October is National Farm to School Month! This year’s theme is, “From Soil to Sea: Nourishing People and Planet,” honoring the vital role of farmers and ranchers who establish the foundation for a thriving farm to school movement.
Since 2021, CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has reached 49 percent of all California students through an investment of $86 million in 375 projects, benefitting 2.85 million students at 269 school districts.
Stay tuned to Planting Seeds during National Farm to School Month as we highlight grantee projects and regional Farm to School Program staff across the state working to connect farmers to local school districts and improve the health and wellbeing of children and families.
CDFA encourages educators, school foodservice employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.
Leadership Insights is a monthly column from the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation in partnership with Morning Ag Clips. The series delves into the crucial facets of leadership within the agricultural sector, with academic and agricultural leaders offering valuable perspectives and strategies.
Opinion piece by CDFA secretary Karen Ross
Food production in a hotter, drier climate is essential for the health of people and our planet. It is complex and the challenge of our lifetime for businesses, communities, institutions and governments. It requires science, technology and nature-based solutions. It demands critical systems thinking throughout the economy, academia, nonprofits and governments.
A recent ag summit at Fresno State – with a focus on Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation and collaboration – underscored all the above. A farmer and California Ag Leadership Program alum said, “For the first five years of SGMA, we were focused on the science. Now we have the science, but we won’t be successful without collaboration.” It generated follow-up conversations regarding who is missing in the discussions and how do we engage them to ensure durable solutions that include all stakeholders?
The list of skills required for good leaders is long, but one is of increasing importance: the ability to harness the power of collaboration. I believe collaboration is the superpower that will allow us to tackle the tough challenges faced by agriculture today. From climate pressures to increasing public scrutiny, collaboration can be our ticket for solution-building, shared understanding and a better future for all. The process of engaging diverse perspectives depends on active listening and a willingness to focus on commonalities rather than differences to build trust.
My “why” for serving in this leadership role is my deep gratitude for all the opportunities I’ve had, the people around me and the work we do together in California agriculture. Even in these challenging times in agriculture, my gratitude and faith in people instills my sense of optimism that working together we can continue building agriculture and rural communities that are vibrant, resilient and capable of meeting future challenges.
In 2023, the State Board of Food and Agriculture released Ag Vision for the Next Decade. Originally created in 2009, Ag Vision seeks to unite leaders with our common purpose: “To make California a better place to live because of what we grow and how we grow it.” The plan is focused on five priority areas with an aim on creating opportunity – something we heard loud and clear from stakeholders who wanted to change the narrative that paints agriculture as a legacy industry to one that excites people about opportunities and one that is valued by all Californians for its contributions to daily life.
I am proud of the progress made on several areas like fostering climate-smart resilient food systems, with over $800 million in grants to farmers and technical assistance providers for climate smart practices. We have invested $86 million in farm-to-school programs reaching 49% of schoolchildren as part of building healthy, local communities. Utilizing institutional procurement, we can support local farmers and ranchers and improve nutrition and health outcomes of youth to avoid diet-related chronic diseases. I am excited about our collaboration with ag organizations and academic partners on next generation talent and tools around ag technology and automation, biological solutions, workforce development and upskilling farmworkers for jobs of the future. I am inspired by the exciting regional collaborations on economic development like F3 Innovate and BEAM Circular that brought diverse stakeholders together to share a common vision for people and place-centered economies based on agriculture and innovation.
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and its alumni will continue to be a part of building a thriving California agriculture for years to come. As secretary, I seek out Ag Leadership alumni and 4-H and FFA members who can bring new voices and perspectives to our work. I am especially proud that CDFA Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina (Class 52), CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry Branch Chief Dr. Barzin Moradi (Class 48) and USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (and former CDFA undersecretary) Jenny Lester Moffitt (Class 47) participated in Ag Leadership during my tenure! It is always my pleasure to introduce my cabinet colleagues to the class members and alumni who are leaders making a difference.
My purpose and passion in life has always been to bring people together around food – for the purpose of growing it, preparing it or ensuring all Californians have access to the nutritious bounty that California agriculture provides – and to foster the reconnection of consumers to the land and people who produce it. A shared meal can help break down barriers, showcase different cultures and launch great conversations. For me it is often the first step in building relationships, shared leadership and collaboration. It’s about people coming together in all our differences who care about the common good. Thank you, Ag Leadership, for empowering collaborative leaders!
