Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: June 2026

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Opened the 16th World Processing Tomato Congress in Monterey

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross delivered the opening keynote address at the 16th World Processing Tomato Congress, held in Monterey, California. The biennial World Processing Tomato Congress brought together more than 400 delegates from over … Continue reading

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During California Invasive Species Action Week 2026, CDFA and Growers Team Up Against Broomrape

June 6-14 is California Invasive Species Action Week! Today, we’re talking about an invasive, parasitic plant called broomrape. Like so many others, it is a threat not just to agricultural crops like tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers and beans, but also to … Continue reading

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CDFA Urges the Public to Protect California’s Citrus from Invasive Pests

This California Invasive Species Action Week 2026, California residents are being urged to act against invasive pests that threaten our state’s natural resources. From the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) to invasive fruit fly species, there are several invasive pests that … Continue reading

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Update: New World Screwworm detected in Texas, New Mexico; California remains clear 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the New World Screwworm – an invasive, destructive parasite – has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, marking the the pest’s first incursion into the United States since it was successfully eradicated in the … Continue reading

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CDFA welcomes the appointment of Carney King as Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs

Carney King has been appointed the Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. King has been CDFA’s Legislative Manager since 2025, and came to the department after a distinguished career in the US Army … Continue reading

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Farm to School benefits small farms like Old Grove Orange in Redlands

Farm to school programming provides the consistent demand needed to sustain local small farmers who take pride in benefitting student health and the local economy.  “Small farmers need to adapt to survive!” said fifth-generation farmer Anna Knight of Old Grove … Continue reading

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Happy National Olive Day – June 1! 🫒🌞🌿

Today, we celebrate one of California’s iconic crops and the people who make it possible. California leads the nation in olive production, thanks to its favorable climate, fertile growing regions, and the hard work of dedicated growers and farmworkers. A … Continue reading

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USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers

Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments … Continue reading

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