Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Uncategorized


CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and staff participate in the 2024 Punjabi American Working Group Workshop in Madera

Agriculture was one of the key themes for the Punjabi American Working Group at its workshop on Saturday, May 18, at the Madera Gurudwara Sahib. CDFA representatives from the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation and the Citrus Pest and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CDFA to host second Regenerative Agriculture Working Group meeting on Friday, May 24

As interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, we are seeing the introduction and evolution of the term in California policies and programs. From references in legislation to inclusion in government programs, as well as policies promoting local food systems … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Celebrate World Bee Day with us!

May 20 is World Bee Day! Celebrate with us! 🐝🌼 Bees are essential to California’s agriculture and ecosystems. Did you know that California is home to 1,600 species of bees? While you might think of bees being social, most are … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CDFA and Vietnam sign Memorandum of Understanding on trade, climate and research collaboration 

CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong met today with Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on shared opportunities around climate, trade and research collaboration. Key objectives … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

California Ag producers receive more than $22 million for organic production

From a USDA News Release USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced new programs, partnerships and grant awards to expand markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. These programs will support the development of new and better … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: CDFA Panel Discussion

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, CDFA held a panel discussion this morning at agency headquarters and virtually via Zoom. Moderated by Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the panel featured CDFA employees with AAPI heritage, shedding light … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Public Service Recognition Week — a big “Thank You!” to CDFA employees

As Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11) continues, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross offers these words of appreciation for all the ways agency employees help improve the lives of Californians.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross joins First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to spotlight Farm to School successes in Los Angeles

From a News Release by Governor Newsom’s Office CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday afternoon at Sotomayor Academies in Los Angeles, to spotlight the California Farm to School initiative and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross joins members of California State Board of Food and Agriculture to thank state employees during Public Service Recognition Week

This is Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11), and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins the State Board of Food and Agriculture in this video thanking state employees for their commitment and their tireless service.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross reflects on trade mission to India

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross It is always an honor to represent California and the incredible agricultural products we grow and ship across the nation and around the world. Last week I was part of the USDA – India Agribusiness … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment