The Stanislaus Board of Supervisors has appointed an experienced agriculture commissioner and weights and measures sealer to the county for a four-year term, according to a news release.
Linda Pinfold, currently San Joaquin County’s assistant agriculture commissioner and sealer, will begin working for Stanislaus on March 27, said county spokeswoman Sonya Severo.
Predecessor of Pinfold, Kamarjit Bagri, also works in both Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. At Stanislaus, before he became ag commissioner and sealer in 2021, Bagli was San Joaquin’s assistant his commissioner and sealer.
After two years in the same position in Stanislaus County, Bagri returned to San Joaquin, where he held a top role. No information was available on Monday as to why Bagli left Stanislaus’ post to return north.
As for what the commissioners and staff do, Pinfold said: We care and are passionate about consumer protection. I love talking about work. Because people don’t even realize that work impacts their lives every day. “
As Agriculture Commissioner, she ensures that pesticide regulations are followed, keeps invasive plants and pests from leaving the state, or travels to other countries when produce is shipped. Responsible for prevention and compiling the county’s annual crop report.
She said the report highlights the county’s most profitable crops each year.
“As we continue to grapple with climate change, from the recent storms to the heat wave last August, it’s really good to help protect and encourage growers,” said Pinfold.
As metrology sealer, she and her team seek to access all measuring scales and devices each year. Scales can be found at supermarket delis, produce aisles, and landscape stores. Other measuring devices include gas pumps and propane/butane meters.
“We’ll go out and register the devices that are sold and then we’ll test them,” she said. We want to make sure that people get what they pay for as gas prices change.”
Salaries for Pinfold’s new commissioner post at Stanislaus range from $115,710 to $173,576, with a potential $10,000 bonus if hired before June. Bee recently reported.
“With more than 24 years of agricultural experience, Pinfold plans, organizes and directs the implementation of the California Food and Agriculture Code for Stanislaus County and the California Business and Occupational Code related to the County Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Weights and Measures. ” press release.
