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Category Archives: Environment

Bats, allies to farmers, return home to roost in spring

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Jay Van Rein, CDFA Office of Public Affairs

From the University of California’s Division of Agriuclture and Natural Resources (ANR): Bats, those night-flying creatures of horror film fame, are beginning to migrate back to the Central Valley. It is an annual journey for most bats, flying south for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | Leave a comment

A Farm Bill for our planet

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA is in the midst of preparing California’s recommendations for the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is renewed every five years and serves as the policy guideline for food and farming in the United States. The legislation touches all … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Farm Bill, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CARB opens grant solicitation for Off-Road Mobile Agricultural Equipment Trade-Up Pilot Project in the San Joaquin Valley

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Office of Public Affairs

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is pleased to announce its Grant Solicitation for the Off-Road Mobile Agricultural Equipment Trade-Up Pilot Project in the San Joaquin Valley (Trade-Up Pilot Project). The solicitation includes the option for a new Grant Agreement … Continue reading →

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Pink Bollworm Program honored for reducing dependence on pesticides

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Office of Public Affairs

California’s cooperative Pink Bollworm Program was one of six projects recognized by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at an award ceremony last night (January 26) in Sacramento to honor efforts to manage pests while reducing the use of pesticides. The awards recognize innovation, … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hydroponic agriculture showcases diversity of California Ag production

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Office of Public Affairs

Hydroponic agriculture, the growing of plants without soil and adding nutrients in water, is a relatively new method of production in California, but it shows promise as a growth sector for farmers seeking to produce more efficiently while utilizing fewer … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Cow Power! Dedication of first dairy digester in CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Undersecretary Jim Houston joined the celebration today in Fresno County for the dedication of a new dairy digester at Open Sky Ranch – the first digester in CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program. The program is one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Dairy, Environment | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Climate Smart Agriculture Online Webinar: Israel & California to Discuss Recycled Water Use on November 9

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Jessica Rudnick, CDFA Office of Environmental Farming & Innovation

California and Israel share similar climates and challenges as it relates to food and farming. As California potentially enters a sixth consecutive drought year – how we manage and use agriculture water will be all the more important. Join the conversation … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Drought, Environment, Trade | Leave a comment

Why industrial farms are good for the environment – op-ed in the New York Times

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Office of Public Affairs

By Jayson Lusk, professor of agricultural economics, Oklahoma State University There is much to like about small, local farms and their influence on what we eat. But if we are to sustainably deal with problems presented by population growth and … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Environment, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Moving the Needle on Nitrogen Fertilizer Management in California Agriculture

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

California Department of Food and Agriculture invests in crop-specific research, training for farmers and crop advisors, and development of best practices for nitrogen use. By Karen Ross, CDFA Secretary As young students we are taught that water, sunshine, seed and soil … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Fertilizer, Healthy soils | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Young African leaders visit CDFA to learn about agriculture, energy and the environment

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Office of Public Affairs

UC Davis hosted 25 Young African Leaders as part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in July as part of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative. For two of these young leaders, the trip to California also included a visit with CDFA’s Office of … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Dairy, Drought, Environment | Tagged , | Leave a comment