Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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Earth Day — Governor Newsom unveils nature-based solutions to fight climate crisis; Secretary Ross discusses key solutions for agriculture

From a news release from Governor Newsom’s office California is taking unprecedented action to strategically harness the equivalent of more than half of its land to fight the climate crisis. As called for by Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Climate Commitment, the state … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross to Join USDA trade mission to India

From a story on the Morning Ag Clips web site CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will join USDA Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor on a U.S. Department of Agriculture trade mission to New Delhi, India, April 21-25. They will be accompanied … Continue reading

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The many hands of the California Conservation Corps’ help CDFA protect state’s food supply

Corpsmembers disposed of more than 770,000 pounds of fruit to help combat Oriental fruit fly infestation The California Department of Food and Agriculture is used to hard work, like setting quarantines and eradicating fruit fly infestations and other pests that … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross and other California ag leaders back from South Korea trade mission led by USDA

Story from Ag Net West Several California agricultural leaders, including Ag Secretary Karen Ross, are back from a week-long trade mission overseas. Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor led the South Korea trade mission, which … Continue reading

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Census of Ag — USDA releases state and county profiles

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) continues to unveil data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture, including the release of newly-developed state and county profiles. California is the leading agricultural state in the nation, with more than $59 billion … Continue reading

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Women’s History Month profile — CDFA’s Kathy Diaz

CDFA concludes its celebration of Women’s History Month with a profile of Kathy Diaz, Director of Marketing Services. Kathy oversees the agency’s promotion of California’s agricultural products as well as agriculture statistics, dairy marketing; market enforcement, milk pooling, and local … Continue reading

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CDFA recognizes National Farmworker Awareness Week – March 25 – 31

As we recognize National Farmworkers Awareness Week (March 25 – 31), we celebrate the essential role farmworkers play in our food system. CDFA supports our essential agricultural workforce across California. By leveraging partnerships, CDFA supports initiatives that implement comprehensive strategies … Continue reading

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Women, Agriculture & Leadership: CDFA Leaders Talk Progress, Pathways & Inspiration

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH In celebration of Women’s History Month, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong (left) moderated a panel of women leaders in CDFA today at the department’s headquarters. Panelists revisited their own paths that … Continue reading

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins USDA Trade Mission to South Korea

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is with agribusinesses, agricultural associations, the USDA, and state departments of agriculture on a trade mission to South Korea focusing on building trade relationships and expanding market opportunities. South Korea is California’s sixth largest export destination, … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross offers words of support and encouragement at California FFA Conference

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross spoke at the recent California State Future Farmers of America Leadership Conference in Sacramento. The event highlighted student accomplishments and brought together approximately 7,500 FFA members.  Secretary Ross emphasized the significance of FFA in fostering a sense … Continue reading

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