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Category Archives: Environment

Cattle Ranching Critical to Environment, Even During Drought

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Karen Sweet, Livermore Cattle Rancher

It is human nature to come at a crisis from one’s own point of view. Sometimes, however, that can lead to conclusions and courses of action that are ineffective at best and drastically short-sighted at worst. With the drought and … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment | Tagged , | 2 Comments

New climate hubs are a critical resource in addressing climate change

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, CDFA Science Advisor

There is sufficient scientific evidence to support the fact that climate change and its associated extreme events are happening now. With the recent historic drought conditions in California and little explanation as to why it is happening, climate change has … Continue reading →

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

Final State Water Action Plan Released: Outlines California’s Near- and Long-Term Water Priorities – News Release

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

http://resources.ca.gov/docs/Final_Water_Action_Plan_Press_Release_1-27-14.pdf SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As California experiences one of the driest winters on record, the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture released the final California Water Action Plan, laying … Continue reading →

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

Diesel Fuel Substitute Shows Promise – CDFA Partnering in Test Project

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

A new fuel will soon be powering some vehicles in a test project in California. Volvo’s heavy truck division is partnering with an innovative California start-up, Oberon Fuels, to develop Dimethyl Ether (DME) as a diesel engine fuel replacement, at … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Alternative Fuels, Environment, Measurement Standards, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

2013 Leopold Conservation Award – Seeking Nominations

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Ashley Boren, Member of the State Board of Food and Agriculture

Sand County Foundation, in partnership with California Farm Bureau Foundation and Sustainable Conservation, is seeking nominations for the 2013 California Leopold Conservation Award. This award recognizes private landowners’ commitment to environmental stewardship and land management. The award, named after world-renowned … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservation, Environment, State Board of Food and Agriculture | 1 Comment

New Algae-Based Biodiesel Meets State Fuel Quality Standards

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

The Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) has tested samples of a new 20 percent biodiesel blend fuel made from algae and is happy to report that the fuel is compliant with California’s quality specification for … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Fuels, Environment, Measurement Standards, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Central Valley Dairy Farmer Honored for Commitment to Conservation

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I am pleased that Kings County dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi has been named the 2012 recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in California. The award is presented annually in eight states to land owners for achievements in land stewardship and management and … Continue reading →

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Conservation, Dairy, Environment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA Lab Supports State Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program

Posted on November 27, 2012 by CDFA Staff

Among the many partnerships CDFA maintains is a long-standing relationship with a sister agency, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The two agencies cross paths in a number of ways, including a system to test for pesticide residue on produce. DPR’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Food Safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Annual fertilizer conference tackles key issues, sets attendance record

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Rick Jensen, Director of Inspection Services

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Western Plant Health Association (WHPA) teamed up last week to present the 20th annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) conference in Modesto.  Based on attendance alone, it was a great success. … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Fertilizer, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Food Day a time to look forward

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

The return of Food Day, with its second annual observance scheduled for today, is a timely reminder of the important road ahead for our food supply. The world’s population is growing at such a rapid clip – from the current … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Change, Environment, Food Access | Tagged , , | Leave a comment