What is the primary responsibility of Pest Exclusion within the CDFA?

The primary responsibility of Pest Exclusion within the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is indeed to protect against the introduction of insect and disease pests. This function is critical for safeguarding California's agriculture and natural resources. Pest Exclusion focuses on preventing harmful organisms from entering the state, which could potentially cause significant harm to crops and the overall ecosystem. This is accomplished through various methods, including inspections at ports of entry, monitoring, and enforcing regulations related to pest control.

This function is distinct from other responsibilities within the CDFA, such as the certification of seeds and plants, which deals with quality assurance and compliance with agricultural standards; the management of agricultural pests and diseases, which involves ongoing control strategies and resources allocation after pests have been identified; and the inspection of pesticide use, which ensures that pesticides are applied safely and responsibly. Each of these areas is crucial for maintaining agricultural health and sustainability, but Pest Exclusion specifically targets the early prevention of pest introduction.