Category Archives: Specialty Crops

Growing California video series – Salad Bar Superstar

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Salad Bar Superstar,” a profile of Riverside Unified School District food service executive Rodney Taylor and the work he, the school district and local farmers … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Specialty Crops, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Growing California video series – “Third Generation Farmer”

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Third Generation Farmer,” a story about a Pajaro Valley berry grower.

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Growing California video series – “Chef’s Guide”

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Chef’s Guide,” a story about a farmer helping to educate local chefs.

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After the Freeze – CDFA Works to Assess Crop Damage

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Rick Jensen, Director of Inspection Services

Following a period of below-freezing temperatures in the Central Valley and other parts of California, CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services is working with growers and county agricultural commissioners to assess potential freeze damage to citrus fruit and avocados. There is … Continue reading →

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Aligning With New Proposed Federal Produce Safety Rules

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Scott Horsfall, CEO, Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement

Last Friday, January 4th, two years to the day after the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Obama, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new proposed produce rules. The produce rules will go a … Continue reading →

Posted in Food Safety, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Secretary Ross Among “Health Happens Hero” Award Recipients

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is among eight individuals recognized by the California Endowment as a “Health Happens Hero” for her work in promoting the use of California Grown products in school meals.  Connecting farms-to-schools, improving the nutritional health of school … Continue reading →

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California leads the way as organic agriculture spreads its wings from coast-to-coast

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

  The USDA has released its first-ever survey of organic farmers to determine that organic sales across the country in 2011 totaled more than $3.5 billion, with nearly 40 percent of that –almost $1.4 billion–coming from California.  The development is discussed further … Continue reading →

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CDFA to Offer Food Safety Training for California’s Small Farms

Posted on October 10, 2012 by CDFA Staff

California’s farmers are as diverse as the crops they grow. The safety of the food their farms produce is paramount. To make sure smaller farmers can take advantage of a comprehensive approach to food safety, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)  has developed resources … Continue reading →

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California agriculture leads the nation in funding for specialty crops

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-035 The United States Department of Agriculture announced funding today for the 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received more than $18 million out of the total $55 million awarded nationwide. The SCBGP provides grants to states to … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Specialty Crops | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Farm to School Programs Teach, Nourish

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary

I love visiting schools. When I see all those young faces I see the future – bright-eyed children who will be leading us in 20, 30 or 40 years. Those of us in positions of responsibility have an obligation to … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments