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Bird Health Awareness Week – USDA sponsors webinar on bird health

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

Bird Health Awareness Week is from Feb. 24 through March 2. The USDA’s Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) is bringing poultry experts together for a webinar called, “Growing Chicks Into Healthy Chickens: Getting Ready for Spring,” to be held on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. (EST). The webinar is hosted by the Chicken Whisperer and will feature veterinarians. Registration is required and details are here.

The Chicken Whisperer raises backyard birds in rural Georgia.  He started years ago with a few hens and ducks, and this year is starting a new flock of 40 birds at his new home. Andy Schneider (the Chicken Whisperer’s real name) has helped countless bird lovers with their own flocks, has a radio show about backyard bird care, and runs the Atlanta Backyard Poultry Meet-Up Group, which has more than 1,600 members.

Kiel’s birds—Cornelius, Rajun Cajun and Milla—enjoy a tasty snack fresh from the garden.

“There’s nothing not to like about backyard birds!” croons Andy. “The eggs are always fresh and tasty, but there are many other benefits to backyard chickens like composting, fertilizer, insect control, education for kids, and entertainment for the family.”

Raising backyard birds is becoming increasingly popular across the country and, as the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass describes, are part of the growing momentum and interest in local meat and poultry.

 

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Final results announced for 2014-15 California State Employees Food Drive

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

food drive graphic…and the results are in!

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced today the final results of the 2014-15 California State Employees Food Drive. The Food Drive raised more than 622,000 pounds for needy families and residents of the greater Sacramento area. California state employees donated more than $167,000 to purchase food products, 185,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, and 1,765 turkeys over the two-and-a-half month food drive.

“We are honored and grateful to work with the California state employees for this wonderful food drive,” said Blake Young, CEO of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. “The compassion and enthusiasm the state employees showed for helping families in need went beyond our wildest dreams. This group effort will allow our organization to reach more families who struggle with food insecurity and access to healthy food.”

Food Drive 2014-15

Food Drive coordinators and staff celebrate a successful year. From left: Blake Young, CEO – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services; Peggy Marshall, Food Drive Coordinator – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services; Marilyn Lluch, Food Drive Coordinator – California Environmental Protection Agency; Taylor Roschen, Statewide Food Drive Coordinator – California Department of Food and Agriculture (Source: Zsi Widman)

Nearly 100 state agencies, offices and departments participated in this year’s food drive. Employees hosted a variety of events and promotions ranging from bake sales to can-building competitions to encourage colleagues to donate. While all were successful, some agencies made a distinguished impact through their generous contributions:

  • Highest Overall Donation Total – Board of Equalization with 126,687 lbs!
  • Highest Cash Donation Total (non-rice) – Department of Education with $19,877 in donations!
  • Highest Rice Donation Total – California Environmental Protection Agency with $6,852 in donations for the Rice Program!

Congratulations to each of these agencies and to everyone who participated for making this year’s Food Drive a resounding success! Due to the generosity of state employees, SFBFS will be able distribute the food collected from the Drive to those in need through a network of agencies and programs throughout the greater Sacramento area. To see a complete list of agency donations visit the State Employees Food Drive website: http://www.fooddrive.ca.gov/Summary.asp

The Food Drive was administered by Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. SFBFS was founded in Sacramento’s Oak Park community in 1976 and has worked for nearly 40 years to provide food, clothing and other services to those in need in the Sacramento area. SFBFS provides cost-free goods and services to over 150,000 men, women and children each month, operating three facilities with 45 staff members and more than 5,800 volunteers annually. SFBFS hosts a number of donation-oriented events including the Turkey Drive and the Run to Feed the Hungry, which takes place every year on Thanksgiving Day. To learn more about SFBFS, please visit their website at: http://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/index.php.

SFBFS

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USDA announces $9 million to support Community Food Projects program

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of $9 million in funding to assist low-income individuals and communities in developing local and independent food systems. NIFA is funding the grants through the Community Food Projects program (CFP), authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill).

“Community Foods Projects provide the opportunity for low-income communities to become more self-reliant and take control of their own food systems,” said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. “These projects create food systems that are economically equitable and socially and environmentally sustainable, providing real solutions for communities most in need.”

Community Food Projects involve the entire food system. Projects assess strengths and establish connections among existing food systems, resulting in improved food systems that support self-reliance.

Grants are intended to help eligible, private, nonprofit entities in need of a one-time installment of federal assistance to establish and carry out multipurpose community food projects. Projects are funded from $10,000 to $300,000 and up to 36 months. All grants require a dollar-for-dollar match in resources.

Applications are due March 17, 2015. Please see the request for applications for specific program requirements.

CFP is an important part of USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which works to strengthen and support local and regional food systems. More information on the initiative, including an interactive map of CFP and other federally-supported local food projects, can be found at: www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer.

