Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Environment


A Farm Bill for our planet

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

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

Posted in Environment | Leave a comment

Pink Bollworm Program honored for reducing dependence on pesticides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address all factors to improve salmon numbers – from the Sacramento Bee

By Don Bransford and Fritz Durst Special to the Sacramento Bee For most people traveling on Interstate 5 in Northern California, Lake Shasta is viewed as a recreational jewel along their journey. The fact is the reservoir is a major … Continue reading

Posted in Drought, Environment | Tagged , , | Leave a comment