Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: November 2011

A New Beginning – 21st Century Invasive Pest Management Symposium

On this day, about 200 people who care about farming, the environment and pest management issues are gathered at CSU Sacramento to begin a promising endeavor:a series of symposia designed to improve our shared understanding and approach to CDFA’s pest … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Environment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | Tagged , | 1 Comment

LA Times – California Farms Looking Greener Than Ever

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-california-ag-boom-20111124,0,7022738.story By Diana Marcum, Los Angeles Times Reporting from Fresno— As Californians savor their Thanksgiving feasts, the states’ farmers are especially thankful. California’s agriculture sector is on track for a record year, a rare bright spot in the state’s economy. … Continue reading

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California Watch – More Californians struggle to afford food

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/more-californians-struggle-afford-food-13730 November 28, 2011 | Bernice Yeung, California Watch On a recent November afternoon, Hermelinda Hernandez, who had spent 27 years packing cauliflower and cantaloupes from the farms of the Imperial Valley, found herself fourth in line for the monthly … Continue reading

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California Watch – Study disputes need to conserve farm water

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/study-disputes-need-conserve-farm-water-13777 November 29, 2011 | Tia Ghose, California Watch A new report suggests that California agriculture already uses water efficiently and disputes the notion that conservation could free up large amounts of water for other uses. Increasing water efficiency would … Continue reading

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CDFA and California Association of Food Banks promote farm-to-food bank donations

Agriculture is not just about farming, it’s about community. California’s farmers and ranchers contribute significantly to the health of our citizens and are vital partners in expanding food access to rural and urban communities. One in eight Americans – 37 million … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Community-based Food System, Food Access, State Board of Food and Agriculture | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Opinion from Minneapolis Star-Tribune – Which came first: factory chicken farm or egg demand?

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/otherviews/134428783.html Article by: NICOLE WYATT Updated: November 23, 2011 – 8:20 PM Factory farming may not be pretty, but we all need to take a step back, look at how we got here and try to understand the industry on … Continue reading

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From the LA Times – Alice Waters brings Chez Panisse experience to Beijing

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/22/world/la-fg-china-restaurant-20111123 November 22, 2011|By Barbara Demick, Los Angeles Times Reporting from Beijing — Here is a nightmare assignment for a restaurateur: Cook for 250 people using all-organic ingredients procured locally in a country infamous for its tainted food supply. Create … Continue reading

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A time to give thanks; a time for giving

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration – kicking off the holiday season with a comforting mix of family, food and sharing. As much as I look forward to and appreciate the festivities, I have long greeted the holiday with thoughts … Continue reading

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Holiday buyers urged to beware to protect against overcharges

As the holidays approach, shoppers scan advertisements, make lists, and hunt down the best bargains. There’s lots to shop for this time of year, and a variety of seemingly great deals. However, this is also a time for caveat emptor … Continue reading

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Holiday Spirit: Frozen Turkeys, Warm Hearts at CDFA

The back alley at CDFA headquarters hosted a parade of cars and trucks this morning, as drivers filed through to take part in the holiday “Turkey Drop.”  Chilly temperatures couldn’t keep folks away as the California Foodlink refrigerated truck steadily … Continue reading

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