Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

CDFA recognizes National Farmworker Awareness Week – March 25 – 31

As we recognize National Farmworkers Awareness Week (March 25 – 31), we celebrate the essential role farmworkers play in our food system.

CDFA supports our essential agricultural workforce across California. By leveraging partnerships, CDFA supports initiatives that implement comprehensive strategies that uplift farmworkers at every stage of their careers, from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the agricultural sector.

A key initiative is the Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training Grant program, which provides crucial resources and training opportunities to individuals looking to start their careers in agriculture. By offering this, the state is helping to equip farmworkers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in agriculture.

In addition, one of CDFA’s Ag Vision priorities is to ‘Drive the Next Generation of Talent and Tools’. Through California’s training programs and partnerships and CDFA’s own Specialty Crop Workforce Development Program, the agency is helping to ensure that farmworkers have access to resources that enhance their professional growth and advancement opportunities. Whether it’s through on-the-job training or specialized workshops, CDFA strives to empower farmworkers to reach their full potential.

In addition to these initiatives, CDFA collaborates closely with a network of partners — including state agencies, federal departments, and local governments — to address the unique challenges facing farmworkers. CDFA also partners with stakeholders to ensure that our agricultural community has access to information about mental health resources through the Farmer & Farmworker Mental Health Resources page.

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Women, Agriculture & Leadership: CDFA Leaders Talk Progress, Pathways & Inspiration

In celebration of Women’s History Month, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong (left) moderated a panel of women leaders in CDFA today at the department’s headquarters. Panelists revisited their own paths that led to agriculture and public service, recognized family and mentors who paved the way, and offered advice for those just beginning their careers. The panel included (continuing from left) Tawny Mata, Director of the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation; Arima Kozina, Deputy Secretary of Administration & Finance, Executive Office; Dr. Annette Jones, State Veterinarian and Division Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division; and Victoria Hornbaker, Director of Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division (not pictured), who joined virtually. The event was hosted by CDFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Office of Civil Rights.

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins USDA Trade Mission to South Korea


CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is with agribusinesses, agricultural associations, the USDA, and state departments of agriculture on a trade mission to South Korea focusing on building trade relationships and expanding market opportunities.

South Korea is California’s sixth largest export destination, valued at more than $1.2 billion. Top agricultural exports include almonds, dairy, oranges, rice and beef. 

Secretary Ross is joined on the trade mission by representatives from the California Fresh Fruit Association, California Prunes and 17 California businesses representing a diversity of CA GROWN products. 

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Photo captions

  • Top photo (L to R) – Daniel Hartwig, California Fresh Fruit Association; Donn Zea, California Prunes; CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Melissa Frank, Wonderful; Michael Thurlow, Mountain View Fruit Sales; and Caroline Stringer, California Fresh Fruit Association.
  • Lower left — Secretary Ross and Dinesh Bajaj, Select Harvest USA
  • Lower right – Secretary Ross with USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor and representatives from the U.S. blueberry industry.
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Secretary Ross offers words of support and encouragement at California FFA Conference

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross spoke at the recent California State Future Farmers of America Leadership Conference in Sacramento. The event highlighted student accomplishments and brought together approximately 7,500 FFA members. 

Secretary Ross emphasized the significance of FFA in fostering a sense of belonging. She underscored the pivotal role of students in shaping the future of California’s agricultural landscape while acknowledging the myriad challenges they could face, including water management, workforce issues, food safety, and combating invasive pests amidst advancing technologies. 

Secretary Ross also stressed the importance of investing in local food systems as well as advocating for proper nutrition from an early age. She highlighted California’s role as a leading producer of food and championed the creation of healthy communities that care for both people and the agricultural resources of crops and livestock.

The event, which saw participation from FFA members hailing from every corner of the state, was a testament to the dedication and passion of California’s youth. The annual conference also included presentations by various speakers, educational workshops, and the chance to engage with industries and colleges in a career expo.

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Women’s History Month Spotlight — CDFA’s Natalie Krout-Greenberg

CDFA is proud to continue to spotlight the talented women leaders at our agency, as part of Women’s History Month. Meet Natalie Krout-Greenberg, Director of the Inspection Services Division.