About the Author
Karen Ross has been the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture since 2011. She is a graduate of the Nebraska Ag Leadership Program and recipient of the 2012 California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Honorary Fellow Award. Read full bio.
CDFA is pleased to announce the publication of a California Native American Tribe Listening Session Report. The report can be found on the CDFA Farm Equity homepage.
The report is the result of a two-year collaboration with the Intertribal Agriculture Council. CDFA’s Farm Equity office and program staff collaborated with the council to conduct four listening sessions with Native American tribes from across the state. The sessions focused primarily on identifying current barriers and challenges to accessing CDFA grant programs, resources and services; and to propose recommendations for CDFA to address historic and current barriers to engagement with tribes.
The major recommendations are:
Develop tribal-specific grant application tracks within CDFA grant programs
Provide one-on-one technical assistance support with applications and project implementation.
Expand grant program focus and terminology to to include native foods, native plants, and native food sovereignty.
Although many CDFA grant programs are increasingly accessed by tribes, there is still a relatively low percentage of awards annually for them. The recommendations will help guide CDFA program staff to better address barriers — through innovations and changes in program structure, outreach and engagement. The objective is to ensure that more tribes are aware of grant programs, technical assistance, and other State of California opportunities.
“By coming together to host these listening sessions, the Intertribal Agriculture Council and the California Department of Food and Agriculture have taken a step toward better engagement with California tribes,” said Natalie Soares of the IAC. “The listening sessions allowed them to provide critical feedback on state programs related to agriculture in Indian Country. We look forward to seeing how CDFA will refine its programs in response to supporting tribal needs.”
CDFA’s Farm Equity Office continues to work to implement the tenets of AB 1348, the Farmer Equity Act, which called for increasing access to CDFA grants, programs resources, and services; and ensuring that historically underserved groups such as Native American tribes have a voice going forward.
The publication of this report is one step towards greater accountability and real progress toward ensuring that we are partnering with and serving Native American tribes in innovative ways.
CDFA joined in celebrating the 57th annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol today, where attendees gathered to honor the contributions and culture of California’s Native American communities. This year’s theme, “Recognizing 100 Years of Citizenship and the Fight for the Right to Vote: 1924-2024,” underscored the ongoing struggle for equal rights and recognition.
The event was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of California’s original stewards, bringing together tribes, organizations, universities, elected officials, and state agencies. For CDFA, it was an important opportunity to engage with tribal communities and share information about the agency’s agricultural programs and services, including the prevention of invasive species, and grant programs.
CDFA’s interactive booth attracted attention from event attendees. Always a highlight, the insect display sparked conversations about the link between agriculture and invasive species. Through these conversations, CDFA highlighted its efforts in working alongside tribal communities to protect both agriculture and natural resources from potential threats.
Several CDFA divisions participated in the event, including:
Thea Rittenhouse, CDFA’s Tribal Affairs and Farm Equity Advisor, along with other CDFA representatives, connected with tribal community members and partners to foster stronger relationships. They emphasized the shared goal of protecting agricultural commodities, particularly on tribal lands where citrus is a key crop. The partnership between CDFA, tribal communities, agricultural commissioners, and federal partners like the USDA plays a necessary role in these efforts.
Additionally, CDFA highlighted the availability of grants and funds, such as those from OEFI and the Farm to School programs, which prioritize serving tribal communities as part of CDFA’s commitment to supporting historically underserved populations. Through its participation in California Native American Day, the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture is committed to working alongside tribal communities in protecting and preserving the state’s agricultural and natural resources for future generations.
Secretary Ross at Climate Week NYC. Top-left, with participants in a discussion about climate adaptation and nature-based solutions; and top-right, speaking about CDFA’s innovative Farm to School program. Bottom, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom (left) with panelists Anna Knight, a California farmer and current Farm to School Incubator Grantee, and Juan Cordon, Vacaville Unified School District nutrition services director and former Farm to School Incubator Grantee.
Climate Week NYC continues this week with a wide range of activities, and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has made appearances to speak about California’s innovative Farm to School programming as well as challenges and opportunities with climate adaptation.
