Agriculture / Weights & Measures

Current News

Moratorium on hemp cultivation

On November 17th, 2020, the Board of Supervisors voted to enact Ordinance No. 2020-28, an urgency interim ordinance imposing a 45 day moratorium on industrial hemp cultivation. On December 15th, 2020, the Board voted to enact Ordinance No. 2020-30, extending the moratorium until March 10th, 2021. While the moratorium is in effect, no new registrations for the cultivation of hemp will be issued, and current registrations will not be renewed upon expiration. 

The purpose of the moratorium is to give the county time to develop a permanent ordinance that will provide local requirements for the cultivation of industrial hemp.

Update on Coronavirus/COVID-19

Due to the efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Contra Costa County, the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures has temporarily limited activities to include only essential business functions. The Contra Costa County Health Services Order and California Shelter-In-Place Order state that the food and agricultural sector, including farming, livestock, and fishing, are critical to maintaining and securing the food supply. The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures will continue to provide the following essential services to our agricultural community:

  • Phytosanitary certificates for shipping agricultural products
  • Pesticide Restricted Material permit and Operator ID changes or renewals
  • Invasive pest detection to protect the agricultural industry
  • Certified Producer Certificates to sell at the Certified Farmers’ Market
  • Hemp registration
  • Assistance with pesticide concerns
  • Weights and Measures complaints
  • Other relevant issues as they arise

If you need assistance with any of these services, please call our office at 925-608-6600 or email agcommissioner@ag.cccounty.us.

COVID-19 resources for the agricultural industry:

AgSafe resources for employers

CA Department of Food and Agriculture

Farm Bureau

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture webinar on Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U-pick and farm stand resources

CA Department of Agriculture guidelines for U-picks and farm stands

Guía para las operaciones agrícolas que ofrecen ventas en la granja o permiten cosecha propia

Contra Costa guidelines for U-picks and farm stands (PDF)

Mission Statement

The Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture under the direction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Department of Pesticide Regulation, and Division of Measurement Standards, is responsible for conducting regulatory and service activities pertaining to the agricultural industry and the consumers of our county. The primary purpose and objective of this office is the promotion and protection of the county’s agricultural industry, environment, and citizens. We work hard to ensure a safe place to live and a fair marketplace for trade.

Main Office

Concord main office

Branch Office

Knightsen branch office
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State & Local Government Agencies Web Sites

The Department of Agriculture / Weights and Measures has staff available to assist you in Spanish and Punjabi. Please call (925) 608-6600.

El Departamento de Agricultura / Pesas y Medidas tiene personal disponible para ayudarlo en español. 

ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ /ਨਾਪਤੋਲ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਕੋਲ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਸਟਾਫ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ.


The county will provide reasonable accommodations for disabled persons coming to our office. For assistance, please call Ralph Fonseca at (925) 608-6600.