Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: December 2012

Research and coexistence essential to embrace opportunities of the future

The future outlook for agriculture is bright.  Food production will have to roughly double by 2050 in order to meet population projections.  And if we look where much of that growth is expected to occur–Asia–we know that California farmers and ranchers will have … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Change, Invasive Species, Trade | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Op-ed Featuring Secretary Ross – Food Donation Always in Season – From the Fresno Bee

http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/12/19/3107834/karen-ross-and-sue-sigler-food.html By Karen Ross and Sue Sigler The holiday season reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have received and to share our good fortune with family, friends and those of who are less fortunate. While many will … Continue reading

Posted in Community-based Food System, Food Access, State Board of Food and Agriculture | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Drawing Inspiration from CDFA Employees’ Charitable Efforts

This gallery contains 11 photos.

As we gather with loved ones over the winter holidays, so many of us are fortunate not only to have family around us but also to have so much good food to share. As Californians, we are blessed by the variety … Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

Adopt-A-Fair Program Connects Modoc, Del Mar Fairs – From the Carmel Valley News

http://www.delmartimes.net/2012/12/12/del-mar-fairgrounds-board-approves-funds-to-help-save-modoc-district-fair/ The 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs the state-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds and oversees the annual San Diego County Fair, has come to the rescue of a tiny, beleaguered state fair in Northern California that was on the verge … Continue reading

Posted in Fairs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CDFA’s Bureau of Livestock ID Works to Prevent Cattle Rustling

Cattle rustling may seem like a crime of yesteryear, but it is still a part of the agricultural landscape today. That’s why the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Bureau of Livestock Identification keeps careful track of the sale, transport … Continue reading

Posted in Animal health, Animal Welfare, Food Safety, Livestock ID | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

New Algae-Based Biodiesel Meets State Fuel Quality Standards

The Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) has tested samples of a new 20 percent biodiesel blend fuel made from algae and is happy to report that the fuel is compliant with California’s quality specification for … Continue reading

Posted in Alternative Fuels, Environment, Measurement Standards, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Central Valley Dairy Farmer Honored for Commitment to Conservation

I am pleased that Kings County dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi has been named the 2012 recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in California. The award is presented annually in eight states to land owners for achievements in land stewardship and management and … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Conservation, Dairy, Environment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Video – “Farmer Style” (a parody of Gangnam Style)

The Peterson brothers, the Kansas farmers who vaulted to worldwide fame with their parody video I’m Farming And I Grow It, have returned with “Farmer Style,” a parody of the hit song and video Gangnam Style.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Farm to Food Bank Program featured in San Diego TV report

On December 5, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross appeared with food bank officials in San Diego to emphasize a greater need for food assistance during the holidays, and to discuss the Farm-to-Food Bank Program, a joint effort with the California State Board of … Continue reading

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

“Improving Food Access in California” report delivered to State Legislature

California agriculture is incredibly productive and diverse. While food from the state’s farmers and ranchers is generally available to many, there are still too many Californians lacking sufficient access to healthy foods. To remedy this situation, in 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown, … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Uncategorized | Leave a comment