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Secretary Ross reflects on a successful Ag Day

Here’s a look back at another successful Ag Day yesterday at the State Capitol, with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

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Ag Day 2024 Photo Gallery: “Next-Gen Tools, Talent & Tech”

Happy Ag Day! California’s annual celebration of agriculture returned to the sunny west steps of the State Capitol today, bringing together farmers, ranchers, agricultural enthusiasts and leaders around this year’s theme: “Next-Gen Tools, Talent & Tech.” Special thanks to California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom for sharing words of praise, pride and optimism about California agriculture; and to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross for doing double-duty at Ag Day on the west steps of the Capitol and at the concurrent “Bring Your Child to Work Day” festivities taking place today down the street at CDFA headquarters.

Thanks also to Judy Culbertson of Ag in the Classroom, who accepted a proclamation at this year’s event in anticipation of her retirement. We will miss her early-morning “live shots” from Ag Day on the local news, her unrelenting optimism in the face of weather that only a farmer could love, and especially her wise guidance in the months of planning leading up to each Ag Day.

Special thanks to our Ag Day 2024 Sponsors:

Green Acres
California State Floral Association
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
John Deere
got milk? / California Milk Processor Board
Association of California Egg Farmers / California Poultry Federation
California Strawberry Commission
California Prune Board
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
California Farmworker Foundation
Western Growers

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Ag Day tomorrow at State Capitol!

The annual celebration of Ag Day is tomorrow! The State Capitol grounds will come alive with fresh food, farm animals, and entertainment. This year’s theme is “Next-Gen Tools, Talent, and Tech,” a look towards embracing the opportunities ahead for California agriculture

Ag Day is the agriculture community’s annual opportunity to showcase the bounty that our state’s farmers, ranchers and farmworkers produce. The event highlights the dynamic role our food system plays in every aspect of Californians’ lives.

The grounds open to the public at 11:30 am. Hope to see you there!

NOTE — CDFA will have a recruitment booth at Ag Day  The booth will have representatives available to provide information about permanent and seasonal jobs with CDFA and the the State of California. Please go to CalCareers to review available positions.

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Women’s History Month spotlight — Dr. Annette Jones

As CDFA continues to honor Women’s History Month, here is a video profile of Dr. Annette Jones — the first-ever woman in the roles of California State Veterinarian and director of the division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services. Dr. Jones has broken barriers while dedicating her career to safeguarding animal health and public safety.

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CDFA program offering grants to help farms sell healthy foods to school districts — from Ag Alert

Link to story in Ag Alert

To advance farm-to-school projects statewide, CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork announced it is accepting applications for up to $52.8 million in grant funding.

The deadline to apply for the 2023-24 California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is April 4.

Through a competitive grant process, funds are available through multiple funding tracks: Track 1, the California Farm to School TK-12 Procurement and Education Grant; Track 2, the California Farm to School Technical Assistance Grant; Track 3, the California Farm to Early Care and Education Grant; and Track 4, the California Farm to School Producer Grant.

The amount of funds awarded depends on the number of applications received.

The California Farm to School Producer Grant is for food producers and public-serving distribution enterprises to sell California-grown or produced foods to the state’s school food market. Farmers are encouraged to apply for producer grant funding for the program, which helps build economic connections between farms and schools while enhancing healthy food offerings for students.

“Our Farm to School Incubator Grant Program offers a triple bottom-line win for farmers, local economies and kids,” CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said in a statement. “Farmers win in developing lasting relationships with local schools and students, local economies win in school food procurement dollars staying closer to home, and kids win through gaining the nutrition of California-grown or -produced food.”

To be eligible for program grants, applicants must show evidence of an established relationship with each California School Food Authority or childcare center operator of the Child and Adult Care Food Program to which they intend to sell food.

Grant funding prioritizes small to mid-sized food producers, military veterans and socially disadvantaged or limited-resource food producers. The program also focuses on producers using climate-smart agriculture practices and systems including certified organic or transitioning to certified organic, or other regenerative approaches.

McGrath Family Farmers Inc. in Ventura County, a past grant recipient, said in a statement that the farm “feels strongly about providing healthy, nutrient-dense organic food for our community.”

“We feel very happy the schools are highlighted for this cause and are thrilled to be a part of this program and to contribute,” the statement noted.

The CDFA Office of Farm to Fork received funding through the California Budget Acts of 2020, 2021 and 2022 to establish and continue the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. The program awarded $8.5 million to 60 farm-to-school projects in 2021 and $25.5 million to 120 projects in 2022.

CDFA Farm to School Program staff is conducting weekly Zoom sessions about the grant program request for applications. People may register for the Zoom sessions via the links under “Grant Info Sessions & Weekly Q&A Sessions” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/caf2sgrant/.

To apply or register for informational webinars, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/caf2sgrant/. For more information or assistance, email cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov.

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