Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

USDA announces record growth in organic producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a significant increase in the number of certified organic operations, continuing the trend of double digit growth in the organic sector. According to new data, there are now 21,781 certified organic operations … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross discusses trade and climate change in Vietnam

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is in Vietnam this week as part of a delegation of the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), a non-profit formed in 1980 by the 13 western state departments of agriculture as well as the … Continue reading

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CA State Fair announces 2016 award winners for agriculture, technology

The California State Fair has announced the recipients of its prestigious awards, including Agriculturalist of the Year. The State Fair annually recognizes the accomplishments and service of key individuals or organizations through a series of awards that are publicly recognized … Continue reading

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Snowpack survey finds Sierra Nevada at 95 percent of normal, but drought endures – from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune

By Steve Scauzillo When Frank Gehrke trudged up to Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on Wednesday he found what was missing at this time last year: Snow. The annual spring snowpack survey conducted by Gehrke for the California Department … Continue reading

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Shasta Lake, then and now

Note – The Department of Water Resources’ latest snow survey results are expected later today.  

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CDFA grant for lettuce-growing study using less nitrogen – from Western Farm Press

A plant science professor at Cal Poly Pomona received a $416,343 state grant (A CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant) to study how to grow lettuce with less nitrogen fertilizer and water. Professor David Still said the grant will help him … Continue reading

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$7 million in sustainable groundwater grants announced by state

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced it is awarding 21 counties a total of $6.7 million in grants to help with sustainable groundwater planning. The Proposition 1 Sustainable Groundwater Planning Grant Program provides funding for county projects that … Continue reading

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USDA video campaign on soil health

Link to more USDA public service announcements on soil health Link to USDA “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil” page

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CDFA part of award-winning team in 2015 Our Promise campaign

California State Government’s Our Promise campaign, an opportunity for all state employees to practice charitable giving at work, is coming off a successful 2015 campaign that saw 37,000 employees contribute more than $6.2 million in assistance. Each year Our Promise … Continue reading

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UC Davis Vet School Ranked #1 in world again

The University of California, Davis, held onto its top spot in veterinary science in the latest QS World University Rankings released today. As the No. 1 university in veterinary science, UC Davis is renowned for applying a “One Health” approach … Continue reading

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