Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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CDFA Celebrates California Farmworker Day

Today, August 26, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) proudly recognizes California Farmworker Day—established in 2021 by Governor Gavin Newsom to honor California’s farmworkers. At the height of harvest, this day shines a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions … Continue reading

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CDFA Helps Promote Locally Sourced School Meals

Learn more about the California Farm to School Network

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The Quiet, Constant Fight Against Equine Diseases 

CDFA is on the front lines of a silent battle, one that impacts California’s horses and the equine industry every single day. While outbreaks like bird flu may get more headlines, the battle to safeguard California’s equine community against diseases … Continue reading

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Cultivating Future Ag Leaders: CDFA Welcomes Summer Interns and Fellows

CDFA proudly welcomed seven interns and fellows this summer for work in divisions throughout the agency. The group includes five Maddy Institute* interns, one California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) fellow, and one Stanford Environment and Policy Internships (EPIC) … Continue reading

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CDFA’s Nutrition Incentive Program increases food access at Certified Farmers’ Markets

As the country continues to recognize this week as National Farmers’ Market Week, CDFA celebrates its California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which helps low-income Californians access nutritious California-grown fresh produce at Certified Farmers’ Markets. CNIP provides increased funding support for … Continue reading

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‘Certified’ Farmers’ Market means CDFA verifies you’re buying from producer or producer representative

As the country is currently celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week, CDFA would like to remind Californians that when you visit a Certified Farmers’ Market, “Certified” means something significant. To be certified, a farmers’ market vendor must be registered under the … Continue reading

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Climate and Trade Trip to Brazil Concludes – Collaboration Begins

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has concluded her visit to Brazil and is looking forward to next steps in collaboration on trade and climate. During the closing portion of trip, the California delegation visited farms, packing houses, research facilities, and business … Continue reading

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Rooted in Community: Come See What Makes California Certified Farmers’ Markets Special

CDFA joins the nation in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week August 3-9 and encourages Californians to vote by September 30 for your favorite farmers’ market in American Farmland Trust’s 2025 America’s Farmers Market Celebration. Simply put, Certified Farmers’ Markets build … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross in Brazil — Focus on Trade and Climate Collaboration

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is in São Paulo, Brazil this week, leading a delegation of business and agricultural organizations interested in strengthening ties with Brazil. The delegation also includes Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Karen Morrison and UC Agriculture and … Continue reading

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CDFA Insect Pavilion brings biodiversity and bugs to the 2025 California State Fair

From stick bugs to helpful pollinators, the Insect Pavilion at the California State Fair is crawling with discovery! Presented by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in partnership with the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, along with … Continue reading

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