Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Trade


Research and coexistence essential to embrace opportunities of the future

The future outlook for agriculture is bright.  Food production will have to roughly double by 2050 in order to meet population projections.  And if we look where much of that growth is expected to occur–Asia–we know that California farmers and ranchers will have … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Change, Invasive Species, Trade | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Providing Export Opportunities for California Small Business

This November, foreign buyers from across Asia will travel to Oakland to participate in the ‘Taste of California’,  a mini-trade show and conference  that will highlight the best food products California has to offer. This two-day event will combine business meetings with … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Trade | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Thoughts on a Successful Trip and the Endless Opportunities for California Exporters

Our California trade delegation concluded our trip to Asia last week with a visit to Seoul, South Korea – the Land of the Morning Calm. This is an English translation of the meaning of Josean, a long reigning dynasty in … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Trade | 3 Comments

California Food in China – A Reputation for Safety and Quality

In the many meetings I’ve attended in Shanghai this week, one theme resonates over and over again – the excellent quality and food safety provided by California farmers and ranchers. California products have a strong reputation, which has helped generate more than … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Marketing, Specialty Crops, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Of Canadian geese, worker training and record-keeping – building a culture of food safety on the farm

Last week, a group of Canadian food writers and bloggers, accompanied by staff of the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA), toured two leafy greens fields and a processing facility in the Salinas area. The group was there … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Food Safety, Specialty Crops, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Truckee Border Inspection Station on Reno TV

CDFA’s border inspection station at Truckee was recently featured as the lead story on a Reno TV newscast. Many northern Nevada residents regularly drive through the station, which is one of many safeguards in California to protect natural resources and a food supply that helps … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Community-based Food System, Environment, Food Access, Invasive Species, Specialty Crops, Trade | 1 Comment

World Metrology Day 2012 Honors the “Weight of the World”

First things first: this blog post is about metrology, not meteorology. Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere and weather. Metrology is the science of measurement. Both are important sciences that impact our everyday lives, but in different ways. A little … Continue reading

Posted in Measurement Standards, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Still the People’s Agency 150 Years Later – Happy Birthday, USDA!

For producers and consumers of food, this is a sesquicentennial like no other. Two weeks ago, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Morrill Act, the single piece of legislation that laid the foundation for the modern … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Alternative Fuels, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Climate Change, Community-based Food System, Dairy, Environment, Farm Bill, Farmers' Markets, Food Access, Food Safety, Glassy-winged Sharpshooter, HLB, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Invasive Species, Pierce's Disease, Specialty Crops, Trade, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Singapore farmers inspire with innovation and commitment to community

In California, I have the opportunity to meet with farmers almost everyday, and it’s a point of pride that they are widely admired for their innovation and support of local communities. What was inspiring about my trip to Singapore, a … Continue reading

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

Ever thought about exporting? CDFA hosts new program to introduce California’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors to international trade

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in cooperation with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association and the California Centers for International Trade Development, will be hosting three seminars across the state to promote export services and encourage companies … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Trade | Tagged , | Leave a comment