Secretary Ross appeared with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to discuss the Farm to School initiative. The secretary expressed her appreciation to the legislature, the First Partner and Governor Newsom for their investment of nearly $100 million in the program; and she noted valuable contributions from regional staff members in the program helping to connect historically underserved farmers with school nutrition directors. The First Partner talked about the importance of collaboration for better health and well-being of children, and she discussed how proud she is of the partnerships that are driving the program.
The Farm to School program connects with climate adaptation by issuing grants to producers who plan to use climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations.
Climate was front and center at another event attended by Secretary Ross — a discussion hosted by the Almond Board of California, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and Monarch Tractor. The topics covered a range of climate issues, including farmer/rancher-led innovation on nature-based solutions, advanced technology adoption, and sustainability to meet public-benefit goals of food security, farm viability and climate resiliency.
“Both of these events provided California with excellent opportunities to discuss our leadership on climate issues,” said Secretary Ross. “Climate Week NYC is one of the best gatherings there is to exchange ideas and share our success stories as we work together on the essential mission of adaptation.”
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is at Climate Week NYC and participated today in a panel discussion co-hosted by Food Tank and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The discussion, “Building Healthy Soils, Reducing Food Waste, and Protecting Pollinators from Pesticides,” touched on the connection of food systems and global climate resilience.
Climate-smart agricultural practices can mitigate ag environmental impacts while improving ecosystem health, fostering stronger communities, and making farmers more resilient. This central theme was explored in a discussion moderated by Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, featuring insights from Secretary Ross and Gregory Jaffe, Senior Advisor of the USDA.
Climate Smart Agriculture
Secretary Ross provided an in-depth look at California’s innovative approach to climate-smart agriculture. Noting her experience working with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, she described how California took science-based steps toward improving soil health, even before funding became available. California has since invested tens of millions of dollars in incentive grants to support 1,500 farms in transitioning to sustainable practices. “What’s important about the funding is that it’s voluntary,” said Secretary Ross. “We cost-share with farmers to help them make these transitions, focusing especially on historically underserved farmers.” CDFA has also invested in technical assistance and demonstration projects to ensure farmers have the resources they need to succeed.
Role of Soil Health and Irrigation
At the center of California’s climate-smart practices is soil health. “It starts with soil health,” said Secretary Ross. She also stressed improving irrigation practices, which not only reduces water usage but also curbs runoff and emissions while maintaining productivity. “We need to see agriculture as a system, and the work we’re doing is a holistic approach,” she said.
Engaging the Next Generation
One of the highlights of Secretary Ross’ presentation was her call to engage younger generations in farming. “We need to show that farming is a viable, purposeful option,” she said, noting California’s focus on attracting next-generation talent into the agriculture value chain. She believes this engagement is important to creating “climate warriors” who are both food producers and help advocate for sustainable practices.
Preserving Farmland and Building Resilience
The threat of losing farmland is a serious concern for agriculture, with the USDA reporting the loss of 140,000 farms and millions of acres of farmland in the last five years. Secretary Ross highlighted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which aims to balance underground aquifers, and called for careful land-use planning to protect farmland while supporting farm-based livelihoods.
Call to Action on Food Waste
The event also addressed the urgent need to reduce food waste. Secretary Ross issued a call to action: “Food waste is something every one of us can do something about. It starts on the farm but continues in our homes. We need to teach others how to reduce waste and keep it out of landfills.” The USDA discussion participant, Gregory Jaffe, paralleled this message by exploring how food waste can be transformed into bio-based products to further support sustainability efforts. “Agriculture is a renewable resource,” said Secretary Ross.
What you need to know: A new report shows California greenhouse gas emissions declined across most sectors in 2022 – and declined a whopping 20% since 2000. The decrease in emissions took place even as the state’s economic dominance continued.
SACRAMENTO – Greenhouse gas emissions in California dropped yet again in 2022, continuing a big drop that has now totaled 20% since 2000. This is the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in recent history, aside from the pandemic-caused dip in 2020.
A report released today for 2022 greenhouse gas emissions shows a 2.4% drop from 2021 to 2022 that is the equivalent of removing more than 2.2 million gasoline-powered cars off California’s roads for one year.
