Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: June 2018

Grill like a pro! Food safety tips for the holiday period

  July 4 is right around the corner and for the estimated 80 percent of households that own grills or smokers, that means one thing – barbeques.  Grill masters can make sure they don’t leave their diners with a nasty … Continue reading

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State Budget for 2018-‘19 includes $671.7 million for CDFA

The $201.3 billion 2018-‘19 state budget signed yesterday by Governor Brown includes $671.7 million for CDFA. “This is a budget that is focused on the challenges and opportunities in the future for California agriculture,” said CDFA secretary Karen Ross. ” … Continue reading

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CDFA, NRCS and Ag Council come together for healthy soils tour

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross recently joined growers, industry representatives and partners from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a healthy soils tour in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The goal of the event was to bring together various stakeholders … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross, USDA secretary Perdue cross paths in Chicago

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A look at the plastics problem; tips for recycling food containers – from Modern Farmer

Recycling plastic is a no-brainer these days. Theoretically, it should be pretty easy. Use up the product, rinse out the container, toss it in the recycling bin. Voila! Off it goes to its inevitable reincarnation. Simple, right? Not so fast. … Continue reading

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CDFA-funded dairy digester project by Calgren Dairy Fuels wins industry award

Funded by California Climate Investments, CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) provides financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters in California, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. To date, CDFA has awarded $8.2 million to six DDRDP … Continue reading

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The internet of cows arrives in Canada – from Huddle

By Ross Marowitz, The Canadian Press Generations of farmers have relied on knowledge and family expertise to grow food, but the sector is set for a surge of disruption at the hands of made−in−Canada artificial intelligence−powered systems. AI is now helping farmers across the country … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross Celebrates Winners of the California State Fair Best of Show Awards

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross joined representatives of the California State Fair on the State Capitol’s west steps earlier today to recognize the Best of Show winners from the 2018 Commercial Wine, Beer, Cheese, and Extra Virgin Olive … Continue reading

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As carbon dioxide levels rise, major crops are losing nutrients – from NPR

By Merritt Kennedy Plants need carbon dioxide to live, but its effects on them are complicated. As the level of carbon dioxide in the air continues to rise because of human activity, scientists are trying to pin down how the … Continue reading

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CDFA joins California Citrus Mutual at third annual Citrus Stride

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined members of the public, citrus farmers and food bank advocates today at the State Capitol to celebrate the third annual Citrus Stride – a one mile walk around Capitol Park to raise awareness about hunger and celebrate the positive impact … Continue reading

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