David Sanford, Santa Cruz County deputy agricultural commissioner since 2016, has been promoted to agricultural commissioner, succeeding Juan Hildalgo, who left to be Monterey County agricultural commissioner.
Sanford will have a four-year term. His salary is $155,000.
Sanford will lead a department responsible for pest management, weights and measures, pesticide enforcement, oversight of farmer’s markets and the annual Crop Report, which in 2021 totaled $657 million. The next report is due later this year.
“I’m very happy to see David assume this new role,” County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios said. “He brings a wealth of local experience working with the agricultural community and has served admirably since stepping in as interim Agricultural Commissioner in February. “
Sanford, who earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from UC Davis in 2000, worked as an ag inspector/biologist in Butte County, then took the same position in Monterey County in 2011.
He advanced to become Monterey County deputy agricultural commissioner in 2013, then came to Santa Cruz County in 2016, overseeing the Pesticide Use Enforcement Program and the Crop Statistics and Organic Registration program, and helping supervise the Direct Marketing Program.
“I’m grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their vote and look forward to leading this department on a permanent basis,” Sanford said. “I look forward to working with all sectors of the community to cultivate partnerships, nurture growth, protect the environment and safeguard the bounty of our agricultural heritage.”
He lives in Santa Cruz.
Four qualified candidates applied.
County officials cited Sanford’s familiarity with Santa Cruz County as a way to provide a seamless transition.