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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 Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports.

Specialty crop producers have until March 13, 2026, to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by FSA.

ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of March. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF Program.

A list of eligible specialty crops and more information on ASCF is available online at www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or producers can contact their local FSA county office.

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

CDFA Supports Spay and Neuter Awareness Month 

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Image of a veterinarian checking a golden-haired dog in a clinic, with a "PET LVR" license plate at the top of the image, with "Spay and Neuter Saves Lives" along the bottom of the plate.

February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month! Whether you’re a proud pet parent or just a fan of four-legged friends, this is a great time of year to  focus on the wellbeing of these beloved animals. 

This month, CDFA is highlighting the Pet Lovers Spay and Neuter Grant Program, which helps keep California’s pet population healthy and manageable. 

How does the program work? 

Funding for these grants doesn’t come from regular taxes. Instead, the program is powered by everyday people, just like you: 

CDFA then awards this money to local cities, towns, and non-profits, which use the funds to provide low-cost, or no-cost spay and neuter services. 

Big results help small pets 

From 2023 to 2025, the program has averaged about $394,000 annually to support spay and neuter services. Now in its eighth year, the program has supported over 40,000 animal spay/neuter operations for pets, shelter adoptions, and Feral Cat/Trap-Neuter-Return programs. 

The program helps reduce animal overpopulation by preventing unplanned litters. This means fewer animals end up in crowded shelters, and more pets can find “forever homes.” 

Posted in Animal health, Animal Welfare | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

World Ag Expo February 10-12: It’s Show Time!

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
(Click the image to see the video on ABC 30’s site.)

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined industry and community leaders for the official opening of the 2026 World Ag Expo in Tulare today, followed by an on-site meeting of the State Board of Food and Agriculture on Ag Tech and workforce issues and opportunities. She previewed the event yesterday on local TV station ABC 30, speaking about the generational challenges facing producers and underscoring the importance of focusing on workforce development, especially given the advances in agricultural technology. She spoke also about the opportunity to “engage with people who might not think about how food gets to them, or how much of it comes from California.”

Secretary Ross with scholarship winners Kaedyn Plann and Tanner Verhoeven

Secretary Ross also was on-hand for this morning’s announcement of the “We Believe in Growing” scholarship recipients, presented by World Ag Expo and Coast Counties Peterbilt. The program recognizes outstanding California students pursuing agricultural careers, supporting these future industry leaders with funding for education. The 2026 winners are Kaedyn Plann and Tanner Verhoeven, who each received $10,000 scholarships. High school seniors from Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern counties were invited to apply, and eligible students must plan to attend a four-year college or university and pursue a degree in agriculture.

This year, the World Ag Expo is expecting more than 100,000 visitors from 70 countries. The event covers more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, and hosts over 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge technology and equipment over a three-day period. Beyond the tractors, tools and products, there are also educational opportunities, including talks by agricultural experts – and even cooking demonstrations by California Grown featuring Golden State produce. New this year: the Women’s Conference Pavilion celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer with panel discussions, networking opportunities and more. Enjoy this annual showcase of California’s agricultural excellence.

Secretary Ross speaking at today’s State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting on-site at the World Ag Expo.

Secretary Ross (standing) speaking with attendees at the World Ag Expo Opening Ceremony today.

Posted in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, State Board of Food and 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, Secretary
California 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 work to build and safeguard resilient food systems – including programs that improve nutrition for students and extend additional benefits to seniors and other deserving Californians. We support farmers and ranchers, and improve conditions for workers and the larger agricultural community, and promote an equitable marketplace.

In this report, you’ll find both urgent efforts and longer-term projects that put farmers and ranchers and workers throughout the food chain in a better position to do what they do best.

In California agriculture, as in California writ large, leadership is simply a natural result of what we do.

From the most immediate pressures like addressing pests and diseases, to the most far-reaching like nutrition and climate change, to the most fundamental like fairness in the public marketplace, CDFA partners with California’s agricultural community to show the world what works.

I encourage you to read these examples, and to consider them as we all reflect upon the past year – and upon the true nature of leadership.

See the PDF of the report here.

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

“Farewell and Thank You” to CDFA Deputy Secretary Rachael O’Brien

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (right) presents a proclamation to Rachael O’Brien in appreciation for her years of service.

February 6 marks the last day of state service for CDFA Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs Rachael O’Brien, after eight years with the department.

As deputy secretary, O’Brien provided crucial leadership across two gubernatorial administrations, giving expert consultation to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, the Department of Finance and other key colleagues and stakeholders. From pandemic response to annual budget negotiations, she managed complex issues with skill, earning trust and respect along the way that will continue to serve her as she steps forward into the next phase of her career.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross: “It has been a pleasure to have Rachael at CDFA, and we wish her continued success. She will definitely be missed. Her contributions to the department, and to the California agricultural community, will carry forward and benefit us all for many years to come.”

Farewell, Rachael, and thank you for your public service.

Rachael O’Brien (head of table) with friends and colleagues at a “farewell” gathering today, hosted by Secretary Karen Ross (standing, right).

Posted in Legislation | Tagged | Leave a comment

CDFA Celebrates National Citrus Month

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Meet One of California’s Citrus Growers

Behind California’s citrus industry are dedicated farmers who care for the land and produce exceptional fruit. CDFA recognizes National Citrus Month and in collaboration with California Grown, we’re spotlighting one of the many growers helping shape the future of California agriculture.

