Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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CDFA celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week (August 4-10)

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins Sacramento-area Certified Farmers Market manager Dan Best for a discussion in celebration of National Farmers Market Week, running from August 4-10. See and hear more about the importance of supporting local farmers and the incredible … Continue reading

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USDA announces investments of up to $400 million to conserve water through production of water-saving commodities

From a USDA News Release USDA secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the agency will invest $400 million with at least 18 irrigation districts, including five in California, to help farmers continue commodity production while also conserving water across the West. … Continue reading

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New detections of West Nile Virus in California horses — prevention tips from CDFA

Detections of West Nile Virus in California horses are occurring again this summer. Two cases have been reported, so far — one in Placer County and one in Yuba County. One of the horses has been euthanized. Horse owners are … Continue reading

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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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