Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: September 2014

Nation’s Ag Co-Ops Set Record for Annual Sales and Income – USDA News Release

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the nation’s farmer, rancher and fishery cooperatives set a new sales record in 2013, with total business volume of more than $246 billion. That surpasses the previous record, set in 2012, by $8 billion, … Continue reading

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New California Law to Boost Inspections at Farmers’ Markets – from the Los Angeles Times

By David Karp Bringing to fruition a decade-long campaign by farmers market stakeholders, on Friday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1871, which for the first time provides what supporters say is adequate funding to ensure that growers at certified farmers markets produce … Continue reading

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Drought’s impact on crops – from the Sacramento Bee

By Dale Kasler It’s harvest time in much of California, and the signs of drought are almost as abundant as the fruits and nuts and vegetables. One commodity after another is feeling the impact of the state’s epic water shortage. The great Sacramento … Continue reading

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Banned Books Week: CDFA Secretary Karen Ross reads from “The Grapes of Wrath”

Banned Books Week is September 21-27, 2014 To draw attention to the harms of censorship and celebrate the importance of free speech, the California State Library is hosting an online video “Read-Out” during Banned Book Week, September 21-27. Many books … Continue reading

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Statement from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on New Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture

The Obama Administration today announced the launch of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture, a new effort to promote greater international engagement on ways agriculture can help mitigate the impact of climate change. The announcement, during the United Nations … Continue reading

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El Dorado County Fair serves as key resource during King Fire

With the massive King Fire northeast of Placerville continuing to burn, the El Dorado County Fairgrounds continues its critical role as a nerve center for fire fighters as they work to gain the upper hand. The fairgrounds are serving as … Continue reading

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Big Fresno Fair looks to conserve water during upcoming run – from ABC-30, Fresno

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What’s Plantable? It’s the new gardening app from the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers

We farmers love our tractors, but if you had to pick an official “tool of the 21st century,” you’d probably put the “app” at the top of that list. Apps (mobile device software applications) are a great way to reach … Continue reading

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California school district rewrites menu for student lunches – Video from PBS

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Growing California video series – Ag in the Classroom

The latest segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Ag in the Classroom.” This video content is no longer available.

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