Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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CDFA awarded $100,000 Farm to School grant from the USDA

The USDA has awarded $100,000 to CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) from the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. This is part of a USDA award of $14.3 million to 154 projects in 43 states, as well … Continue reading

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Video — Secretary Ross joins California Grown executive director Cher Watte to discuss marketing efforts

In this video, CDFA secretary Karen Ross is joined by CA GROWN/Buy California Marketing Agreement executive director Cher Watte to discuss two CA GROWN campaigns underway. One campaign is an agrotourism partnership with Visit California to add a Food & … Continue reading

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CDFA to host third Regenerative Agriculture Working Group meeting on Tuesday, July 30

The California Department of Food and Agriculture will host the third meeting of the Regenerative Agriculture Working Group next Tuesday, July 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., both in-person at the CDFA Headquarters auditorium (1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA … Continue reading

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Turning farm discards to bioproducts and biofuels — coalition receives funding to expand approach

From a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory news release Key Takeaways In California’s San Joaquin Valley, agricultural leftovers such as almond shells, fruit peels, and orchard trimmings can potentially be converted into sustainable bioproducts and biofuels – with the right technology. … Continue reading

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Pesticide use continues to decline in California, new data confirms – Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)

In the past 10 years, use of higher-risk pesticides has markedly declined in both pounds applied and acres treated Reported pesticide use in California declined by more than 5% between 2021 and 2022, reflecting a longer-term trend, according to the … Continue reading

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Growers, packers, buyers converge in California – CDFA hosts ag delegation from Mexico for visits in Fresno and Salinas

This week, CDFA is leading a delegation of Mexico produce buyers for visits with growers and packers in Fresno and Salinas before attending the Organic Produce Summit in Monterey. The visit is showcasing a variety of operations from stone fruit, grapes, leafy … Continue reading

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California Agriculture has a key role on 4th of July

California is proud of its agricultural bounty as the Fourth of July approaches! Our state plays a significant role in providing delicious food for all to enjoy during the holiday weekend! • In 2023, California sweet corn growers produced 364 … Continue reading

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Holiday Grilling and Smoking Tips From USDA

From a USDA News Release On July Fourth, the aroma of barbecue will fill the air as family and friends come together to celebrate with quintessential American cooking pastimes: grilling and smoking. Food is the biggest staple when it comes … Continue reading

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A Look at CDFA’s 2024-2025 Budget

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2024-25 state budget, which closes a General Fund shortfall of $46.8 billion through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion that maintain investments in core programs As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, … Continue reading

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Pride Month profile — CDFA’s Siobhan Reid: a transition journey

As Pride Month nears an end, CDFA presents Q&A with Siobhan Reid, a five-year employee with the agency’s IT service desk. Siobhan discusses some of the dynamics of gender transition in the workplace as well as personally.  How long has … Continue reading

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