement conserve agricultural resources and promote sustainable practices, which sustain the economic viability of agriculture.
x Economic Development
x Administration
Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by:
Sheila Salazar, Finance Manager, 759-7301
Approved by:
Henry S. Gonzales, Agricultural Commissioner, 759-7325
Attachment
1 - State Standard Agreement 18-0693-000-SA