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Know Your Pests: Japanese Beetle

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Japanese Beetle

As part of our “Know Your Pests” series leading up to California’s Invasive Species Council summit on October 1-2 in Sacramento, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is highlighting invasive pests that Californians should know how to identify and what to do if they see or suspect one.

Knowing what to look for and reporting a suspected pest can help protect California agriculture, our communities and our natural resources.

Know it

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is an invasive insect that can feed on hundreds of species of plants. Adult beetles feed on plant leaves, flowers and fruit, while the larvae, or grubs, feed on plant roots in the soil. Japanese beetles can damage fruit trees, vineyards, berry crops, ornamental plants and turf.

Spot it

Adult Japanese beetles are about 3/8 inch long and have a distinctive metallic green body with copper-brown wing covers.

Look for adults feeding on leaves, flowers and fruit, particularly during the summer months. Feeding can cause a characteristic skeletonized appearance to leaves, with the tissue between the leaf veins eaten away.

Japanese beetle grubs live underground and feed on the roots of grasses and other plants.

Why it matters?

California works to keep Japanese beetle from becoming established because of the significant threat it poses to agriculture and the environment.

The beetle feeds on a wide range of crops and plants, including grapes, berries, tree fruit, nursery plants and ornamental vegetation. If established, Japanese beetle could cause significant damage to California’s agricultural commodities and natural resources.

CDFA is currently conducting Japanese beetle eradication and detection activities, including work in Sacramento and Placer County.

What to do?

Do you think you may have found a Japanese beetle?

Don’t move the insect or potentially infested plant material.

Take a photo, if possible, and report the suspected pest to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline:

1-800-491-1899

CDFA asks Californians to report insects they suspect could be Japanese beetles, as well as extensive beetle damage to lawns, roses, grapes, fruit trees and other plants.

Early detection and rapid response can help prevent invasive pests from becoming established and spreading.

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CDFA Food Safety Series: Food Safety Auditing Unit verifies food safety in the field

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
CDFA Food Safety Auditing Unit Supervisor Nancy Jauregui verifies cleaning and sanitization practices for harvest tools during a leafy greens audit.

California is committed to keeping our food safe. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, CDFA is sharing more information about the programs that help make sure food grown and processed in California is as safe as possible.

CDFA’s Food Safety Auditing Unit conducts a variety of food safety audits in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and commodity-specific groups. The audits include verifying food safety practices set by the requesting agency for growing, harvesting, packing and cooling activities.

These announced and unannounced audits double-check that producers and their employees are adhering to science-based protocols for food safety, such as procedures for equipment cleaning and use. These audits also provide buyers extra reassurance that they will be providing safe food for consumers to be able to purchase in California and beyond.

Food Safety Auditing Unit activities include:

  • Approximately 1,200 food safety audits per year
  • Food safety audits of leafy greens for members of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
  • Mandatory food safety audits of California-grown cantaloupes per direction of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board
  • USDA good agricultural practice (GAP) audits reviewing facilities, agronomic practices and documentation to help determine if GAPs and good handling practices are being maintained

Up Next: CDFA’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program samples livestock and poultry feed for a clean and wholesome supply of meat, milk and eggs

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Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee member Jaclyn Allen works to fight hunger and cultivate community

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.

Jaclyn Allen
The Hen’s Roost, Apple Core Project, Bakersfield

What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
I grew up FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H my whole life. I loved selling at the local fairs and competing and learning all things Ag in school. I think my career in Ag came from the long list of survival skills taught to us crazy country kids. 

Could you please describe your farming operation?
My farming operation comes from years of work in managing farmers’ markets and providing access to food to people all over Bakersfield. I started an urban farm for my nonprofit Apple Core Project Inc. That’s where the real work came in. We started feeding people in a neighborhood that struggles to have access and education around healthy, farm-fresh food. We are truly a farm to fork destination fighting hunger and cultivating community.

What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture is a huge part of my identity and a huge portion of my life; it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. I think the beauty of being a woman in Ag is holding that stewardess part close to my heart and truly battling the hunger epidemic smack dab in the breadbasket of the world. 

Why did you become a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, and what do your duties entail?
I became a part of the advisory committee to help protect and learn the intricacies of the system in charge of farmers’ markets. I am obsessed with our market community and I hope to do as much as humanly possible to protect them for as many generations to come. Learning about legislation and policies and also making sure my own community has those protections in place is critical to our longevity and survival.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
Dig in! Never stop or give up! We need you and we want to protect our agriculture and farms to continue to produce the best food in the world. 

