CERTIFIED FARMERS' MARKETS
The County of San Diego strives to improve the wellbeing of its
residents by supporting healthy choices and thriving communities. The
County is also committed to supporting and promoting the
sustainability of local agriculture. As part of this mission, the
County encourages the direct marketing of locally grown produce and
other agricultural products at certified farmers’ markets
(CFMs).
What is a CFM?
A CFM is a location approved by the County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) and other local agencies where certified farmers sell their produce directly to the public. CFMs promote local agriculture and support farmers by providing them a personable, low cost way to market and sell their agricultural products, bringing them face-to-face with their customers. CFMs enrich the communities in which they operate by increasing residents’ access to quality fresh produce and creating an enjoyable community gathering place.
What is a Certified Producer (Farmer)?
A Certified Producer is a farmer who has been certified by AWM to sell in CFMs. This means that AWM inspectors have visited their farm to verify their agricultural production. AWM issues a Certified Producer’s Certificate to the farmer, which lists the products they grow and may sell in a CFM.
*Only California agricultural products grown by Certified Producers may be sold in CFMs. CFM operators and Certified Producers must comply with Direct Marketing laws and regulations.
Translations: Spanish, Tagalog, Farsi, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese
**NEW** Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in California
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (AHPIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a California commercial flock in Fresno County. While this virus has impacted commercial flocks in most other states in the U.S. since last January, this is the first commercial flock to be found infected in California. A backyard flock in Contra Costa County was also recently detected. Please see the information handout from USDA for more information.
The viral spread is promoted by wild birds especially, in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, but many other wild bird species can also be a source of spread. Avian influenza is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds. We are urging poultry owners to increase their biosecurity practices. California poultry owners are encouraged to visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture Avian Heath Program website for biosecurity tools and support at: CDFA - AHFSS - AHB - Avian Health (ca.gov). Here are some biosecurity recommendations to help protect your flock:
- Wash your hands before and after handling your birds. This includes when handling birds from coop to coop.
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing your birds into an enclosure that is covered.
- If you have bodies of water on your property such as ponds or ditches, consider draining them to avoid attracting wild birds, and keep your domestic birds away from this potentially contaminated water.
- Use sanitized well or city water for your birds.
- Prevent rodents and predators from entering your coop.
- Prevent pets such as cats and dogs from eating dead wild birds.
- Keep feed covered and spills cleaned up to avoid attracting wild birds and rodents.
- Wash and disinfect boots and equipment when moving between coops.
- Do not share equipment or supplies with neighbors.
- Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses.
- Clean and disinfect your shoes and vehicle tires after visiting feedstores and other places frequented by other poultry owners or wild bird hunters.
- Avoid visiting places where wild birds congregate such as lakes and ponds.
Report any unusual or suspicious numbers of sick or dead domestic birds immediately to the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473. Monitor your birds for the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Clear, runny discharge from nose, mouth, and eyes
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Drinking less
- Swollen eyes, head, wattles, or combs
- Discolored or bruised comb, wattles, or legs
- Stumbling, falling, or twisted neck
- Sudden death
Report any unusual or suspicious dead wild birds to the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report.
If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact
California Department of Fish and Wildlife directly. Contact
information is available here: Wildlife
Health Lab - Avian Investigations (ca.gov)
Stay Informed
For the latest updates in California domestic poultry, follow us on social media and subscribe. You can find us on Facebook at Animal Health Branch – CDFA and on Instagram at AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA.
For more information and updates on wild bird detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
More information on avian influenza and how to protect flocks through biosecurity measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.
Popular Services