The primary goals of the Community Food Projects program are to (1) meet the food needs of low-income individuals; (2) increase the food self-reliance of low-income communities; (3) promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues; and (4) meet specific state, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs, including needs relating to infrastructure improvement and development, planning for long-term solutions and the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers.

Since 2009, NIFA has provided more than $28 million to 154 Community Food Project awards in 48 states to help communities improve access to healthy, local food. Past projects include Philadelphia Green, which supports small-scale growers in their efforts to bring fresh, locally grown produce to the Philadelphia metro area, and RootDown LA, which is engaging Los Angeles-area youth in community gardens.

Funding for the CFP program is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. More information is at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

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View this release on USDA’s web site here.

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Rural ag producers encouraged to apply for USDA’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) program

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

From USDA:

USDA Announces Funding for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects

usda-rd-logoWASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that rural agricultural producers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. These efforts help farmers, ranchers and other small business owners save money on their energy bills, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, support America’s clean energy economy, and cut carbon pollution. The resources announced today are made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill.

“Developing renewable energy presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America,” Vilsack said. “The funding we are making available will help farmers, ranchers, business owners, tribal organizations and other entities incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into their operations. Doing so can help a business reduce energy use and costs while improving its bottom line. While saving producers money and creating jobs, these investments reduce dependence on foreign oil and cut carbon pollution as well.”

USDA is making more than $280 million available to eligible applicants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Application deadlines vary by project type and the type of assistance requested. Details on how to apply are on page 78029 of the December 29, 2014 Federal Register or are available by contacting state Rural Development offices.

USDA is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees for up to 75 percent of total project costs for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The REAP application window has been expanded. USDA will now accept and review loan and grant applications year-round.

Eligible renewable energy projects must incorporate commercially available technology. This includes renewable energy from wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

Energy efficiency improvement projects eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

USDA is offering a second type of grant to support organizations that help farmers, ranchers and small businesses conduct energy audits and operate renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include: units of state, tribal or local governments; colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning; rural electric cooperatives and public power entities, and conservation and development districts. The maximum grant is $100,000. Applications for these particular grants have been available since December 29 of last year and are due February 12.

The REAP program was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. Because of the success of the program, Congress reauthorized it in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of no less than $50 million in annual funding for the duration of the 5 year bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded $545 million for more than 8,800 REAP projects nationwide. This includes $361 million in REAP grants and loans for more than 2,900 renewable energy systems. When fully operational, these systems are expected to generate more than 6 billion kilowatt hours annually – enough to power more than 5.5 million homes for a year.

In 2013, owners of the Ideal Dairy restaurant in Richfield, Utah, used REAP funding to install 80 solar modules and two 10-kilowatt inverters, which convert energy from solar panels to electricity. The owners have saved, on average, $400 per month. These savings have helped them preserve their restaurant and livelihood.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.

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View the original release on USDA’s site here.

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West Coast Governors Call for an End to Port Labor Impasse

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and his colleagues in Washington and Oregon have issued the following joint statement:

2-18-2015

SACRAMENTO – As U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez helps mediate discussions between dockworkers and port operators, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Oregon Governor Kate Brown today called for a quick resolution to the harmful labor impasse impacting West Coast ports and businesses, issuing the following statements:

“This impasse is disrupting international trade and jeopardizing thousands of jobs,” said California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. “After nine months of bargaining, to be hung up on what appears to be arcane process issues is unacceptable. Get it done, guys.”

“I told Secretary Perez how much I appreciated the attention that he and President Obama are giving this dispute, and that I hoped his direct engagement with the parties would help bring a swift resolution,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “This impasse has dragged on way too long and is playing havoc with international trade, an essential component of Washington’s economy. I understand there are important issues at stake, but it is time to settle before any more damage is done.”

“Our local farmers, small businesses and communities in Oregon are in limbo because of the uncertainty surrounding the West Coast and Oregon ports,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “We urge all parties to rise above their differences and find a common solution to avoid the disruptions that are beginning to suppress our efforts to ensure a strong, growing economy across the state.”

Yesterday, California Governor Brown discussed the impasse with Secretary Perez by phone and earlier this month, sent a letter to the President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Chairman and CEO of the Pacific Maritime Association urging them to quickly resolve this dispute.

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View the original release on Governor Brown’s site here.

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Video: Measurement standards protect consumers and businesses in commercial transactions

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

This video by the California Department of Food and Agriculture features Kristin Macey, director of the department’s Division of Measurement Standards, explaining the importance of preserving and enforcing uniform standards of measurement to protect both consumers and businesses in commercial transactions.

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Video: Secretary Ross offers updates on drought, dairy pricing in interview at World Ag Expo

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

At the World Ag Expo February 10-12 in Tulare, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross was interviewed by WAE-TV, a partnership with the Expo and Dairy Business Communications. She provided updates on California’s ongoing drought and recent activity on the dairy pricing front – as well as her highlights from the annual show.