Anything else you’d like to say?
Another amazing program I have had the pleasure to be involved in is the California Farm2Food Program. It has been the biggest asset to my value-added product line. I have made so many lasting connections and education on being a small CPG (consumer packaged goods) brand. The best part of being in Ag is the added programs available to the small producers. I appreciate the opportunities that still are available from our agriculture programs and the California Department of Food and Agriculture and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.  

CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on all matters pertaining to direct marketing of agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets, with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The committee comprises 14 members and their alternates who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, Certified Farmers’ Market operators or representatives of the operator, one public member and one county agricultural commissioner.

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CDFA Food Safety Series: Produce Safety Program Inspections and Trainings Facilitate Safe Food for California and the Nation

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
A CDFA Produce Safety Program inspector (front) conducts an inspection on a California farm to ensure regulations are being followed to help ensure a safe food supply for California and the nation.

California is committed to keeping our food safe. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, CDFA is sharing more information about the programs that help make sure food grown and processed in California is as safe as possible.

As presented in a previous CDFA Planting Seeds blog, our Produce Safety Program protects California food safety through conducting more than 2,770 on-farm inspections since 2019 and offering outreach and education. But what do these processes include?

PSP Farm Inspection Process

A CDFA Produce Safety Program (PSP) inspection, conducted under authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), starts with an inspector contacting a farm to confirm it is covered under the federal Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule (PSR). The inspector then asks questions about the timeframe of on-farm activities covered under the PSR (growing, harvesting, packing and holding of covered produce) to appropriately schedule an inspection.

A PSP inspection takes a systems-based approach, where inspectors observe as many farm activities as possible and ask numerous questions to better understand a farm’s processes and approaches to food safety at every step. Required inspection elements include: personnel qualifications and training; health and hygiene; agricultural water; biological soil amendments of animal origin; domesticated and wild animal intrusion; growing, harvesting, packing and holding activities; equipment, tools, buildings and sanitation; analytical methods used for testing; and records related to these topics.

Observing farm activities and conversations with the responsible personnel on the farm helps an inspector evaluate potential food-safety risks on the farm (including due to adjacent land use) and demonstrate the farm’s understanding of those risks, as well as measures taken to address them.

PSP Outreach and Education

To ensure farms covered by the Produce Safety Rule know with what food safety regulations they’re required to comply, they must have an individual employed on the farm who has completed an FDA-approved Produce Safety Rule Grower Training or equivalent course. PSP provides the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course to ensure California farmers are properly trained.

CDFA’s Produce Safety Program also offers non-regulatory On-Farm Readiness Reviews for small and very small farms to gain a better understanding of what to expect during a routine inspection. Visit PSP’s Educate webpage for more information.

For an extra level of outreach and education in helping farmers be compliant with the Produce Safety Rule, CDFA’s Technical Assistance Program offers outreach in multiple languages. Through an agreement with the University of California Cooperative Extension, advisors and community educators fluent in multiple languages further promote the success of small-scale farmers in following safe farming practices.

Through inspections, outreach, education and inspections, CDFA’s Produce Safety Program is proud to partner with California’s vibrant agriculture industry in providing safe food to California and the nation. 

Up Next: CDFA Food Safety Auditing Unit verifies food safety in the field

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Secretary Karen Ross Recognized for More Than 15 Years of Service to Agriculture

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
(Left) NASDA President Amanda Beal and (right) NASDA CEO Ted McKinney stand with NASDA 15+ Years of Service Honorees (L-R) Secretary Jeff Witte (New Mexico), Secretary Karen Ross (California), Commissioner Mike Strain (Louisiana) and Commissioner Doug Goehring (North Dakota).

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized for more than 15 years of service to agriculture during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (NASDA) inaugural Years of Service Ceremony at its 2026 annual meeting in Portland, Maine.

Secretary Ross was among five state agriculture leaders recognized in the 15+ Years of Service category. The inaugural ceremony recognized 14 NASDA members for dedication to their states and to NASDA, including three members with more than 20 years of service, five with at least 15 years and six with at least 10 years.