“California is proving that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. We’ve slashed carbon pollution by a whopping 20% since the turn of the century all while building the world’s fifth largest economy. Cleaner air, more good jobs – that’s the California way.” — Governor Gavin Newsom
The biggest drop came from transportation, due largely to the increased use of renewable fuels in addition to the growing strength of the zero-emission vehicle market. The electricity sector had its lowest carbon intensity since 2000. Five out of seven sectors tracked had drops which reduced total emissions by 9.3 million metric tons.
“The numbers are clear: our world-leading regulations are reducing emissions, spurring innovation, and bringing us closer to achieving our climate goals,” said California Air Resources Board Chair LianeRandolph. “A future with clean air and a vibrant economy is possible and California is leading the way.”
The latest data underscores a continued trend of steady emissions decline even as the economy continues to grow. Between 2000 to 2022, emissions fell by 20% while California’s gross domestic product increased by 78%, pointing to the effectiveness of the state’s climate action. California has decreased the carbon intensity of its economy by 55% in the last 20 years.
In recognition of September as Guide Dog Awareness Month, CDFA’s Disability Advisory Committee has been welcoming furry, trained canine guests to agency headquarters. A recent event was a collaboration with the California Association of Guide Dog Users, a division of the National Federation of the Blind of California.
The session was led by association president Shannon Dillon, accompanied by her guide dog Irish, an eight-year-old German Shepherd.
Guide dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Shannon talked about how specifically dogs like Irish play an essential role in the lives of individuals who are blind or have low vision, which Shannon experiences.
Guide dogs can perform tasks that range from guiding their handlers safely through busy streets to helping them navigate daily obstacles. The dogs are trained to provide independence and mobility to people who are blind or visually impaired.
“The dog will stop at the curb, and I give it a hand motion to go right or left, and it helps me walk to the curb,” said Shannon. “They can also help find escalators and look for elevators. Guide dogs can know the word ‘elevator’ and they can find them.”
Shannon also discussed how guide dogs learn to work in crowds, locate a ramp at light rail platforms, identify empty seats on trains and buses, find counters and trash cans in unfamiliar spaces, navigate revolving doors, and help their handler manage safely in areas with no sidewalks or paths.
She highlighted the importance of understanding that guide dogs are working animals, not pets, and distractions like petting or making eye contact can interfere with their ability to assist their handlers. She therefore stressed the need for increased public awareness for the safety of handlers and their guide dogs.
Guide Dog Awareness Month is as a reminder of the critical work performed by these animals. Through the efforts of organizations like the California Association of Guide Dog Users, progress continues to be made toward greater inclusion and understanding.
As Shannon and Irish demonstrate, guide dogs are essential in maintaining the independence and safety of people with disabilities.
CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program brings proven economic and environmental benefits to California food producers and communities, according to a new report authored by researchers from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Berkeley, the Food Insight Group, the Berkeley Food Institute, and the USDA.
“This independent evaluation shows that our California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is working, and that we are empowering our schools and farms to collaborate for the good of our kids and our communities” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
Since 2021, the program has reached 49% of all California students through a total of $86 million invested in 375 projects, benefitting 2,850,196 students at 269 school districts.
This report evaluates the 2021 and 2022 rounds of grant funding. Highlights include:
Fifty-seven percent of the program’s farmers made sales to schools between April and September 2023
Three producer grantees reported that grant funding likely prevented them from going out of business
All producers funded by the grant program use or plan to use climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations during the grant period
September is Hunger Action Month, and CDFA is proud to join forces in the fight against hunger in our community and support those in need, aligning with the agency’s commitment through its Ag Vision plan to promote access to healthy food for all Californians.
The Sacramento Food Bank helps provide approximately 3.2 million pounds of food to 320,000 people each month! They’re always looking for volunteers to help sort, repack, and distribute food that comes through their distribution center. The Food Bank was founded in 1976 and is the largest hunger relief organization in Sacramento County.
Photo, from left — CDFA Director of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Victoria Hornbaker; Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina; Director of Information Technology Fred Gomez; Acting Citrus Division Director David Gutierrez; and Director of Inspection Services Natalie Krout-Greenberg.
