About | Agricultural Commissioner Riverside County

The Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner's Office

In 1873, in the city of Riverside, Eliza Tibbets planted two navel orange trees from the U.S. government propagation grounds in Washington D.C. Imported from Bahia, Brazil, this variety was later known as the Washington Navel. The introduction and propagation of these trees placed Riverside County at the center of a vast California citrus industry that still thrives today.

The Riverside County Board of Horticultural was established in 1893. The first county agricultural commissioner was appointed in 1909. The Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office e has 50 full-time employees.

Today, Riverside County boasts a diverse, 1.3 billion dollar agricultural industry that includes vegetables and citrus in the Coachella Valley desert, the verdant rolling hills of the Temecula Wine Country, cotton, alfalfa and wheat along the Colorado River and, of course, the historical citrus in and around the city of Riverside.

With the fourth largest population in the State and nearly 200,000 acres of production agriculture, Riverside County offers a unique blend of city and country living seldom found in California.

The Commissioner's Team

Tara Buffington

Executive Assistant

Delia Jimenez Cioc

Agricultural Commissioner
Sealer of Weights & Measures

My name is Delia Jimenez Cioc, and I began my career with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in 2004. I have held positions of responsibility in every program within the department including Environmental Protection, Consumer Protection, Weights and Measures, and Pest Detection/Exclusion programs, all while maintaining an excellent performance record and successfully meeting the County’s and department’s expectations. As the new Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Riverside County, I remain committed to promoting and protecting our agriculture, the environment, and the citizens of our beautiful and diverse county while upholding equity in the marketplace through uniform applications of laws and regulations.

Misael Martinez

Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from U.C. Riverside, I began my career in the County Agricultural Commissioner 's system in San Bernardino County where I gained experience in multiple disciplines within the department. My experience afforded me the opportunity to work for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Wanting to create a deeper impact locally, I have spent the last four years as a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner-Sealer, with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, as a program manager for the department’s Consumer Protection division. As the newly appointed Assistant Agricultural Commissioner-Sealer, I am able to apply my knowledge and passion for community engagement to support and guide our department’s vision.

Chris Blake

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

My name is Chris Blake, I am a third generation United States Air Force Veteran. I grew up in the Temecula Valley and still call this county my home. I obtained my bachelor’s degree at National University, in San Diego, where I studied biology and environmental sciences. During that time, I developed a passion for environmental protection and public service. I began my career with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in the trapping program as a TAP employee. During the course of my career, I have broadened my experience to all of the programs we work at the Agricultural Commissioner’s office, specifically the county’s Pesticide Use Enforcement and Asian Citrus Psyllid programs. As a newly appointed Deputy, I am excited to oversee the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Environmental Protection division and continue my service to the people of Riverside County.

Erik Downs

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

Erik Downs was born and raised in Riverside, CA. He attended Riverside Polytechnic high school as a member of the class of 2001. After graduating high school, he attended Humboldt State University obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. Returning to Riverside after college, he found a job with Riverside County's Department of Animal Services in 2007, and later moved over to the Agricultural Commissioner's office in 2010. After 10 years of service, Erik was promoted to his current position as Deputy Commissioner/Sealer. Within the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, Erik currently oversees the department's Pest Exclusion, Pest Detection, Pest Management, Nursery, Hemp, and Phytosanitary programs.

Rudy Valencia

Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

Born and raised in Riverside County, Rudy Valencia has a deep-rooted connection to the Coachella Valley. A first-generation graduate, Rudy earned Associate’s degrees in Math and Science, from College of the Desert. Rudy continued his educational pursuits at Cal State University, San Bernardino, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, with a focus on Environmental Health. Rudy started his career with the department as an Agricultural & Standards Investigator in the Indio district office. There, he proved his commitment, dedication and expertise leading to his promotion to Supervising Agricultural & Standards Investigator. In his current position as the Deputy Commissioner/Sealer overseeing the consumer protection programs, Rudy ensures consumer protection is prioritized as he promotes marketplace confidence and equity through comprehensive education and the uniform enforcement of regulations.

About The Agricultural Commissioner's Office