“Having served in these roles over 10, 20 to nearly 30 years, adds up to countless hours members have worked day-in and day-out with farmers to find the best ways to innovate how we grow our food and fiber, care for our environment and support local communities in good times and hard times,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.

In addition, Secretary Ross was recognized and congratulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for her efforts in food safety. This was her final meeting as the NASDA Food Systems and Nutrition Chair. During the meeting, FDA Human Foods Program Assistant Commissioner for Integrated Food Safety Systems Erik P. Mettler recognized Secretary Ross in three outstanding areas of achievement, including building partnerships, building excellence in achieving the integrated food systems being strived for at the national level, and the most recent recognition at the FDA — having an impact from a public health perspective on every American.

McKinney also recognized the honorees’ contributions beyond their work with farmers, ranchers and food producers, noting their experience and expertise have helped NASDA work on federal regulations and policies affecting American agriculture.

Secretary Ross has served as Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture since 2011, when she was initially appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. She was reappointed in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Throughout her tenure, Secretary Ross has worked with farmers, ranchers, agricultural organizations, government agencies and other partners on issues affecting California agriculture. Her work at CDFA has included a focus on environmental stewardship, climate change adaptation, trade and strengthening opportunities for California agriculture.

She has also emphasized the importance of collaboration across agriculture and government as California works to protect and promote its food and agricultural system.

Secretary Ross’s recognition by NASDA highlights more than a decade and a half of service and collaboration on behalf of agriculture in California and across the nation.

NASDA has convened the nation’s state agriculture commissioners, secretaries and directors for more than 100 years, serving as a unified voice on important agricultural issues representing all 50 states and four U.S. territories. Going forward, NASDA plans to recognize members for their years of service, from 10 years to more than 25 years.

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CDFA Food Safety Series: Produce Safety Program Protecting California Food Safety through 2,770 On-Farm Inspections since 2019

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California is committed to keeping our food safe. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, CDFA will be sharing more information about the programs that help make sure food grown and processed in California is as safe as possible.

California plays a major role in feeding the nation. We grow about half of the country’s vegetables and three‑quarters of its fruits and nuts. Because of this, CDFA takes food safety seriously. Our responsibility is to make sure the food produced here meets the highest standards, and we hold ourselves accountable to those expectations.

One of the key programs leading this work is CDFA’s Produce Safety Program (PSP). Created in 2017 through an ongoing partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), PSP supports California farmers in meeting the requirements of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

About the Produce Safety Rule

FSMA, passed in 2011, marked the nation’s first major produce safety law. It shifted food safety efforts from reacting to problems to preventing them. In 2015, FDA finalized the Produce Safety Rule, which established basic national standards for how fruits and vegetables should be grown, harvested, packed and stored. When the rule took effect in 2017, California created the Produce Safety Program to help farmers meet these new requirements.

About the Produce Safety Program

Under its cooperative agreement with FDA, the Produce Safety Program carries out several important responsibilities. One of the biggest responsibilities is on-farm inspections. These inspections are meant to ensure farms are compliant with all the harvesting, packaging and storing requirements from the federal Produce Safety Rule.

The Produce Safety Program also supports farmers and farmworkers through hands-on training. These sessions teach simple, practical steps, like safe irrigation and good hygiene practices, that help prevent accidental contamination.

For smaller or newer farms preparing for their first inspection, PSP offers On-Farm Readiness Reviews, giving growers a chance to ask questions and feel confident before the official visit. PSP also provides technical assistance through its partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension, ensuring farmers have trusted experts they can turn to.

This layered system of training, guidance and support helps farmers and their communities work together to keep food safe at every stage, from growing and handling to harvesting and packaging.

Since 2019, PSP has conducted more than 2,770 farm inspections, offered 665 Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training courses and completed over 190 On-Farm Readiness Reviews for small farms that are about to be inspected. The program has become a national model in helping farms grow, harvest and pack produce safely. Through these efforts, CDFA works every day to help ensure the produce grown in California is safe for everyone.

Up Next: Produce Safety Program – Farm Inspections and Trainings

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CDFA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2026: Isabel Rosas’ Journey in Agriculture

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)

During National Hispanic Heritage Month and International Year of the Woman Farmer, the story of Isabel Rosas is a reminder of the many paths that can lead people to California agriculture. For someone who once said she would never become a farmer, agriculture ultimately became a way to build a business, grow organic food and give back to the community she calls home.

