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Category Archives: AG Vision

December is Farm to Food Bank Month – Donations Make a Difference

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

As we launch our second annual Farm to Food Bank Month, I’m excited about the commitment and generosity of California’s farmers and ranchers to support our local communities and consumers with food donations. Nearly 1 in 9 individuals, or close … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Food Access, State Board of Food and Agriculture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross Among “Health Happens Hero” Award Recipients

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is among eight individuals recognized by the California Endowment as a “Health Happens Hero” for her work in promoting the use of California Grown products in school meals.  Connecting farms-to-schools, improving the nutritional health of school … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Food Access, Specialty Crops | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

California leads the way as organic agriculture spreads its wings from coast-to-coast

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

  The USDA has released its first-ever survey of organic farmers to determine that organic sales across the country in 2011 totaled more than $3.5 billion, with nearly 40 percent of that –almost $1.4 billion–coming from California.  The development is discussed further … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Baby Boomers passing baton to Millennials, with changes expected for food industry.

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

Findings from a joint study announced recently by Jeffries, a global investment bank, and AlixPartners, a global business advisory firm, suggest that demographic shifts between now and 2020 will drive significant changes in the food industry. The study, called Trouble in Aisle … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Community-based Food System, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

California agriculture leads the nation in funding for specialty crops

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-035 The United States Department of Agriculture announced funding today for the 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received more than $18 million out of the total $55 million awarded nationwide. The SCBGP provides grants to states to … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Specialty Crops | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Fresno Bee – State Ag Board Tours Valley Water Bank

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/09/11/2988334/valley-water-bank-showcased.html Fresno County farmer Marvin Meyers is proud of the work he has done to develop a 3,000-acre water bank and wildlife project. And on Tuesday, he was able to show it off to members of the California State Board … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Conservation, Environment | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Farm to School Programs Teach, Nourish

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I love visiting schools. When I see all those young faces I see the future – bright-eyed children who will be leading us in 20, 30 or 40 years. Those of us in positions of responsibility have an obligation to … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

State Board of Food and Ag to focus on water at Sept. 11 meeting in Mendota

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-032 The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss a variety of water issues at its upcoming meeting on September 11, 2012. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spreckels Sugar Company … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Environment | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Award-Winning European Grapevine Moth Eradication Program

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Dr. Robert Leavitt, Director, CDFA Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services

Several years ago, CDFA detected a new pest in California – the European grapevine moth, an invasive species that targets a number of plants, notably grapes. Because California is the leading grape producer in the country and one of the … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Invasive Species | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Fairs and Farmers are Key Partners with Local Food Banks

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

The success of food banks is based on relationships in local communities with individuals, faith-based organizations, retailers and food service businesses -just to name a few.  Additional partnerships with food producers and processors assist with sourcing local, fresh foods that can be … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Food Access | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment