Getting to Know the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures

If you’ve ever wondered who makes sure that your pound of lunch meat from the deli counter actually weighs a pound, or that the gas pump is giving you every drop you pay for, you can thank the Department of Agriculture / Weights and Measures.

Margherita testing a scale at the grocery store

This month, Carrie and I had the pleasure of chatting with Margherita Lebsack, an Ag/Weights & Measures Inspector III, who gave us a fascinating look at how her department serves the community of San Luis Obispo County.

Margherita explained that the department’s work spans everything from checking for invasive pests in nursery stock and floral shipments to confirming proper pesticide use and making sure that the scales, gas pumps, and grocery store pricing systems we rely on every day are fair and accurate. This area, weights and measures, is her personal passion.

She verifies package weights, product labeling, and pricing accuracy throughout the county. “When people purchase a pound of ham at the deli counter, they can be sure they are actually getting a pound,” she says. Her team also responds to consumer complaints and inspects everything from water vending machines to gas pumps. Sometimes they may uncover issues like mislabeled package weights or pumps that dispense less fuel than they say. They’ve even caught and reported a few card-skimming devices while inspecting gas pumps.

Margherita testing a Primo water dispenser

Even over the phone, you can tell Margherita lights up when she talks about her work and her coworkers. “We have a really great work ethic as a whole and a high standard that we hold ourselves to and the department holds us to,” she said.

Her journey into the field began with a background in chemistry and a lot of study time navigating California’s detailed agricultural codes and consumer-protection laws. To become fully licensed, inspectors must pass eight state exams issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture: five on the agricultural side and three on the weights-and-measures side of the department.

At its heart, the Department of Agriculture / Weights and Measures exists to protect both consumers and agriculture by ensuring fairness in commerce and safety in our food supply. Whether ensuring pesticides are used safely, inspecting nursery shipments for pests, or verifying prices at retailers, their work quietly keeps San Luis Obispo County safe, fair, and thriving.

When asked what she most wants people to understand about her department, Margherita said, “I feel we truly serve our community. That is the focus. Good management and good folks. I’m really happy.”

Thank you, Margherita, for sharing your passion with us. Check in next month for another department highlight!

Jennifer Tate and Carrie McGrath

Labor Representative I