Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: January 2017

Full statistics now available for crop year 2015

In 2015 California’s farms and ranches received approximately $47 billion for their output. This represents a decrease of nearly 17 percent compared to 2014. California remains the leading US state in cash farm receipts. California’s agricultural abundance includes more than … Continue reading

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“When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Veterinarian.”

The Planting Seeds blog is featuring stories this month relating to animal health issues and the activities of CDFA’s Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services. This information was originally published as part of the “CDFA By the Numbers” … Continue reading

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Pink Bollworm Program honored for reducing dependence on pesticides

California’s cooperative Pink Bollworm Program was one of six projects recognized by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at an award ceremony last night (January 26) in Sacramento to honor efforts to manage pests while reducing the use of pesticides. The awards recognize innovation, … Continue reading

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Hydroponic agriculture showcases diversity of California Ag production

Hydroponic agriculture, the growing of plants without soil and adding nutrients in water, is a relatively new method of production in California, but it shows promise as a growth sector for farmers seeking to produce more efficiently while utilizing fewer … Continue reading

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Update on Organic Certification Cost Share Program

CDFA’s State Organic Program (SOP) is pleased to announce a federal funding opportunity of $12.5 Million for eligible applicants under the Organic Cost Share Program (OCCSP).  The SOP has applied to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) under the United States … Continue reading

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State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones discusses CDFA’s Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services

The Planting Seeds blog is featuring stories this month relating to animal health issues and the activities of CDFA’s Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services.  

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California lands more than $5 million in USDA grants for citrus greening research

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced four grants totaling more than $13.6 million to combat a scourge on the nation’s citrus industry, citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). UC Riverside will receive $5,112,000 of that … Continue reading

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State Water Project increases allocation to 60 percent – from Capital Press

By Tim Hearden Amid what’s shaping up to be one of California’s wettest winters on record, the State Water Project on Jan. 18 upped its anticipated deliveries to at least 60 percent of requested supplies. The boost from 45 percent … Continue reading

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Valley farmers aim to provide bees with appetizers, dessert to go with main meal – from the Modesto Bee

By John Holland About a month from now, billions of bees will get to work pollinating nearly 1 million acres of California almonds. On a small part of that acreage, growers are providing other flowers for the bees to dine … Continue reading

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USDA offers grants to help local food sector

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the availability of $27 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to strengthen market opportunities for local and regional food producers and businesses.  “These grants will continue … Continue reading

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