The department is under the control of a civil executive officer known as the Secretary of Food and Agriculture who shall receive the salary provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. He or she shall be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the Governor.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 42, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)