For Isabel Rosas, agriculture was always part of her story, but becoming a farmer wasn’t always part of the plan.

Born in Mexico, Isabel moved to California with her parents when she was 2 years old. She grew up watching them work in agriculture from sunrise to sunset.

“I saw my parents working from sunrise to sunset in agriculture,” Isabel said. “And it was something I didn’t like, because I didn’t want to work from sunrise to sunset.”

Her childhood experience led her to make a decision: she would never work in agriculture.

But life had other plans.

Finding a new path in agriculture

Before becoming a farmer, Isabel worked in an office. Then she married someone who had spent much of his life working in agriculture and who introduced her to the idea of organic farming.

Today, their farm grows a variety of vegetables and strawberries, including broccolini, baby broccoli, celery, lettuce, chard and kale.

For Isabel, farming is about more than growing crops. It is also about being connected to the community where she grew up. She is deeply focused on getting healthy food into the hands of local students and families. By working to distribute her produce to schools and donating organic vegetables, she is helping ensure that young people have access to nourishing, fresh food.

A farmer’s work takes passion

Isabel knows firsthand that farming is not easy. Farmers face challenges from the weather, including heat, cold, drought and rain. Equipment and labor can also make farming difficult. “It’s difficult for farmers to be farmers,” Isabel said.

But despite those challenges, she and her husband continue to farm because they love what they do.

“I say that you have to like farming to keep doing it,” she said. “It’s something we enjoy doing.”

Today, through Dream Farm, Isabel is growing more than vegetables—she’s growing a connection between her farm and the next generation.

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Know Your Pests: Asian Citrus Psyllid & Huanglongbing

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing

As part of our “Know Your Pests” series leading up to California’s Invasive Species Council summit on October 1-2 in Sacramento, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is highlighting invasive pests and diseases that Californians should be aware of, and providing information on how to report any suspect pests.

Knowing what to look for and reporting a suspect pest can help protect California agriculture and our communities.

Know it

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a small, invasive insect that feeds on citrus trees and their relatives. More importantly, ACP can spread Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, a devastating bacterial disease of citrus.

When an ACP feeds on an infected tree, it can acquire the bacteria that cause HLB and transmit the disease to other citrus trees as it feeds.

HLB is a death sentence for citrus! HLB affects all citrus varieties and causes infected trees to decline and eventually die.

Spot it

Adult Asian citrus psyllids are about 3 to 4 millimeters long, with a light brown head and mottled brown body. They have broad, mottled wings and may appear dusty because of a whitish waxy coating. Adults feed with their head down at a 45-degree angle.

Look for psyllids and their yellowish-orange nymphs on new citrus growth.

HLB can be difficult to detect because symptoms may take months or years to appear.

Signs of HLB can include blotchy, asymmetrical yellowing of leaves, yellow shoots or branches, fruit that remains partially green and may be misshapen or have an uneven color and rancid taste

Why it matters?

California is the number one producer of domestic citrus and is working to keep ACP and HLB from spreading because of the significant threat they pose to California’s citrus industry, backyard citrus trees and natural resources.

HLB is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus worldwide. Once a citrus tree is infected, there is no cure, and infected trees decline over time.

California has an active ACP/HLB prevention, detection and response program, including quarantines and treatment activities in areas where ACP and HLB have been detected.

What to do?

Do you think you may have found an Asian citrus psyllid or a citrus tree showing signs of HLB?

  • Don’t move the insect, citrus plant material or potentially infested plants.
  • Take a photo, if possible, and report the suspected pest or disease to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899 or at Californiacitrusthreat.org
  • CDFA asks Californians to report suspected Asian citrus psyllids, as well as citrus trees showing unusual symptoms such as blotchy yellow leaves, yellow shoots or misshapen, poorly colored fruit.
  • Do not move citrus plants or fruit. Moving citrus can unknowingly and artificially spread ACP and HLB to new areas.

Early detection and rapid response can help protect California’s citrus industry and prevent the spread of this devastating disease.

Learn more about Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing:

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Know Your Pests: Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (GWSS)

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Glassy-winged Sharpshooter

As part of our “Know Your Pests” series leading up to California’s Invasive Species Council summit on October 1-2 in Sacramento, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is highlighting invasive pests and species that Californians should be aware of, and CDFA is also providing information on how to report any suspect pests.

