Mark your calendars for March 19, and join us in celebrating California ag! This year’s theme is “Ag At Work: Cultivating Careers and Communities.”
Did you know there are over 300 unique careers in agriculture? From farmers and farmworkers to drone pilots, irrigation techs, robotics experts, veterinary services, and researchers – the opportunities are endless!
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and CDFA would like to commemorate the occasion by celebrating the dedication and leadership of California women in agriculture. There are 45,244 women producers across the state, and they manage 11.5 million acres on farms and ranches that contribute $22.2 billion in agricultural sales.
California’s farming and ranching women are vital to the success of our state’s industries and are at the forefront of shaping the future of food production. Whether they are growing crops, raising livestock, or working in the ag value chain, their tireless work ensures that we continue to have access to fresh, sustainable, and high-quality produce.
As we recognize International Women’s Day, let’s recognize the invaluable contributions of every woman involved in agriculture—from farmworkers to ranchers to farm owners. Their resilience and passion are building a better, more sustainable future for all.
Photo: Paola Casillas, with Urban Tilth (Richmond, California)
It’s National Weights and Measures Week, celebrated annually from March 1-7. Regulatory officials across the country and our state’s agricultural commissioners and sealers join CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) in commemorating the signing of the first United States weights and measures law by President John Adams on March 2, 1799.
This year’s theme, “Building a Lasting Legacy,” demonstrates the necessity of weights and measures programs for commerce in California and the nation. The programs also help achieve equity in the marketplace. For agriculture, it means that farmers, ranchers and consumers will receive an accurate measurement of crops, commodities and other products being sold and purchased. Our work also ensures that every price unit is accurate across the supply chain.
Enforcement of weights and measures laws and regulations is carried out by CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards, which works closely with county sealers of weights and measures to ensure fair competition for industry, and accurate value for consumers.
Devices inspected and verified by these professionals include meters that measure fuel and petroleum; electric vehicle charging stations; and virtually all types and capacities of scales, from the supermarket checkout stand to commercial truck scales. Many inspectors also check the accuracy of pricing in retail stores.
Weights and Measures Week celebrates the inspectors, laboratory technicians, and other experts and support staff all together working to ensure a level playing field in commerce.
Gov. Newsom announces a blueprint that is driven by local input from 13 regions across the state
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint. This equity-focused, climate-forward initiative is the first economic development strategy of its kind in California and the nation.
California Jobs First invests in key sectors, including agriculture, to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs.
“We’re proud to play a role in this incredible partnership that is building this plan from the ground up – a plan that will help create opportunities across our state, including agriculture,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We’re very appreciative of Governor Newsom’s leadership in creating the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint.”
The announcement of the Economic Blueprint was the culmination of years of input from local communities on what their regions need to thrive in the next era of California—boosting the Golden State and ensuring no one is left behind.
The State Economic Blueprint took years to develop, with an inclusive economic planning strategy at the regional level, along with ongoing investments at the local level. Thirteen regions were provided with support, while ensuring that community-informed, research-backed strategies that defined strategic sectors were all part of the strategy.
“This is by far the most comprehensive strategy for helping to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs in agriculture,” added Secretary Ross. “It’s about bringing not just state but more importantly, local involvement, working side-by-side to advance strategic sectors that will ensure rural communities are not left behind. It’s also about jobs and looking ahead at strengthening and developing our agricultural workforce.”
Secretary Ross stresses that the launching of the Economic Blueprint identifies the key areas in ag that were developed, working alongside regional and state partners to continue the work to create, attract, and increase good-paying jobs for California.
For agriculture, the Blueprint focuses on strengthening our state’s Working Lands and Water sector, including:
Agricultural production and food processing
Accelerating agricultural technology and farm equipment
Innovation Ecosystem — California has an opportunity to develop its bioeconomy, with a focus on sustainable and regenerative practices, by utilizing its substantial biomass resources.
To download the Blueprint and learn more about ag’s role, including our sectors, visit California Jobs First.
Gov. Newsom launched the Jobs First Council in 2024 to help reshape California’s economic landscape. The council is co-chaired by Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development; and Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. The council’s focus is fostering job creation and regional growth in 13 targeted areas across the state.
Climate-smart, energy efficient refrigeration units funded by CDFA’s Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program are expected to provide emissions savings equivalent to the electricity use of 605 homes per year, or 2,815 tons of carbon dioxide. This impact is outlined in a new Emissions Impact Study by Effecterra, one of program’s technical assistance providers.
