Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Climate Change


USDA Contributes to the Fifth National Climate Assessment, Highlighting Impacts on Ag, Forests and Rural Communities and Adaptation Needs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its important contributions to the Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA5) demonstrating a commitment to understanding and addressing the effects of climate change. “Our farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are on the … Continue reading

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California Announces Funding for Projects to Conserve Agricultural Land and Fight Climate Change

From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom Program has awarded $373 million to date, conserving more than 194,000 acres of agricultural land across California Grants prioritized for projects that benefit California Native American tribes, beginning farmers and ranchers, U.S. Military … Continue reading

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Climate smart ag collaboration between California and the Netherlands

California and the Netherlands continue their longstanding partnership on Climate Smart Agriculture, first established in 2015 with a visit by CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to the Netherlands. The two governments share opportunities for innovation within the food sector to reduce … Continue reading

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Report: Climate extremes compound the severity of California’s continuing drought

Estimated $2 billion in GDP and 19,414 jobs lost to drought in 2022 Any way you look at it – precipitation, temperature, the amount of stored water available – the past three years have been the driest period on record, … 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

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Drip-irrigation study sees 37 percent reduction in water use and five percent increase in yield

A new study suggests that drip irrigation for sweet corn can significantly conserve water, reduce fertilizer use and boost crop yield in the low desert of California – and likely in other areas of the state with similar conditions. Although … Continue reading

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Farmers On Drought: Nick Boldt – Stone Fruit, Reedley, CA

This summer, CDFA is asking farmers what this drought means for their farms, their families, and their ongoing efforts to reduce water use and improve efficiency. What does this drought mean for your farm? “In a normal year my farm … Continue reading

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State enlists commercial, industrial sectors in water conservation efforts

New Regulations Will Drive Down Commercial Water Use as Urban Residents and Farmers Cut Back Amid Historic Drought, Changing Climate From a California Natural Resources Agency news release As Californians continue efforts to reduce water use at homes and on … Continue reading

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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

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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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