Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

The latest installment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Small Potatoes.”  

By the Sacramento Bee Editorial Board Like so many other living things, Japanese beetles find California’s climate to be ideal, and they absolutely love the food, a little too much. These guests are unwanted, and worse, a threat. Fearing that … Continue reading →

The USDA has introduced the Can I Bring It web site to answer questions about items that travelers may carry into the U.S. and to reduce the risk of introducing dangerous stowaways – invasive species. The U.S. has laws that prohibit … Continue reading →

As communities across the Western United States struggle with one of the worst droughts in over a century, President Obama and his Administration are committed to doing everything they can to help the farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and communities facing … Continue reading →

  By Richard J. Sexton, Josué Medellín-Azuara, and Tina L. Saitone Food and beverage processing is the third largest manufacturing sector in California. In 2012 California’s food and beverage processing sector contributed $82 billion in value added to the California economy, … Continue reading →

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that incentives will resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which … Continue reading →

By Mark Bittman Just about everyone agrees that we need more farmers. Currently, nearly 30 percent are 65 or older, and fewer than 10 percent are under 35. The number of farmers is likely to fall further with continuing consolidation … Continue reading →