Agriculture And Society Agencies For Agriculture By Catherine

Agriculture And Society Agencies For Agriculture By Catherine Acly Copied from Cal Poly Modified by Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office June 2002

Government agencies provide farmers and ranchers with valuable information and services at little or no cost • Government can subsidize a grower or an entire industry when market forces would otherwise push themout of business. • This governmental action is often appreciated by many, the regulations and restrictions are often resented • Regardless of its role, government at the local, state, and federal levels has a profound effect on California agriculture.

• Oversees agricultural research • Subsidy programs • Educational efforts • Agricultural Statistics

• Manages National Forests • Administers timber sales • Oversees range and watershed use

• Administers use of rangelands • Grazing rights • Recreational use

Federal Government

• Administers and enforces regulations dealing with the use of agricultural chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides Immigration and Naturalization Service • Regulates the influx and employment of foreign workers

• Enforces regulation providing for the safety and health of agricultural workers • Administers the use of chemicals used in the production and processing of food products such as hormones and preservatives

State Government

• Manages state timber resources • Fire protection and control • Overall protection and regulation of agricultural interests including pest and chemical control, weights, measures and licensing

• Conducts basic agricultural research • Education programs • Provides grower information • Administers to state 4 -H programs

Local Government

• Manage sales and distribution of water resources • Local arm of the State Department of Food and Agriculture

Review • What functions do governmental agencies serve? • How does agriculture benefit from these services? • What are five agencies and their functions?