Category Archives: Environment

2013 Leopold Conservation Award – Seeking Nominations

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Ashley Boren, Member of the State Board of Food and Agriculture

Sand County Foundation, in partnership with California Farm Bureau Foundation and Sustainable Conservation, is seeking nominations for the 2013 California Leopold Conservation Award. This award recognizes private landowners’ commitment to environmental stewardship and land management. The award, named after world-renowned … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation, Environment, State Board of Food and Agriculture | 1 Comment

New Algae-Based Biodiesel Meets State Fuel Quality Standards

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

The Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) has tested samples of a new 20 percent biodiesel blend fuel made from algae and is happy to report that the fuel is compliant with California’s quality specification for … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Fuels, Environment, Measurement Standards, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Central Valley Dairy Farmer Honored for Commitment to Conservation

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary

                                  I am pleased that Kings County dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi has been named the 2012 recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in California. The … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Conservation, Dairy, Environment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA Lab Supports State Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program

Posted on November 27, 2012 by CDFA Staff

Among the many partnerships CDFA maintains is a long-standing relationship with a sister agency, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The two agencies cross paths in a number of ways, including a system to test for pesticide residue on produce. DPR’s … Continue reading →

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Annual fertilizer conference tackles key issues, sets attendance record

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Rick Jensen, Director of Inspection Services

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Western Plant Health Association (WHPA) teamed up last week to present the 20th annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) conference in Modesto.  Based on attendance alone, it was a great success. … Continue reading →

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Food Day a time to look forward

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary

The return of Food Day, with its second annual observance scheduled for today, is a timely reminder of the important road ahead for our food supply. The world’s population is growing at such a rapid clip – from the current … Continue reading →

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Don’t forget to water the … bees!

Posted on September 28, 2012 by CDFA Staff

Beehives in Colusa County. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) operates 16 agricultural inspection stations along our state’s borders (interactive map here), and every year our vehicle inspectors stop thousands of plants, fruit, insects, pathogens and other suspicious … Continue reading →

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Fresno Bee – State Ag Board Tours Valley Water Bank

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/09/11/2988334/valley-water-bank-showcased.html Fresno County farmer Marvin Meyers is proud of the work he has done to develop a 3,000-acre water bank and wildlife project. And on Tuesday, he was able to show it off to members of the California State Board … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Conservation, Environment | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Drought Assistance; New Farmers Programs; Guidebook on Access To Capital – Partnership With USDA Continues To Provide Outstanding Benefits For California

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary

A key to success at the California Department of Food and Agriculture is great partnerships, and one of our most important ones is with the USDA. We share a mission, we share knowledge, and we share resources as we work … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Environment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

State Board of Food and Ag to focus on water at Sept. 11 meeting in Mendota

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-032 The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss a variety of water issues at its upcoming meeting on September 11, 2012. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spreckels Sugar Company … Continue reading →

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