Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: November 2016

Elementary School in Central Valley partners with school in Sierra foothills to share love of Ag education

One of the great challenges of farm-to-school programs is taking the message from rural communities, “preaching to the choir,” if you will, to communities with cultural frames of references other than agriculture. They could be urban communities or communities with … Continue reading

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Central Valley farmers grow quality tomatoes with half the nitrogen and a third less water – from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service

How do you cut your water use by a third, cut your nitrogen use in half, maintain your tomato yield and improve your fruit quality?  “With patience, perseverance and by treating your soil like a living ecosystem–which it is,” says … Continue reading

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Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory on the leading edge of research beneficial to agriculture

I was honored to have an opportunity this week to visit the world-class Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and learn about some of the cutting-edge research underway that has value to agriculture. The Berkeley lab is an example of our lengthy and … Continue reading

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CDFA, UC Davis team-up on tips to keep bird flocks safe from Avian Flu

By Pat Bailey, UC Davis As leaves begin to fall and sunlight takes on a golden sparkle, you may be noticing increased activity in the skies. It’s that time of year when migratory waterfowl are on the move, heading south … Continue reading

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The wonderful world of Ag research – from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack

What if I told you a scientist had recently discovered a way to remove up to 98% of the allergens in peanuts without affecting the flavor, thereby diminishing a severe health threat to some 2.8 million Americans who suffer from … Continue reading

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Galt FFA becomes first California chapter to win national agriculture issues competition – from the Galt Herald

Galt FFA had 17 members and three advisors travel to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Oct. 16-23. Throughout the week, Galt FFA members participated in national contests, discussed agriculture education and represented the Galt community. The National FFA … Continue reading

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Scientists work to define threat from palm pest – from Ag Alert

By Kevin Hecteman Southern California, which in recent times ejected the red palm weevil, has a new problem to ponder. It’s the South American palm weevil, which has arrived in the San Diego area from Tijuana and likes to dine … Continue reading

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Climate Smart Agriculture Online Webinar: Israel & California to Discuss Recycled Water Use on November 9

California and Israel share similar climates and challenges as it relates to food and farming. As California potentially enters a sixth consecutive drought year – how we manage and use agriculture water will be all the more important. Join the conversation … Continue reading

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Should the food industry sneak vegetables into food? From the New York Times

By Bettina Elias Siegel Puréed spinach in brownies. “Red velvet” pancakes made from beets. Oatmeal cookies with cauliflower bits. There are hundreds of creative ways to sneak fruits and vegetables past the wrinkled noses of even the pickiest children. Whether … Continue reading

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#Farm2Fan video series – Pistachios in Earlimart

California Grown and Visit California are teaming up to produce the #Farm2Fan video series, profiling farms throughout California and fans of those farms who stop by for a visit.  

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