Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Agricultural Education


Farm to School Month – CDFA celebrates statewide partners

In recognition of National Farm to School Month’s theme of “Rooted in Community: Growing Stronger, Together,” CDFA celebrates the community of individuals across all sectors, generations and interests – farmers, parents, students, advocates, teachers, food service workers and lawmakers – … Continue reading

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State Scientist Day at the Capitol: CDFA experts show students just how exciting a career in science can be

Scientists from CDFA’s Plant Pest Diagnostics Center and Division of Measurement Standards joined colleagues in state service to give students a day of science on the steps of the capitol. CDFA’s experts showed students live insect pests and pollinators, experiments … Continue reading

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Ag Day 2023 Photo Gallery: “Cultivating Community and Opportunity”

California’s annual celebration of agriculture returned to the (soggy) west steps of the State Capitol today, bringing together farmers, ranchers, agricultural enthusiasts and leaders around this year’s theme: “Cultivating Community & Opportunity.” Thanks to everyone who came out to share … Continue reading

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CDFA Undersecretary Birdsong applauds partnership as USDA announces funding for schools to purchase locally grown foods  

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong spoke at an event yesterday held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service at Waggoner Elementary School in Winters to announce the award of more than $23 … Continue reading

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Sacramento schools are giving kids farm-fresh meals – and California is following the lead – from the Sacramento Bee

By Benjy Egel Alfred Melbourne tromped through Three Sisters Gardens’ half-acre urban farm on a recent Friday morning dressed in black Ray-Ban sunglasses, cut-off shorts and a black tank top showing off his lean build and many tribal tattoos. Hummingbirds … Continue reading

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CDFA Launches Farm2Food Accelerator Program to Empower Small Business Growth for Women, Minorities, and Small-Scale Farms and Ranches

Applications are Open and Classes begin in November. Classes are also available in Spanish with bilingual instruction and curriculum. CDFA is partnering with the NASDA Foundation (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) to launch a Farm2Food Accelerator Program in … 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.

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Celebrating California Agriculture: Ag Day 2022 photo gallery

California’s annual celebration of agriculture returned to the west steps of the State Capitol today, bringing together farmers, ranchers and agricultural enthusiasts of all kinds to spread the word. Thanks to everyone who came out to share the bounty of … Continue reading

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CDFA partners with community colleges to launch export training program

CDFA is partnering with the State Center Community College District and the Fresno Center for International Trade Development to launch an export training program for California food and agriculture companies. This training program, focusing on new-to-export agricultural businesses, will help … Continue reading

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CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grantee Highlights

In continued celebration of October as National Farm to School Month, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) spotlights several of the 60 farm to school projects that received funding through the CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program … Continue reading

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