Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Succession Planning


Give the gift of agricultural education with a CalAgPlate!

The CalAgPlate is a great gift for your family and friends. Nothing says “California Agriculture” better than a stylish license plate that supports agricultural educational and leadership within our great state! In April 2013, the first CalAgPlates were issued by … Continue reading

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Strategic Plan a Way to Maintain and Improve CDFA’s Service to Stakeholders

On behalf of CDFA, I am pleased to present the agency’s 2013-2018 Strategic Plan. While strategic planning is essential to any organization, it is often misunderstood, considered by many as merely an internal plan to reach goals and objectives. The … Continue reading

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Growing California video series – “Third Generation Farmer”

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Third Generation Farmer,” a story about a Pajaro Valley berry grower.

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Antelope Valley Fair leads the way with commitment to help develop future farmers and ranchers

One of the most serious challenges facing farming is a world food demand that is expected to double by 2050. And while it’s true that there are opportunities within any challenge, this particular one is made more complex by the … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Succession Planning | Tagged , | 1 Comment

For those thinking about farming – a new website helps the dream become a reality (start2farm.gov)

When I first began farming, the best advice I received came from my neighbors and the local University Ag Extension Office.  The time honored tradition of trial and error was really my business partner in the field.  I learned that … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Succession Planning | 1 Comment

Secretary Ross Opinion Piece Praises Work of Food and Ag Board President Craig McNamara to Train New Farmers – McNamara Receives Irvine Foundation Leadership Award

California State Board of Food and Agriculture President Craig McNamara has been named as a recipient of the 2012 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. More information about the award program may be found here. To recognize McNamara’s leadership in programs … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Food Access, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Succession Planning, Trade, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Veterans Wanted Down on the Farm

Tom Vilsack, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, said recently our country will need 100,000 new farmers over the next several years to maintain agriculture at its current level. Factor in the average age of existing farmers–they’re pushing 60–and a rapidly growing world population that must … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Food Access, Food Safety, Specialty Crops, Succession Planning, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Cultivating the Next Generation of California’s Farmers and Ranchers

The recent meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture (Sept 28) to discuss the recruitment and support of young farmers was a humbling experience. While there is great inspiration to be found in our next generation of … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Succession Planning | Tagged , , | 2 Comments