The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is currently accepting applications for its California State Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC). Current openings include, but are not limited to, farmers and processors. The current COPAC includes WG members.

Time Commitments

The committee meets three times a year: January, May and September. The January meeting is being held at the EcoFarm Conference in Asilomar, Calif. and is in-person only. The May meeting takes place in Sacramento, while the September meeting location changes each year. Both the May and September meetings are held in person and via Zoom. There may also be subcommittee meetings, as needed. The subcommittee meetings are voluntary and are held in person and via Zoom. While committee members are not paid, they are reimbursed for travel expenses for attending the meetings.

Purpose of the Committee

In general, the committee members provide feedback from the organic industry and make recommendations to the secretary (State Organic Program) on issues and policies that impact the organic industry, which includes advice on education and outreach activities. The committee also reviews and approves the Program’s budget.

Individuals interested in the California organic industry and being considered for an appointment, should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/organicprogram/pdfs/copac/COPAC-PMAQ.pdf and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Applications should be sent to Kristi Garcia, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or via e-mail to [email protected].

For further information on the California State Organic Program and COPAC vacancies, contact Danny Lee via email at [email protected].