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Monthly Archives: February 2014

Secretary Ross talks agriculture in Chico – from the Chico Enterprise Record

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

By Heather Hacking “We need to reconnect farmers with consumers and create an ag-literate populace,” said Karen Ross, secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture, who spoke to students at the Chico State University Farm Tuesday. “If people don’t … Continue reading →

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USDA commits to program to feed honeybees in the Midwest – from the Associated Press

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

                        MILWAUKEE (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday it will spend millions of dollars to help farmers and ranchers improve pastures in five Midwestern states to … Continue reading →

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Solar-powered desalinization could be a tool for the future – from the New York Times

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

By Todd Woody FIREBAUGH, Calif. — The giant solar receiver installed on a wheat field here in California’s agricultural heartland slowly rotates to track the sun and capture its energy. The 377-foot array, however, does not generate electricity but instead … Continue reading →

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California almond farmers face tough choices due to drought – From the Associated Press

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

Alan Thompson of G&F Agri Service LLC looks at a tree as he manages a crew of heavy equipment operators that removed an almond orchard at Baker Farming Company in Firebaugh, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. The state’s drought … Continue reading →

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Preliminary 2012 Census Results Provide a Snapshot of California Agriculture

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

 2012_California_Preliminary_Data_Release_PPT USDA Press Release on Preliminary 2012 Census Data  

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New climate hubs are a critical resource in addressing climate change

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, CDFA Science Advisor

There is sufficient scientific evidence to support the fact that climate change and its associated extreme events are happening now. With the recent historic drought conditions in California and little explanation as to why it is happening, climate change has … Continue reading →

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Governor Brown, Legislative Leaders Announce Emergency Drought Legislation

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

Governor’s Office Press Release –http://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18415   2-19-2014 SACRAMENTO – With California experiencing its worst water shortage crisis in modern history, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today joined Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez to … Continue reading →

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USDA Announces Fiscal Year 2015 Farm to School Grants to Continue Efforts to Increase Local Foods in Eligible Schools

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

USDA Press Release: WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 19, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a request for applications for the third round of USDA’s Farm to School grants, including the addition of a new funding track. … Continue reading →

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An American Grown State Dinner – Featuring America’s Cut Flower Industry

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

From the USDA Blog – Last week, President and Mrs. Obama hosted France’s President, Francois Hollande for a State Dinner on the South Lawn of the White House. State Dinners are a way to celebrate U.S. relations with international friends … Continue reading →

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Cracking down on California grease thieves – from Reuters

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Office of Public Affairs

Watch video of a grease theft By Sharon Bernstein California is trying to find new ways to catch thieves who steal used cooking grease from restaurants in hopes of making money by selling it to companies that turn it into alternative biofuels. … Continue reading →

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