Chapter 1. Organization of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 1.

There is in the state government the Department of Food and Agriculture.

The department is under the control of a civil executive officer known as the Secretary of Food and Agriculture who shall receive the salary provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. He or she shall be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the Governor.

Except as is otherwise provided in this chapter, Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11150) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code governs and applies to the conduct of the department in every respect the same as if those provisions were set forth in this code, and whenever in that chapter the term "head of the department" or similar designation occurs, for the purpose of this code it means the secretary.

The secretary may appoint and in accordance with law fix the salaries of such assistants, deputies, agents, experts, and other employees as are necessary for the administration of the department.

The chief of the division of the department who has jurisdiction over livestock and poultry disease control, meat inspection and dairy inspection and control shall officially designate a department employee as "State Veterinarian." Such designated person shall be a graduate of a recognized college of veterinary medicine, be licensed to practice in this state, and have a state civil service classification of veterinary medical officer III or above.