Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: March 2015

California fairs on display at State Capitol

The California Department of Food & Agriculture’s Division of Fairs and Expositions is proud to feature a California Fairs Exhibit at the California State Capitol March 30th-April 3rd. The exhibit features information on the network of California Fairs and 2015 … Continue reading

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More than $1.6 million for California as USDA announces grants for childhood obesity prevention programs

The USDA has awarded $9 million in grants to develop childhood obesity intervention programs through colleges and universities in 12 states and Puerto Rico. The grants are funded through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), the flagship competitive grant … Continue reading

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Governor Brown signs $1 billion emergency drought package

Moving swiftly to help communities cope with California’s devastating drought and the ongoing effects of climate change, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed emergency legislation – AB 91 and AB 92 – that fast-tracks more than $1 billion in … Continue reading

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Soil Health – a conversation between Secretary Ross and “Sammy Soil”

The theme of California Ag Day at the State Capitol last week was “Breaking New Ground,” with soil health a key focal point. During the event, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross took a moment to discuss the issue with “Sammy Soil,” … Continue reading

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US honey production up 19 percent – from the USDA

United States honey production in 2014 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 178 million pounds, up 19 percent from 2013, according to information compiled by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). There were 2.74 million colonies producing honey in … Continue reading

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State Food and Ag Board President takes water-saving measures on walnut farm – from KXTV

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Video – a look back at Ag Day 2015

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Governor Brown, legislative leaders announce $1 billion emergency drought package

SACRAMENTO – Mobilizing state resources to face another year of extreme dry conditions, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today joined Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, and Republican Leaders Senator Bob Huff and Assemblymember Kristin … Continue reading

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USDA provides $57.9 million to protect agriculture and plants from pests and diseases

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $57.9 million in funding, provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), to support project suggestions from across the country to prevent the introduction or spread of plant … Continue reading

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Ag Day 2015: A beautiful day to be a farmer

California’s agricultural community gathered today on the west steps of the State Capitol to show, see and share the bounty of our state’s farmers and ranchers. It was a perfect day for such a celebration (although to be perfectly honest, … Continue reading

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