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Category Archives: Food Access

What’s in Season at U-Pick Farms Across the State? 

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California is a beautiful patchwork of mountains, beaches, valleys, and deserts. This remarkable diversity not only draws visitors from around the world but also makes California the most productive agricultural state in the nation. It’s the reason there’s always something … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Food Access, Growing California, Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | 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

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

Fort Bragg’s Farm to School Model of Success Offers Healthy Nutrition from Local Produce

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Fort Bragg Unified School District (FBUSD) in Mendocino County offers a farm to school model of success by connecting local food procurement, scratch-cooked meals and hands-on food education to foster lifelong habits of good nutrition to its students. Fort Bragg’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Farm to School, Food Access, Nutrition | 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

CDFA kicks off California State Employees Food Drive – Early!

Posted on November 1, 2025 by Office of Public Affairs

Every year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) leads the State Employees Food Drive, raising food, funds and awareness regarding hunger issues in our state. California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Food Access, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Building Farm to School Bridges at Long Beach Foodways Summit

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Office of Public Affairs
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CDFA joins State Employee Food Drive effort by volunteering at food bank

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Office of Public Affairs
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California Farm to School Conference celebrates champions building local, resilient food systems

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Office of Public Affairs

More than 300 school food leaders, farmers and educators joined California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross and the Alice Waters Institute at the 2023 California Farm to School Conference October … Continue reading →

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CDFA Undersecretary Birdsong applauds partnership as USDA announces funding for schools to purchase locally grown foods  

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Office of Public Affairs

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong spoke at an event yesterday held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service at Waggoner Elementary School in Winters to announce the award of more than $23 … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Food Access | Leave a comment