 

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Video: Taking Advantage of Storm Flows

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Office of Public Affairs

DWR Director Mark Cowin and USBR Mid-Pacific Regional Director David Murillo respond to storm flow questions at a recent California State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting.

The California Department of Water Resources, which operates the State Water Project, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the Central Valley Project, do not act by themselves. They coordinate closely with partner agencies to exercise flexibility to help protect multiple interests. Decisions about when to release water and when to pump are influenced in great measure by the State Water Resources Control Board, which imposes certain flow and salinity standards in its water rights permits.  In addition, the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service require certain actions to protect the federally listed Delta smelt and Chinook salmon.  These include curtailment of pumping when either species is discovered near the pumping plants.

 

 

 

Posted in Drought, State Board of Food and Agriculture | Tagged , | 2 Comments

World Ag Expo – a world-class showcase for Ag

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda
Secretary Ross (center) at the 2015 World Ag Expo.

Secretary Ross (center) at the 2015 World Ag Expo with Craig Hornung and Jennifer Maloney of John Deere.

Tulare County is the number-one Ag county in the nation and the perfect place to host the annual World Ag Expo. I was honored to be able to visit this week.

The Expo wouldn’t happen without extraordinary organizational leadership and the force of 1,200 volunteers of all ages who help shine the spotlight on agriculture, especially in the San Joaquin Valley – home to seven of the nation’s top Ag counties!

Agriculture in California didn’t become the renowned power house it is by standing still.  It’s in the DNA of California farmers and ranchers to constantly innovate, embrace technology, and figure out new ways to do things better and more efficiently.  All this helps them bounce back from adversity  – even when Mother Nature throws a curve ball like our current drought.

And that’s the importance of the World Ag Expo. It showcases the latest developments and brings farmers together to exchange ideas they can take back to their operations to continue to produce high quality California-grown agricultural products. Walking the Expo’s 80 acres and 2.6 million square-feet of exhibit space, and seeing what the 1,500 exhibitors and vendors had to offer were great reminders of everything it takes to keep California agriculture number-one!

 

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Measurement Standards: It All Started Down on the Farm…

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards
An impressive array of equipment in an early CDFA metrology lab (undated).

An impressive array of equipment in an early CDFA metrology lab (undated). See additional photos at the end of this post.

When you go to the supermarket and you buy a gallon of milk or a pound of oranges, how do you know you’re getting your money’s worth? How about a quart of oil, or an acre of land, or a truckload of building materials? Well, it all started down on the farm…

As our ancestors made the transition from their hunter-gather origins to agriculture-based communities, the concept of the farm as an essential part of their lives evolved along with them. Over many generations, the farm became a central point not just for the community’s sustenance and survival, but also for its commerce. Early farmers and the people who bought, sold and traded for what they grew developed a richer understanding of the science of measurement as a basis for fairness in that burgeoning marketplace. Many industries developed and adapted their own measurement standards, but the standards for measuring staples like milk and grain, the weight of livestock, an acre of land and many more were largely learned and passed down by societies because of interactions with farmers.

In the relatively brief history of California, folks who lived in rural communities and needed an accurate weight for a commercial transaction knew where to go – to the farmer. That’s who had the spot-on scales and other measuring devices, as well as the expertise to use them. Even for the “city folk” who had ample occasion to make or convert measurements in their daily lives, one obvious place to look was the farmer’s almanac. For centuries, agriculture has provided a trustworthy, reliable platform for fairness in commercial transactions.

Fast-forward to today, and CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards carries on that public trust by ensuring the accuracy of a broad range of devices used in commercial transactions, from gas pumps to truck scales to supermarket price scanners. CDFA’s regulatory leadership and technical expertise in the science of measurement is a key reason why Californians trust that a gallon is a gallon, whether it’s milk or gas or olive oil. With the assistance of county sealers and their inspectors, weights and measures officials are able to routinely inspect and test the 1.4 million scales, meters and other commercially used devices registered throughout California.

The Future of Measurement Standards

As modern commerce races ahead with new technologies, products and services, the standards of measurement must keep pace. For example: with the recent approval of a hydrogen fuel dispenser at California State University, Los Angeles, the Golden State’s consumers are well on their way to adding a few kilograms of hydrogen (and zero emissions) to the weekly shopping list. CDFA’s experts approved the equipment used to dispense that fuel. Another new “fuel” is electricity, and CDFA is focusing its efforts on the specifications and accuracy requirements for publicly available electric car charging stations that are popping up to meet the demand created by 120,000 electric vehicles now driving on California roads.  Whatever the next advancement, we’ll be there. Just think of it as the latest in a long line of evolutionary steps that started on the very first farm.

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