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Category Archives: Specialty Crops

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

USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments … Continue reading →

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CA GROWN Offers Budget-Friendly Recipes That Won’t Break the (Food) Bank

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Budget-friendly recipes don’t have to be boring. If you’re looking for fresh and delicious cooking ideas, created with affordability in mind, California Grown’s got you covered. Every recipe developed by our friends at California Grown is designed to celebrate California’s … Continue reading →

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USDA announces aid for specialty crop farmers

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline is March 13 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar – commodities not covered through the previously announced … Continue reading →

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USDA Announces Disaster Assistance Funding, Expands Support for Specialty Crop Growers 

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the opening of Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), beginning November 24, 2025, expanding federal assistance to producers who suffered crop, tree, bush, or vine losses during the 2023–24 … Continue reading →

Posted in Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CDFA Launches Farm2Food Accelerator Program to Empower Small Business Growth for Women, Minorities, and Small-Scale Farms and Ranches

Posted on September 6, 2022 by Office of Public Affairs

Applications are Open and Classes begin in November. Classes are also available in Spanish with bilingual instruction and curriculum. CDFA is partnering with the NASDA Foundation (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) to launch a Farm2Food Accelerator Program in … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Community-based Food System, Specialty Crops | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross joined by former CDFA and USDA secretary Ann Veneman for grand opening of Central Valley Ag innovation center

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA secretary Karen Ross and former CDFA and USDA secretary Ann Veneman recently participated in the grand opening of the Sun World International Center for Innovation in the Kern County community of Wasco. The center is developing fruit varietals with … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Growing California, Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

USDA announcement for Commodity Container Assistance Program includes Port of Oakland

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Office of Public Affairs

From a USDA news release USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP), which currently includes a partnership with the Port of Oakland and the … Continue reading →

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CDFA helps ensure that California cherries meet industry standards and consumer expectations

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Office of Public Affairs

Did you know that CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection Program conducts cherry inspections at packing houses to help ensure that California cherries meet state and national standards? Packing houses are hard at work this month to get freshly-picked California cherries to … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Growing California, Specialty Crops, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment