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Category Archives: Climate Smart Agriculture


California Ag Day 2018 – photo highlights

Our Ag Day 2018 celebration on the steps of the California Capitol was a lot like California agriculture: a little of everything. We had enough raindrops to keep things growing, and enough food, flowers and fun to fill every cowboy hat in the place. Our … Continue reading

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Bakersfield dairy farmers embrace climate smart technology

For second generation dairy farmer Felix Echeverria, dairy farming is a family affair. His father, an immigrant from Spain’s Basque country, began milking cows in Southern California in the early 1950’s. Since then, Mr. Echeverria and his brother Johnny, have … Continue reading

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Video – Climate Smart Ag in action at Giacomazzi Farms

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) investments in irrigation technology and other advancements through its State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) are explored in this video about Giacomazzi Farms. Through the SWEEP program, CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming … Continue reading

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Video: CDFA helps California’s Hmong farmers conserve water and reduce emissions

California farmers Fong Tchieng and Vang C. Thao have a lot in common. They both have farming operations in the Central Valley. They both belong to the state’s vibrant – and growing – Hmong farming community. And most importantly, they … Continue reading

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Video: Climate Smart Agriculture in action at Russow Farms

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) investments in irrigation technology and other advancements through its State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) are explored in this video about Russow Farms. Through the SWEEP program, CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming … Continue reading

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Climate Smart Agriculture – Chile trip concludes

We ended our Climate Smart Agriculture delegation visit last week by visiting the La Serena region of Chile. This region, North of Santiago, is a cool season agricultural region very similar to Ventura and Salinas, California. This region received little rain during … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross welcomes delegation from Mexico, stresses importance of ag in achieving climate change goals

California Department of Food And Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross addressed a delegation of Cochran fellows from the United Mexican States this morning at CDFA headquarters in Sacramento. Ross spoke on the importance of bolstering the relationship between Mexico and California … Continue reading

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Aguiar-Curry supports cap-and-trade extension – from the Davis Enterprise

Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, voted in favor of landmark legislation Monday to extend California’s cap-and-trade program. The package includes AB 398 by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella; AB 617 by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens; and ACA 1 by Assembly Republican … Continue reading

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CDFA Honors Environmental Farming Science Advisory Panel Member Luana Kiger on Her Retirement

The Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel (Science Panel), appointed by CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, has the critical job of assessing and documenting agriculture’s positive impacts on the environment. The group examines issues like ecosystem services and how they relate to agriculture. The … Continue reading

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California & Australia: Climate Smart Agriculture Webinar – June 19th

Although California and Australia are on opposite hemispheres, our climates – and the associated challenges — are profoundly similar. As California continues to lead the nation in agricultural production, we must look to our international partners to find innovate ways … Continue reading

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