The Half Moon Bay Office of the San Mateo Department of Agriculture serves several functions. Under the direction of…More the main county office in Redwood City, the Half Moon Bay field office inspects local growers and farmer's markets to ensure that they comply with state regulations. They also audit organic producers to confirm that each meets the requirements needed to be certified as "organic."</p> <p>Pesticide and pest regulation is also under the jurisdiction of the San Mateo County Department of Agriculture, as is monitoring for early pest detection and inspection of nurseries for pests and plant diseases. In addition, the Department inspects all produce entering California for exotic weeds, insects and plant diseases.</p> <p>The division of Weights and Measures within the Half Moon Bay office tests the accuracy of commercial scales and measuring devices (such as gasoline pumps) for consumer protection. The division also audits the weights of commercial products (such as deli items and packaged products) and price scanners, to ensure that the public is being charged correct prices for goods.</p> <p> </p>

San Mateo-San Francisco Counties Cooperative Extension is a partnership between the county and state governments; the…More University of California, Davis; and the Department of Agriculture. It provides education and information to the public about nutrition, agriculture, landscape horticulture, urban forestry, floral and nursery crop production, and natural resources and livestock. It also runs a master gardener helpline (650-726-9059, ext. 107) on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. </p> <p>The Cooperative Extension was created in 1914 by a Congressional bill. The bill funds state universities to pass on practical tips from its research to the public. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

The Richard J Elkus Ranch Environmental Education and Conference Center provides a unique hands-on learning…More experience for youth within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Students who visit the 125 acre ranch learn about environmental science, California history, animal care, nutrition, and agriculture in a rural setting.</p> <p>Elkus Ranch is committed to providing a rich ranch experience for all children by offering a myriad of educationally diverse programs, including programs designed for students with special needs. Our Dean Trail leads visually impaired children with the help of a guide rope to explore the natural habitat surrounding the ranch. Our sensory garden contains a variety of plants that can be experienced through their scent, taste, and texture. Our enabling garden has raised beds that can be tended without kneeling or bending. All of our ranch facilities are wheelchair accessible. Our programs are aligned with the California Science Content Standards and provide opportunities to learn about the production of food and fiber, the interrelationships of plants and animals in their natural habitats and the importance of environmental stewardship. Schools interested in scheduling field trips can contact us directly. We offer a limited amount of scholarships to low income schools, please contact us for more information or to see if your school qualifies.</p> <p>While the ranch is not open to the public, we do offer family oriented public events throughout the year. Our most popular annual events are Sheep to Shawl, Summer and Winter day camps for children 6-11, and Spring and Fall Pre-School Days. We also have opportunities for community service projects and volunteers.</p> <p>The Conference Center at Elkus Ranch is a 4,400 square foot educational and day conference facility. The facility is available to rent for day conferences, off-site meetings, workshops and trainings. Local overnight facilities are also available. Also available for rental: a commercial kitchen, board room, and ranch house.  Please contact us for current rates and availability.</p>