Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Environment


Farmers and Central Valley water district work to provide monarch butterfly habitat

By Patricia Bohls, CDFA Biodiversity Coordinator Monarch butterflies and their host plant, milkweeds, have historically been prevalent throughout California. In recent decades the monarch population has significantly declined, and the population is now a fraction of its size compared to … Continue reading

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross discusses climate smart, resilient and regenerative food systems with New Zealand’s Minister of Agriculture

On Tuesday, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and State Board of Food and Agriculture President Don Cameron met with New Zealand Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor to discuss a variety of agricultural issues related to climate and trade. The meeting also … Continue reading

Posted in Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment, Healthy soils, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Trade | Leave a comment

Farms, floodplains, flyways: Drought impacts, opportunities in the Sacramento Valley

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UC Study — drought to cause more than $1.3 billion in losses in Sacramento Valley

A University of California economic study projects that 2022 drought impacts to farm production are likely to cause a loss of about 14,300 jobs and an economic loss of about $1.315 billion in the Sacramento Valley, which is the part … Continue reading

Posted in Drought, Environment, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

CDFA Border Stations helping to prevent risk of invasive mussel infestation during boating season

Once again, CDFA is partnering with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, and the Department of Water Resources to help prevent invasive quagga and zebra mussels from entering California. Staff at CDFA Border Inspection Stations are … Continue reading

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Video — Eggs, dairy and regenerative farming

Through regenerative farming practices, Alexandre Family Farm achieves sustainable water conservation goals in its production of eggs and dairy products. Located in Northern California’s Humboldt and Del Norte counties, the farm also focuses on healthy soils.

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Climate Smart Agriculture, Conservation, Dairy, Drought, Environment | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

International Webinar on Dairy Methane Reduction Programs and Climate Smart Agriculture with California, Netherlands and Denmark

Join CDFA and the Governments of Denmark and the Netherlands The State of California, Denmark and the Netherlands are all actively working to reduce methane gas emissions, capture methane gas from dairy operations, and utilize that gas as a renewable … Continue reading

Posted in Cannella Panel, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Conservation, Dairy, Environment, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Applications due March 1 for FARMER funding to upgrade agricultural trucks, equipment, reduce pollution

$4.65 million available — across 18 California air districts — for purchase of cleaner agricultural trucks, pump engines, tractors and more From the California Air Resources Board Funds to replace old agricultural equipment and vehicles are now available for 18 … Continue reading

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2019 in Review: Climate Smart Agriculture

Visit CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming Innovation website for more information.

Posted in Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment, Healthy soils, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

To Break Bread, We Need Water

Throughout the country, those who grow our food are grappling with water in changing climate. By Page Buono Water connects us across generations, cultures, geographies. And, though we may often forget, water also connects us across tables. We need water. … Continue reading

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