Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA
  1. CDFA Home
  2. Planting Seeds Blog
  3. Office of Public Affairs, Author at CDFA's Planting Seeds Blog - Page 2 of 312

Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

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

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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

Posted on June 2, 2026 by Office of Public 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 →

Posted in Legislation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on June 2, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Agricultural Education, CDFA Inspection Services, Community-based Food System, Environment, Farm to School, Food Access | Tagged | Leave a comment

Happy National Olive Day – June 1! 🫒🌞🌿

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Specialty Crops | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA Celebrates International Day of Biological Diversity 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

As we recognize the International Day for Biological Diversity, we’d like to highlight how our Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability is supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators through its Pollinator Habitat Program and its participation in the California Multi-Agency … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Center for Analytical Chemistry staff gain better appreciation of lab work through sampling ride-along

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) Food Safety Laboratories provide analytical services to the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) through analyzing various samples DPR staff take from the field. To observe firsthand the sampling techniques utilized by DPR, Food Safety Laboratory … Continue reading →

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, Center for Analytical Chemistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Secretary Karen Ross Celebrated as Anti-Hunger Champion at 2026 Food ACCESS Conference

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized today by the California Association of Food Banks as a 2026 Anti-Hunger Champion during the organization’s Food ACCESS Conference luncheon in Sacramento. Secretary Ross received the Anti-Hunger Champion Award … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment