Katharine Quist, First Woman Agricultural Commissioner in Butte County
Apr 16, 2025 09:01AM ● By Connie Voss
Katharine Quist is Butte County’s first female agricultural commissioner. Courtesy photo
OROVILLE, CA (MPG) – In January, Katharine Quist from Gridley became the first woman to serve as Butte County’s agricultural commissioner and director of weights and measures. Quist replaced the outgoing commissioner, Louie Mendoza, who retired after 22 years.
Quist brings substantial experience, having served as the deputy agricultural commissioner in Butte County for six years. She has worked in other capacities in the office since January.
Prior to working in Butte County, Quist worked in Colusa County. She graduated from Chico State University in May 2004 with a major in plant science and a minor in agricultural business. Butte County has been her home since she came to school at Chico State in 1999.
“I’m excited to be serving my community. Agriculture is definitely the heart of many communities. It provides stability in government,” said Quist.
Acting under the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the agricultural commissioner is responsible for inspecting all plants and agricultural packages coming into the county, consumer protection and the enforcement of pesticide regulations.
The weights and measures capacity involves inspection of all scales and pumps to ensure accurate dispensing of products. For example, there is an inspector’s seal on all grocery store scales for produce. Gasoline pumps are also inspected annually and carry similar seals. Commissioner Mendoza’s name is on the current green seals but Quist’s red seal will now be used.
The Weigh Master program for truck scales is also administered by the agricultural commissioner.
The position requires a number of licenses, of which Quist has 12. These licenses are five in biological agricultural inspection, three in weights and measures, deputy agricultural commissioner, deputy sealer, agricultural commissioner and agricultural sealer. Licenses are issued through the California Department of Food and Agriculture and are issued after both written and oral examinations.
