Agriculture, Weights & Measures

If you've ever been to a farmers’ market, checked out at a grocery store, pumped gas, or wondered if your produce was organic, then you've benefitted from the Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM). 

As part of the County’s Land Use & Environment Group, we're here to serve you.

What AWM Does For You

• Ensures pesticides are used safely and investigates related illness.
• Prevents the spread of pests that harm agriculture and the environment. 
• Promotes the use of natural pest controls. 
• Verifies produce that is marked as organic.
• Ensures vendors at farmers' markets grow what they sell.  
• Verifies that commercial weighing and measuring devices and price scanners are accurate. 
• Protects people from injury and disease caused by wildlife.   
  
  

News & Announcements

Proposed Pesticide Enforcement Response Regulation Changes

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is proposing updates to enforcement rules to better protect public health. These changes would increase penalties for serious and repeat pesticide violations, strengthen oversight of county enforcement, improve coordination with prosecutors, and add an annual public report on DPR’s enforcement actions.

Learn more and share feedback on DPR's website.

New World Screwworm (NWS) Detections in U.S.

USDA has confirmed New World Screwworm (NWS) detections in Texas and New Mexico. While no cases have been found in California, this pest poses a serious risk to livestock, pets, wildlife, and potentially people.

Federal and Texas officials are responding aggressively with quarantines, a 20 km infested zone, sterile fly releases, wildlife surveillance, and increased trapping. The national food supply remains safe — NWS does not infest meat or food products.

• Animal owners should check livestock and pets for unusual wounds, discomfort, or maggots — especially around the nose, ears, navel, or any open injury.
• If you suspect NWS in an animal, report issues immediately to (866) 922-2473; for people, seek medical care right away if you notice a suspicious wound.

For more information and updates, view CDFA's news release, or visit CDFA's New World Screwworm page.

Citrus Pest Control District 2026-27 Budget Hearing

The San Diego County Citrus Pest Control District is hosting a hybrid virtual and in-person public hearing for the for the adoption of its FY 2026-27 budget on Thursday, July 2, at 1 p.m.

Learn more and find the full proposed budget in the official hearing notice, or contact szwaal2@gmail.com. 

Produce Safety Grower Training – UC Small Farm Food Safety

UC Small Farm Food Safety is offering Produce Safety Grower Training sessions throughout 2026-27. These trainings are designed to support farms in meeting food safety standards and implementing best practices that benefit both operations and consumers.

Opportunity to Participate in the Countywide Food Contract

San Diego County is seeking to expand its pool of local food suppliers. Growers interested in providing products for countywide programs are invited to complete the Food Supplier Interest Form. Your participation helps strengthen our local food system and increase access to regional agricultural products.

USDA Drought Designation – Resources for Ag Operations

USDA has designated San Diego County as a natural disaster area due to severe drought. If your operation experiences any loss due to drought, please fill out an Agricultural Damage Assessment Form and submit it to sdcawm@sdcounty.ca.gov or one of our office locations:

• AWM Kearny Mesa Office:
  9325 Hazard Way, Ste. 100
  San Diego, CA 92123
  
  
• AWM San Marcos Office:
  151 E. Carmel St.
  San Marcos, CA 92078

These reports help determine eligibility for state and federal support. Affected operators may also contact local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices for elligible emergency loan assistance, with an eight‑month application window from April 6, 2026.

Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in La Mesa Area (March 2026)

CDFA declared a quarantine in the La Mesa area in March 2026 after confirmed detections of five Mexican Fruit Flies (Mexflies) on four residential properties. This quarantine extends through La Mesa, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, and San Diego. Read more in CDFA's and the County of San Diego's news releases. 

• Learn more about MexFly and find an interactive map of the quarantine area on CDFA's website.
• Read CDFA's amended Proclamation of Emergency Program (PEP) for the Mexican Fruit Fly in La Mesa, and find a map of where CDFA is performing sterile insect technique (SIT) releases. 
• Residents with Mexfly host plants are asked not to remove fruit from their property. 
• Commercial growers can get a Mexfly Compliance Agreement to continue to ship, process, harvest and/or sell crops by contacting CQP.AWM@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 614-7770. 
• To report sustpicious flies or pests, please call the CDFA hotline at (800) 491-1899.

Citrus Quarantine Declared in Ramona (March 2026)

CDFA confirmed the detection of the citrus disease Huanglonging (HLB) in two trees on a residential property in the Ramona area of San Diego County in March 2026. This is the fifth HLB quarantine in the region, with ongoing quarantines in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center. 

• View an interactive map of the quarantine area or visit CitrusInsider.org to learn more.
• To report sustpicious pests or HLB symptoms, please call the CDFA hotline at (800) 491-1899.

Cotton Seed Bug (CSB) and Thrips Parvispinus

Two new invasive pests have been found in San Diego County nurseries: Cotton Seed Bug (CSB) and Thrips Parvispinus. Both pests are A-rated, meaning they are of known economic or environmental detriment. Learn more and help keep these pests from spreading by reading the fact sheets linked below:

• Cotton Seed Bug Technical Bulletin (USDA)
• Cotton Seed Bug Pest Alert (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
• Thrips Parvispinus (PennState Extension)
• Thrips Parvispinus Distribution Update (UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center) 

For more questions and info, please contact AWM's Pest Exclusion Division at PHPP.AWM@sdcounty.ca.gov or (760) 752-4700.