Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: AG Vision


From the Packer – California cantaloupe growers back mandatory food safety

http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/California-growers-back-mandatory-cantaloupe-food-safety-151781935.html In the wake of a listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes from another state, the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board is establishing the state’s first mandatory food safety program implemented by a commodity board. The group is also expanding its territory … 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

Thank you, Mr. Lincoln

I had an opportunity this week to acknowledge and help commemorate a genuinely transformative event in American history. The action itself was simple – the stroke of a pen. And, as it turned out, the man wielding the pen has … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Information on 2012 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards Program

The Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award Program is California’s highest environmental honor. The program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California’s precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Cannella Panel, Climate Change, Environment, Hydrogen, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a 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

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

Earth Day and Farming

As the daughter of a farmer, I grew up with a love of the land and a deep respect for nature – you might say a native understanding that every day was Earth Day. My father worked the land. He … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Cannella Panel, Climate Change, Environment, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross – We must work together to help prevent invasive species

The USDA has announced that it’s dedicating the month of April to sharing information about the threat that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America’s fruits, vegetables, trees, and other plants—and how the public can help prevent … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Community-based Food System, Farmers' Markets, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Invasive Species, Specialty Crops, Trade | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

State Vet Dr. Annette Whiteford Named Chair of National Institute of Animal Agriculture

One of the best things about the California Department of Food and Agriculture is the talented group of people who work here. We have dedicated public servants with deep expertise in their chosen fields and a passion for making our … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Animal Welfare, Community-based Food System, Dairy, Food Access, Food Safety, Trade | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

Ag Day – A Celebration of the Future

I am blessed to be in my 15th month as California’s secretary of agriculture. In my travels around the state, I have gained a new appreciation for the miracles that farmers and ranchers create every day, against considerable odds. As … Continue reading

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