Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: December 2013

Could California freeze be a good thing in Asian citrus psyllid fight? From Western Farm Press

By Todd Fichette Could the recent cold snap in California’s San Joaquin Valley have been just what the doctor ordered for citrus industry officials worried about discoveries of the Asian citrus psyllid? Only time will tell. A study published in … Continue reading

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Farm to Food Bank Month – Secretary Ross joins State Board of Food and Agriculture for visit to Northern California food bank

In recognition of December as Farm to Food Bank Month, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross today joined the California State Board of Food and Agriculture at California Emergency Foodlink, the nation’s largest food bank. The event highlighted food donation by farmers … Continue reading

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State-funded autopsies for backyard poultry a prudent investment for early disease detection – From the Stockton Record

By Reed Fujii If you keep animals and they die, state animal health experts will examine the remains and report on the cause of death. For a cow, pig or rabbit, the state laboratory charge is about $120. For small … Continue reading

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Turnips on the Moon? From National Public Radio

The hyper-local food trend is really big right now. And apparently, NASA wants to make sure astronauts don’t miss out. The agency recently announced plans to grow cress, turnips and basil on the moon. And to protect the plants from the harsh … Continue reading

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Growing California video series – The Beneficial Bean

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “The Beneficial Bean.”

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CDFA and growers work together to prepare for freezing temperatures

With freezing temperatures in the forecast this week for much of the Central Valley, concern is high for growers of commodities in the midst of harvest, or close to it, such as citrus and avocados. The California Department of Food … Continue reading

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Farm to Food Bank Month – Central Coast Farmers Give in Partnership with Ag Against Hunger

It is ironic that California produces the largest bounty of agricultural products consumed in the US, and yet, 4.7 million of our residents live in poverty and often don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. A solution to this … Continue reading

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