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Category Archives: Climate Smart Agriculture

Executive Fellow Sarah Ansell Leaves Lasting Impact at CDFA

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA is proud to recognize Executive Fellow Sarah Ansell as she concludes a year of public service marked by leadership and a commitment to advancing California agriculture. From supporting the department’s climate initiatives and preparing Secretary Karen Ross for the … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment | Leave a comment

CDFA intern inspired by agriculture’s potential to be part of solution to climate crisis 

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

By Alanna Laverty, CDFA Intern As I prepare for my final year of undergraduate education, I am spending the summer interning for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). I am a Global Studies major at UC Santa Barbara … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Conservation, Environment | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Governor Newsom signs legislation securing permanent funding for nation-leading Farm to School Program championed by First Partner

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed SB 172, which permanently funds California’s nation-leading Farm to School Program, ensuring schools can continue serving students healthy meals made with California-grown ingredients. Championed by First … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Smart Agriculture, Community-based Food System, Farm to School, Food Access | Tagged | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross celebrates biological alternatives in agriculture at 2026 Salinas Biological Summit

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and CDFA staff attended the 2026 Salinas Biological Summit in Salinas June 23-24, joining attendees from around the world to discuss the transition of agriculture from traditional chemicals to biological alternatives, such as for pest management … Continue reading →

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment, Fertilizer, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), State Board of Food and Agriculture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

From Orchard to Classroom: Clendenen’s Cider Works Cultivates Community Through Local Food

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

For more than a century, Clendenen’s Cider Works has been rooted in Humboldt County agriculture. Today, Clif Clendenen carries on his family’s legacy by growing fresh apples, producing local cider, and embracing sustainable farming practices on his five-acre orchard. Through … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Conservation, Drought, Environment, Farm Labor, Farm to School, Food Access, Growing California, Healthy soils, Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture: Legislative Briefing

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California agriculture plays a substantial role in California’s climate adaptation efforts, with producers, researchers, and policymakers working together to build a more sustainable and resilient future. On April 30, California Department of Food and Agriculture Deputy Secretary for Climate and … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Smart Agriculture, Legislation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Women Farmers Shaping the Future: Luciana Jonkman’s Story 

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Sureena Johl

In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we’re honoring the women whose paths into agriculture were shaped not by tradition, but by curiosity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to learning. For Luciana Jonkman, a dairy farmer, consultant, and lifelong problem solver from Oakley, California, agriculture became a calling not because she was born into it, but because people along the way took the time to encourage her to explore different fields of study.  Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Smart Agriculture, International Year of the Woman Farmer | Leave a comment

Strengthening Partnerships with Punjabi American growers at the 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA’s Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division and Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability participated in the Punjabi American Growers Group’s 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera, connecting directly with growers to share resources on citrus health, sustainable farming, and climate‑resilience programs. Through initiatives such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, and methane reduction efforts, CDFA continues to support producers in improving water efficiency, strengthening soil health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building trusted relationships within California’s diverse agricultural communities. Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Smart Agriculture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

New Report: “CDFA’s Contributions to California’s Agricultural Excellence”

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture We work hard to make California a better place to live because of what we grow and how we grow it. At the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), we … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Food Access, Food Safety, Invasive Species, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

California Welcomes New Zealand Prime Minister to Highlight Partnerships on Climate and Energy

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins Governor Newsom to highlight partnerships on climate, energy and more CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined Governor Newsom and Cabinet colleagues last week in welcoming New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in San Francisco. New Zealand … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Trade | Leave a comment