Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: July 2026

CDFA invites stakeholders to give input for next round of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) invites you to participate in listening sessions for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These sessions are designed for specialty crop stakeholders to provide feedback to the SCBGP team ahead of … Continue reading

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Celebrating America’s 250th birthday and agriculture’s foundational place in it this Independence Day

From CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Happy 250th birthday America! As we celebrate our Nation’s founding, the California Department of Food and Agriculture offers a message of gratitude for the farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and all who work so hard to produce … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross recognizes Jay Van Rein for 25 years of service to CDFA

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross celebrated Jay Van Rein’s 30 years of state service during a recent ceremony for his retirement as acting director of the CDFA Office of Public Affairs. He worked 25 years for CDFA. “Jay’s thoughtful and artistic … Continue reading

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Protecting California Agriculture During Fourth of July Travel

As California moves into the Fourth of July travel period and into the summer — thousands of vehicles will be crossing into and through the state. That seasonal surge in travel makes one thing especially important: keeping invasive pests and … Continue reading

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