Program Impact
The main goal of Healthy Refrigeration Grants was to improve food access in areas where refrigerated produce displays containing healthy food are historically hard to find. The program achieved this through funding refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state to stock fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meats, eggs, minimally processed and culturally appropriate foods sourced from local California farmers and ranchers.
Another primary goal was to incentivize and require the use of the most climate-friendly and energy efficient refrigeration options available to limit climate impacts. All equipment funded by the program is required to use refrigerants with the lowest available Global Warming Potential (GWP), a value indicating the amount of global warming a substance may cause. The program also requires the use of doors or night shades to improve energy efficiency.
In 2023, the Healthy Refrigeration Grants Program awarded $9 million to fund 577 refrigeration units across California. More than 90 percent of grant-funded equipment utilizes R-290, a low-GWP refrigerant, and the primary driver of the emissions savings.
The study estimates that additional emissions savings will occur through encouraging the stocking of locally-grown produce in the units. Local food reduces emissions through smaller transportation distances.
Harm of Traditional Refrigerants
The use of traditional refrigerants in refrigeration equipment has been identified as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Refrigerants with a high GWP make up the most used class of traditional refrigerants.
According to the California Air Resources Board, traditional refrigerants account for 4-5% of greenhouse gas emissions in California today. The leakage of one 30 lb. tank of R-404A, a high GWP refrigerant, is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted by driving 14 passenger cars each year. Refrigeration systems can hold thousands of pounds of refrigerants and leak at the rate of 20 percent or more per year.
HRGP-Funded Refrigeration Resources
The management, replacement and proper disposal of high-GWP refrigerants has been identified as a significant way to address climate change. The Healthy Refrigeration Grants Program worked with Effecterra to create resources for proper refrigeration maintenance, including a Retail Refrigeration Guide addressing common issues, best practices for temperature monitoring, equipment maintenance schedules and refrigerant regulations.
For tips about healthy retail and refrigeration, guidance for proper refrigeration recycling, lists of pre-vetted low-GWP equipment and other helpful resource, visit https://cafarmtofork.cdfa.ca.gov/hrgp.html.
On Wednesday, March 19, California’s agricultural community will gather on the west steps of the State Capitol in celebration of California Agriculture Day.
CDFA and its partners for the event, California Women for Agriculture and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, are proud to host Ag Day with the 2025 theme, “Ag at Work: Cultivating Careers and Communities.” Exhibitors and participants are invited to share their stories and information with state legislators, legislative staffers, state agency representatives, the news media, and the general public.
The marquee event is the California agricultural community’s annual opportunity to showcase the bounty that our state’s farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers produce. The event also highlights the dynamic role our food system plays in every aspect of Californian’s lives – from nutrition and public health to environmental stewardship and rural economic development.
CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, third from left, in Dubai this week as the USDA’s Valerie R. Brown, an export specialist in the region, speaks at the Gulfood Trade Show.
CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined a number of California businesses, agricultural organizations and government officials this week at the 30th edition of the Gulfood Trade Show in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates is the 9th largest export destination for California agricultural products, valued at more than $548 million.
While in Dubai, Undersecretary Birdsong was able to connect with key buyers, participate in media/trade events highlighting California agricultural products, and hear directly from California companies participating at the show. A number of California agriculture groups were in attendance — the Almond Board of California, American Pistachio Growers, the California Milk Advisory Board, the California Walnut Commission, the Wine Institute, California Prunes, the California Agricultural Export Council, and others.
On average, California exports approximately 24 percent of its agricultural production — $22.4 billon in the most recent year for which figures are available. These exports help support more than 140,000 jobs in California.
CDFA staff members will participate at next week’s California Small Farm Conference — taking place both online and in person at various locations around the state. The conference will take place from Feb 23-28 and feature over 40 online workshops and more than a dozen in-person gatherings around the state.
On Feb. 25, CDFA staff members Logan Dreher and Lauren McCawley will present together at an online workshop, Grants – Preparing for the Proposal. This session is designed to help producers and processors who are new to grant applications. With many steps to take prior to beginning the application process, this workshop will provide an overview of everything the small producer should do before beginning their proposal.
In addition, look for CDFA Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) staff members Lizzy Elliott and Meerae Park at the conference’s North Bay Regional Gathering on Feb. 27, where they will participate in a presentation, Farm to School & Institutional Sales.
Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, a local food advocate or a farmers market manager, there’s something for you at the conference. Topics include regenerative agriculture, small business management, new funding opportunities, and farmland equity, all aligned with this year’s theme: “Rooted in Place.” There’s still time to register! Learn more at www.caff.org/conference2025
CDFA is joining in the celebration of National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week, from February 15-22. During the weeklong celebration, FFA students across California and the nation will host various events, including farmer and teacher appreciation breakfasts, community service projects, and skills contests, all aimed at advancing agricultural literacy in their communities.
Rep. Panetta’s leadership highlights his ongoing support for agriculture and education in California’s 19th District and beyond. As co-chair of the FFA Congressional Caucus, he remains committed to fostering opportunities for young agricultural leaders and strengthening the future of the agricultural industry.
For more information about the resolution, visit the official resolution text here.
(Top and bottom left) CDFA’s Black History Month panel was moderated by Deputy Secretary of Administration and Finance Arima Kozina. She was joined at agency headquarters by Kelvin Kimball (Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division) and Anissa Kotey (Administrative Service Division); and virtually by State Board of Food and Agriculture members Doria Robinson and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire.
CDFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights hosted a Black History Month panel discussion this week. Moderated by CDFA Deputy Secretary of Administration and Finance Arima Kozina, the event highlighted the stories, experiences, and reflections of staff as well as insight from members of California’s State Board of Food and Agriculture. The panelists included Anissa Kotey, Kelvin Kimball, Doria Robinson, and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire.
Doria Robinson began the discussion by sharing her perspective as the first urban-agriculture member of the State Board. As Executive Director of Urban Tilth, based in Richmond CA, she leads efforts to provide fresh food to low-income communities of color. “Operating a farm in a community with little access to food has given me a deep appreciation for the role agriculture plays in equity,” Robinson shared. She emphasized the importance of highlighting lesser-known historical contributions, such as the knowledge of rice cultivation brought by enslaved Africans. “It’s vital to honor the folks who made this possible,” she said.
Kelvin Kimball, an Associate Governmental Program Associate with the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division, reflected on how Black history was deeply personal to him. He was born in Columbus, Georgia and moved to Atlanta shortly afterwards. He spent most of his life in California after his parents relocated from Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree from Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black college. “My dad walked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my mom was the first African American stewardess for Southern Airways. She couldn’t even get off the plane in some cities because of segregation,” Kimball recalled. These experiences shaped his identity and commitment to educating others. He highlighted the contributions of African American inventor Garrett Morgan, who developed the refrigerated truck and the gas mask, noting how these innovations revolutionized the health and safety field. “It’s difficult not having an understanding of one’s history,” he reflected. Kimball also emphasized the critical role of education in fostering understanding: “I try to post 28 days of African American history [on social media] every Black History Month so that people can see the contributions we’ve made.”
Anissa Kotey, Staff Services Manager for CDFA’s Human Resources Branch, brought a global lens to the discussion. Having grown up in both California and London, she noted how her experience of Blackness varied across continents. “For me, Black History Month is about recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of Black people across the diaspora,” Kotey said. She emphasized the importance of understanding the intersectionality of Black identities, particularly the experiences of people of Caribbean and Latino descent. Kotey expressed excitement about CDFA’s potential to be a driver in sharing these stories.
Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Dean of Agriculture at Fresno State and a member of the State Board, focused on Black contributions to agriculture and science. “George Washington Carver was a pioneer of regenerative agriculture, using peanuts as a soil amendment more than 100 years ago,” he explained. St. Hilaire underscored the legacy of Black farmers in California, noting that only about 500 remain today. “These farmers have played a critical role in cultivating niche crops like okra and black beans that add diversity to our plates,” he said. He also called for increased technical and financial support for Black farmers, stressing the importance of equitable policies. St. Hilaire expressed hope for contributing his expertise on water policy to the board, particularly around the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). “We need to ensure small and underserved farmers are supported with friendly regulations,” he stated.
Doria Robinson closed the panel by reflecting on the limited but meaningful recognition Black History Month brings. “It’s the shortest month of the year, and we get positive stories, but after March 1st, they disappear,” she said. She emphasized the importance of telling complex, authentic stories about African American contributions beyond stereotypes. Robinson also expressed pride in her work on CDFA’s Land Equity Task Force, which aims to create greater access to farming and land ownership for underserved communities. “This work is critical, and I’m excited about moving forward with the recommendations,” she concluded.
The event underscored the significance of Black History Month as a time for reflection, education, and action. As CDFA continues its commitment to equity and inclusion, events like this panel discussion provide a platform for honoring history and fostering progress.
