Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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National State Fair Food Day — celebrate at the upcoming California State Fair and Food Festival, and all summer long!

Today (July 11) has been declared the inaugural National State Fair Food Day, and while that conjures-up images of corn dogs, deep-fried veggies, BBQ and ice cream, the California State Fair and Food Festival–starting this Friday the 14th and continuing … Continue reading

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USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs

From a USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP)Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help … Continue reading

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Quality assurance — 3.81 billion pounds of produce inspected by CDFA Shipping Point Inspection

Did you know that CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection (SPI) Program inspected 3.81 billion pounds of fresh product in fiscal year 2021-22? SPI inspects fresh fruits and vegetables in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and in voluntary … Continue reading

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Food safety reminders for the holiday weekend

From a USDA news release Whether you’re a grill master or a first-time barbecue cook, food safety should always be part of your routine to ensure a healthy and happy Fourth of July. “Recent USDA consumer behavior studies have shown that individuals don’t always properly wash … Continue reading

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Rural Energy Improvements — USDA offering grants and loans for eligible projects, including drought recovery

Application window opens June 30 Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) funds from the USDA can be used to help those impacted by California’s drought.  Projects to assist with irrigation, such as energy efficient pumps, may be eligible for funding.  … Continue reading

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Storm Assistance for Immigrants: CA Dept. of Social Services can help with housing, food, transportation costs

In response to the series of storms across our state from December 2022 through April 2023, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing state-funded storm recovery services to provide disaster relief case management and direct assistance to eligible … Continue reading

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Salinas Biological Summit Launches to Sold-Out Crowd

The 2023 Salinas Biological Summit is showcasing international solutions for improving soil and plant health, offering growers an overview of opportunities biologicals have to improve crop yield and protect against plant pests and diseases. With international representation from nine countries, … Continue reading

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Certified Farmers’ Markets show benefits of buying local produce and developing relationships with farmers

CDFA encourages all Californians to shop at Certified Farmers’ Markets to experience the healthy benefits of purchasing local produce and developing relationships with area farmers. This video is of a recent Saturday morning at the Davis Farmers Market in Davis, … Continue reading

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CDFA celebrates Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. This day in history has been recognized as Juneteenth (“June” + “nineteenth”) and celebrates this … Continue reading

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California Agricultural Heritage Club seeks nominations to honor pioneering farms and ranches more than 100 years old

The California Agricultural Heritage Club recognizes the impact of pioneering farms, farm bureaus and agribusinesses that have built California into a proud leader in agriculture and food production, celebrating milestones of 100, 125, 150, and 175 years of agribusiness. The … Continue reading

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