Knowing what to look for and reporting a suspected pest or invasive species can help protect California’s agriculture, communities and natural resources.

Know it

The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) is an invasive insect that feeds on a wide variety of plants.

GWSS is especially concerning because it can spread serious plant diseases, including Pierce’s disease, which kills grapevines. The pest can be very hard and expensive to control, which is why it’s critical to stop it from spreading beyond Southern California and the southern San Joaquin Valley.

Earlier this year, GWSS was found on grapevines and desert willows sold at select Costco locations, triggering immediate and widespread containment efforts by CDFA and county agricultural commissioners throughout Northern California. Officials are responding to public reports, conducting inspections and public outreach and trapping near stores and locations where purchased plants were taken. These efforts help contain infested plants to prevent GWSS from spreading.

Note: Contact Your Local County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Right Away. Anyone who purchased these vines should contact their local agricultural commissioner immediately. To prevent the potential spread of the pest, CDFA officials urge customers to immediately contact their county agricultural commissioner.

Spot it

Adult GWSS are about one-half inch long and are dark brown to black with yellow or cream-colored spots on the head and back. Their wings are transparent with prominent dark brown/black to reddish-brown veins, and appear somewhat smoky or glassy, giving the insect its common name.

GWSS can be found on a wide variety of plants, including grapes, citrus, stone fruit, oleander, Crape myrtle, privet and other crops, landscape plants and shade trees. Look for the insect on plant stems and leaves.

Why it matters?

GWSS poses a significant threat to California vineyards and crops because it spreads serious plant diseases.

GWSS can also make a mess around homes and neighborhoods.  When feeding, it leaves sticky liquid that dries white on plants, fruits, cars, patios and other outdoor surfaces.

Keeping GWSS out of new areas is much easier and less costly than eliminating it after it becomes established. CDFA’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program helps prevent the spread of GWSS through trapping, inspections and treatments in urban areas and nurseries; nursery shipment safeguards; bulk citrus inspections; biological control; and rapid response when GWSS is found in new areas.

What to do?

Do you think you may have found GWSS?

Don’t move the insect or plants.

Take a photo, if possible, and report the suspected pest to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899

You can help stop the spread of GWSS by not moving plants in or out of your area and buying plants locally from licensed nurseries or retailers.

Protect your neighborhood by allowing agricultural crews to access your property for trapping, inspections and treatment, if needed.

Learn more about GWSS:

CDFA Pierce’s Disease Control Program

Learn more about California’s Invasive Species Council and the upcoming summit:

California Invasive Species Council, October 1-2 in Sacramento. Register now!

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California and the Australian state of Queensland ink new partnership to accelerate climate resilience, agricultural technology, and innovation

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

News Release from the Office of the Governor

What you need to know: California and Queensland are developing a new partnership to advance agricultural innovation and climate resilience

SACRAMENTO – California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and representatives from Governor Newsom’s administration recently welcomed Premier and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli, Member of Parliament for the Government of Queensland, Australia, to ink a new memorandum of cooperation focused on agricultural innovation, biotechnology, and productivity.

As world leaders in agricultural production, Queensland and California are deepening opportunities to advance climate action on working lands and further innovation in agricultural technology and farm productivity.

Pictured, L-R – CDFA Acting Undersecretary Joshua Eddy; Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli; Tanya Bennett, Australian Consul-General in Los Angeles.

Australia and Queensland are not only important partners for California, but share similar ambitions on climate, agriculture, and trade. This partnership provides the foundation for California and Queensland to leverage opportunities for our respective economies and further resilience on our working lands.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

The historic visit marks a new chapter in the partnership between California and Queensland. The partnership will collaborate on agricultural innovation, biotechnology and productivity through cooperation on: 

  • Research and innovation
  • Commercialization and industry engagement 
  • Trade, investment and market development 
  • Skills and capability development 
  • Government collaboration

Under this partnership, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries will create an action plan to implement the objectives of the memorandum of cooperation. 

In California, this memorandum of cooperation aligns with the state’s investment in the Jobs First California AgTech Alliance and the Farms, Food, Future (F3) initiative. The state’s AgTech Alliance brings together founders, growers, and industry leaders to scale proven technologies, create career pathways for agricultural workers, and strengthen regional partnerships. F3 is supporting agriculture in California’s Central Valley by developing new ag technology, enhancing sustainable farming practices, and supporting workforce development. Together, these complementary initiatives enhance innovation, ag tech, and workforce development across the state.

In Queensland, the government has launched the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, a $AU30 million investment fund to advance long-term agricultural production by supporting commercially focused innovation.

The visit also marked California and Queensland’s shared commitment to supporting the success of the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As hosts to back-to-back Games, California and Queensland have a unique opportunity to deepen our partnership, share best practices, and build a lasting legacy that extends well beyond 2032.

How we got here

California has long been a key player on the international stage — from taking joint action on climate change to identifying new pathways and partnerships for sustained economic growth. During the Newsom Administration alone, California has formed over 70 international partnerships that lay critical groundwork for our continued economic success, while prioritizing workers and businesses that benefit from these new opportunities.

Golden State and global partnerships 

  • United Kingdom (2026): California and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development together. The memorandum of understanding builds on an already strong history of cooperation, and focuses on areas for collaboration including clean energy technologies, climate resilience, decarbonizing transportation, and protecting the natural environment. 
  • Chile (2025): California and Chile signed a memorandum of understanding  regarding exchanging information, developing best practices, and cooperating on methane emissions reduction. Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, and the partnership between California and Chile opens up new opportunities for both partners to cooperate on methane reduction in waste, agriculture, and energy sectors.
  • Colombia (2025): California and Colombia signed a partnership to advance joint efforts on forest conservation, methane reduction, climate resilience, and clean energy development. The memorandum of understanding deepens coordination on protecting the Amazon, strengthening biodiversity, and expanding nature-based climate solutions that support sustainable and equitable economic growth.
  • Nigeria (2025): California signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria on sustainable urban transportation, green ports, low-carbon transportation fuels, climate adaptation, methane detection and abatement policies, greenhouse gas emissions and air quality, and academic exchange and university partnerships. The partnership will build upon our shared commitment to sustainable growth, accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation, and expand opportunities for the next generation.
  • Brazil (2025): California signed a memorandum of understanding with the Brazilian federal government to scale up cooperation on climate, clean energy, cutting pollution, and job-creating climate opportunities. This new partnership, announced in September 2025, will advance market-based carbon pricing programs, expand clean transportation, including zero-emission vehicles and low-carbon fuels, and strengthen air quality management through enhanced monitoring and regulatory controls. The partnership also focuses on conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030, including nature-based solutions and biodiversity protection. In 2025, California also advanced a partnership with the State of Pará to strengthen cooperation on wildfire prevention and response — enhancing forest monitoring, identifying areas most at risk, and sharing research and expertise to improve firefighting and emergency management. 
  • Kenya (2025): California signed a partnership focused on cutting pollution and supporting trade. The partnership advances medium- and long-term low-carbon development, policy research, development, and innovation in sustainable land use and urban planning that reduces long commutes and urban sprawl, while promoting integrated land use and transport systems. 
  • Noord-Holland (2024): California and Noord-Holland signed a Letter of Intent advancing next-generation air mobility — from drones to zero-emission aircraft. Joint innovation missions are producing pilot projects that inform California’s Advanced Air Mobility Implementation Plan and readiness for major global events.
  • Australia (2023): California signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australia that helped inform the country’s first-ever vehicle emissions standards through input from the California Air Resources Board. The California Public Utilities Commission and California ISO have also advised Australia on electricity market reform to better align incentives for renewable energy.
  • British Columbia (2023): California and British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual wildfire assistance that is delivering results. British Columbia sent incident management experts to support California’s Palisades Fire in 2025, while CAL FIRE deployed personnel during British Columbia’s 2025 fire season. These exchanges established a lasting framework for cross-border wildfire support.
  • China (2023): California signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu, and the municipalities of Beijing and Shanghai to advance cooperation in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and developing clean energy.
  • Denmark (2021): California and Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on groundwater mapping, leak detection, and water efficiency, which has modernized California’s data systems and informed key state programs, like the Airborne Electromagnetic Survey. Danish technologies and expertise have helped strengthen drought and water-supply resilience statewide.
  • Mexico (Baja California & Sonora): California signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora to advance zero-emission freight corridors, clean ports, and battery manufacturing — strengthening North American supply chains and workforce readiness. Joint forums have already produced new research collaborations and training programs advancing clean-tech.
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