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Category Archives: Specialty Crops

California Organic Products Advisory Committee Co-Chair Erin Raser takes pride in ensuring organic voices are heard

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of co-chair of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC). Erin RaserDirector of Operations … Continue reading →

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment, Farmers' Markets, Growing California, International Year of the Woman Farmer, Organic agriculture, Specialty Crops | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CDFA hosts fresh fruit importers from Mexico

Posted on September 29, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Last week, CDFA in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico hosted a delegation of fresh fruit importers and retailers to visit orchard and packing operations, as well engage in educational programing focusing on food safety and post-harvest handling.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, CDFA Inspection Services, Specialty Crops, Trade | Tagged | Leave a comment

Celebrating California Potatoes on National Potato Day – August 19

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

August 19 is National Potato Day — a time to celebrate one of California’s agricultural crops and the people who help bring it from the field to our tables. In 2025, California potato growers harvested approximately 455,000 tons of potatoes … Continue reading →

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CDFA celebrates a nutritional super fruit this National Avocado Day!

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Happy National Avocado Day! California is the nation’s leader in avocado production, harvesting 170,000 tons in 2025! According to the 2023-24 California Agricultural Statistics Review, California producers represent 96% of the U.S. market, with 47,600 acres dedicated to growing these … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Specialty Crops | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA invites stakeholders to give input for next round of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Posted on July 7, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) invites you to participate in listening sessions for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These sessions are designed for specialty crop stakeholders to provide feedback to the SCBGP team ahead of … Continue reading →

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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 →

Posted in Specialty Crops, Trade | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment