Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Agricultural Marketing


Baby Boomers passing baton to Millennials, with changes expected for food industry.

Findings from a joint study announced recently by Jeffries, a global investment bank, and AlixPartners, a global business advisory firm, suggest that demographic shifts between now and 2020 will drive significant changes in the food industry. The study, called Trouble in Aisle … Continue reading

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Thoughts on a Successful Trip and the Endless Opportunities for California Exporters

Our California trade delegation concluded our trip to Asia last week with a visit to Seoul, South Korea – the Land of the Morning Calm. This is an English translation of the meaning of Josean, a long reigning dynasty in … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Trade | 3 Comments

California Food in China – A Reputation for Safety and Quality

In the many meetings I’ve attended in Shanghai this week, one theme resonates over and over again – the excellent quality and food safety provided by California farmers and ranchers. California products have a strong reputation, which has helped generate more than … Continue reading

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Sacramento Bee – Two organic certifying agencies plan merger to become nation’s largest

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/29/4521806/two-organic-certifying-agencies.html California Certified Organic Farmers and Oregon Tilth, two of the nation’s largest third-party organic certification agencies, are joining forces in hopes of raising the visibility and consolidating the clout of West Coast organic farming. A merger was approved by … Continue reading

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Still the People’s Agency 150 Years Later – Happy Birthday, USDA!

For producers and consumers of food, this is a sesquicentennial like no other. Two weeks ago, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Morrill Act, the single piece of legislation that laid the foundation for the modern … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Alternative Fuels, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Climate Change, Community-based Food System, Dairy, Environment, Farm Bill, Farmers' Markets, Food Access, Food Safety, Glassy-winged Sharpshooter, HLB, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Invasive Species, Pierce's Disease, Specialty Crops, Trade, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Singapore farmers inspire with innovation and commitment to community

In California, I have the opportunity to meet with farmers almost everyday, and it’s a point of pride that they are widely admired for their innovation and support of local communities. What was inspiring about my trip to Singapore, a … Continue reading

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Ever thought about exporting? CDFA hosts new program to introduce California’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors to international trade

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in cooperation with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association and the California Centers for International Trade Development, will be hosting three seminars across the state to promote export services and encourage companies … Continue reading

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A look back at last week’s Ag Day festivities

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

News Advisory – Ag Day on March 21

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-007 WHAT: Ag Day 2012 is the California agricultural community’s annual opportunity to give legislators, Capitol staffers and the public a chance to see what’s new down on the farm. California’s farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, flowers and more … Continue reading

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Communicating to the Consumer in a Changing Marketplace

 Turmoil in the retail marketplace and new technology are opening opportunities for California food and agriculture.  The turmoil shows in the increasingly competitive retail and food service marketplace, which is changing the way, where and how people buy food.  The … Continue reading

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