Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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UC Riverside utilizes CDFA grant to study looming pest threat

UC Riverside is testing whether a sesame seed-sized wasp can control a pest that could seriously damage California crops including wine, walnuts, and avocados.  The pest, a sap-sucking spotted lantern fly, is originally from China and was first detected five … Continue reading

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The new plan to remove trillions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere: bury it – from the Washington Post

By Laura Reiley Last month, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere surpassed 415 parts per million, the highest in human history. Environmental experts say the world is increasingly on a path toward a climate crisis. The most prominent efforts to prevent … Continue reading

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#CDFACentennial – Centennial Reflections video series with Richard Breitmeyer

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a state agency in 2019. Throughout the year this blog will feature a number of items to commemorate this milestone. Today we continue with the Centennial Reflections … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross thanks Kasey Cronquist for leadership of Cut Flower Commission

Statement from CDFA secretary Karen Ross: “It was a pleasure to meet with the California Cut Flower Commission board of directors recently.  There is not shortage of challenges facing flower growers and I always learn a lot from our discussions.  … Continue reading

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Governor Newsom recognizes Pollinator Week in California

Learn more about Pollinator Week

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Secretary Ross at UN Climate Change Conference in Germany

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross An interesting “first” for me, participating in the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany. After arriving in Bonn on Saturday, I gave a brief presentation to a meeting of the Global Alliance for Climate … Continue reading

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CDFA joins partner agencies in seeking input on creating climate-resilient water system

News release from the California Natural Resources Agency State agencies are asking Californians to help shape a roadmap for meeting future water needs and ensuring environmental and economic resilience through the 21st century. The effort seeks to broaden California’s approach … Continue reading

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State Board of Food and Ag member honored as ‘Produce Man of the Year’ – from the Packer

By Ashley Nickle Jeff Huckaby, president of Bakersfield, Calif.-based Grimmway Farms (and member of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture), received The Packer’s Produce Man of the Year award June 10 at the United Fresh Produce Association conference … Continue reading

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Considering food systems of the future – from Morning Ag Clips

The food systems of the future must deliver healthy and quality food for all whilst preserving the environment, FAO (Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations) Director-General José Graziano da Silva said as he called for a transformation of … Continue reading

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#CDFACentennial – Centennial Reflections video series with Nirmal Saini

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a state agency in 2019. Throughout the year this blog will feature a number of items to commemorate this milestone. Today we continue with the Centennial Reflections … Continue reading

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