In the video below, Greg Lewis, owner of Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits in Newcastle (Placer County, California) shares what it means to farm citrus sustainably, prioritize soil health, and stay deeply connected to the local community.

We invite our farming and agriculture community to watch and hear firsthand how growers like Greg are growing delicious mandarins and other fruits, along with supporting local economies, and helping to keep agriculture thriving for the next generation.

Resources:

Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division

Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program

Farmer Resource Portal

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service
California Field Office

Posted in Citrus | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

USDA to Host Free Biosecurity Webinars for Dairy and Poultry Producers

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer two free webinars focused on biosecurity best practices to help prevent the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These sessions are designed for:

  • Dairy Producers – January 28
  • Poultry Operations of All Sizes – January 30

Each webinar will cover practical steps producers can take to strengthen biosecurity controls and protect animal health. USDA experts will also highlight free resources available to support producers, including:

  • Free biosecurity planning tools for poultry operations of all sizes
  • Free biosecurity assessments for poultry operations with 500 or more birds
  • Financial incentives for both poultry and dairy operations to enhance biosecurity measures

These webinars are an opportunity to learn proven strategies, access tools, and ask questions to help safeguard your animals.

Details and Registration

Secure Our Herds: Preventing Bird Flu on Dairy Farms
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Pacific

Defend the Flock: Preventing Bird Flu in Poultry
Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Pacific

Posted in Animal health, Biosecurity, Dairy, Poultry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA State Organic Program collaborates with county agricultural inspectors across California

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
SOP collaboration with California county agricultural inspectors included (clockwise from top left) an agave farm tour with Riverside County inspectors, a farmers’ market verification of good practices with San Luis Obispo County inspectors, an organic inspection with Santa Barbara County inspectors, and an organic inspection with Imperial County inspectors.

CDFA’s State Organic Program’s (SOP) mission is to protect the organic label through education, outreach, and, when necessary, enforcement in California, under the authority of the USDA’s National Organic Program. California is the only state in the nation with a USDA-approved State Organic Program.

The SOP upholds state laws and USDA organic regulations by overseeing requirements for the production and handling of organic products within California as well as those entering the state. This includes partnering with counties to perform SOP inspections.

Following are recent examples of this important partnership:

  • Riverside County agricultural inspectors joined the SOP for an agave farm tour to deepen their understanding of organic production practices and strengthen inter­agency collaboration.
  • San Luis Obispo County agricultural inspectors joined SOP to conduct organic enforcement inspections at local farmers’ markets to verify compliance with state and federal organic standards and ensure transparency for consumers.
  • Imperial County agricultural inspectors joined SOP for an on-site organic inspection. The visit included a compre­hensive review of production and handling prac­tices to ensure full compliance with both state and federal organic regulations.
  • Santa Barbara County conducted an inspection to verify compliance with both state and federal organic standards. The visit included a thorough review of production, handling and documentation practices to ensure the opera­tion met all regulatory requirements.

Click here to visit the California State Organic Program webpage for more information.  

Posted in Organic agriculture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA Farm to School grant fosters lifelong connections to healthy food for Orange County students

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs
Huntington Beach Union High School District students are encouraged to develop lifelong relationships with healthy food as they peruse and sample produce grown by the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, supported through a CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant.

The Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) is putting its CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding to good use, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food for Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) students.

“This partnership has allowed our Nutrition Services Department to offer healthier meals while strengthening students’ connections to whole foods, agriculture and gardening,” said HBUHSD Nutrition Services Administrator John Chiu.

At the center of this work is CAP OC’s 8-acre Giving Farm that grows fresh produce, including strawberries, watermelon, avocados, oranges, broccoli and butternut squash, used in school meals.

“When seasonal items are available or featured in meals, we promote them through social media and district communications so students can see the direct connection between local farming and what’s on their plate,” Chiu added.

Students, faculty and administrators also interact with the fresh produce through a bi-monthly farmers’ market hosted by HBUHSD’s Adult Transition Program.

“These markets allow our team to sample fresh produce, test new recipes with students and provide nutrition education,” Chiu explained. “It’s about meeting students where they are and making healthy food approachable and exciting.”

Through their collaborative efforts and support from CDFA’s Farm to School Regional staff, CAP OC and HBUHSD remain committed to building a sustainable, educational and nourishing food system that benefits students today and for years to come. Visit the CDFA Farm to School Program website for more information.

Posted in Agricultural Education, Nutrition, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Video: Secretary Ross celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer with colleagues in Mexico City

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Celebrating the beginning of the International Year of the Woman Farmer at the famous Central de Abasto (Central Market) in Mexico City today, California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined a panel of experts to talk about the many roles of women in the food supply chain, and about the shared experience of California and Mexico as friends, neighbors and business partners.

Her comments included an interview with Milenio TV:

“Mexico is a very, very important friend, neighbor, business partner of the State of California, and we look forward to binational, subnational opportunities to work together to increase our friendship, to increase our business relationship, and to face the challenges of the future – with women involved.”

“Women have always been part of agriculture – but it’s important that we hold women up and show the younger generation all the ways women are involved in our food supply chain, and most importantly in the nourishment of our families, the nourishment of our communities, as well as the nourishment of the land, as we face climate change and challenges to being productive and food secure.”

Secretary Ross is in Mexico this week to strengthen partnerships, including launching a Binational Agricultural Working Group focused on research to advance science-based policy for a more sustainable future.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment