Agriculture Investigators Could be at Sunday Harvest Market

County agriculture inspectors could be at the to find out if organizers are violating state rules.

A complaint filed in August through the California Department of Food and Agriculture stated that the farmer’s market was operating without a nonprofit, local government or grower sponsor, said spokesman Ken Pellman of the Los Angeles County agricultural commissioner.

The state allows vendors to sell food without the labels or packaging required for food sales in exchange for sponsorship, the .

Markets that are not certified to sell unpackaged goods could face fines, but it is unclear what the results and when the investigation will end, Pellman said.

It is unclear if the investigation is connected with the , who according to Montrose Shopping Park Association board members, allegedly embezzled money from the Sunday Harvest Market.

“We’re investigating the complaint,” Pellman said. “It doesn’t matter to us why the person filed the complaint, it’s whether or not the criteria is being met.”

“We are hopeful that things will be able to get squared away and people who have been enjoying the market will be able to keep enjoying it,” Pellman said.