Category Archives: Uncategorized

As Californians, we are lucky to live in one of the most agriculturally productive places in the world, producing the variety we need for a well-balanced diet. We are constantly reminded of this as we travel through the diverse microclimates … Continue reading →

Link to Foodtank It’s no secret that food loss and food waste are big problems. At least 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted every year—in fields, during transport, in storage, at restaurants, and in markets in industrialized … Continue reading →

By Pam Kan-Rice A gardening and produce-sharing app took top prize in the Apps for Ag Hackathon, after contestants pitched judges at the California State Fair in Sacramento on July 17. The first place team, GivingGarden, took home $7,500 in … Continue reading →

  The Growing California video series, a partnership between CDFA and California Grown produced in association with California State University, Sacramento, has been recognized with two 2016 Telly Awards, a video competition now in its 37th year. Growing California also … Continue reading →

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), a national nonprofit organization that supports innovative science addressing food and agriculture challenges, has established the first-ever National Academy of Sciences (NAS) prize dedicated to food and agriculture research. The $100,000 prize … Continue reading →

The California Department of Veterans Affairs held an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) Cookoff this week at the California State Fair.   External video – link is no longer available

Six farmworker housing projects in California have been awarded $18 million in loans from the USDA’s Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant Program to help qualified organizations develop housing for farmworkers, make housing repairs, and provide household furnishings. A total of $26 million … Continue reading →

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined the California State Fair and state agricultural leaders this morning for the annual Ag Heritage Breakfast, a fair-sponsored event that recognizes the pioneers of California agriculture – Ag operations in business for 100 years or … Continue reading →

My former boss at the USDA, Tom Vilsack, recently signed a proclamation designating August 7-13, 2016 as “National Farmers Market Week.” This is the 17th annual event showcasing the important role that farmers markets play in local economies. We appreciate … Continue reading →