Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: May 2017

Targeting Food Waste: $5 million available for prevention/rescue grants

CalRecycle (a.k.a. the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery) has announced a new grant program targeting food waste. The Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program aims to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions by establishing/expanding food waste prevention and/or rescue … Continue reading

Posted in Climate Change, Environment | 3 Comments

A Climate Change Solution Beneath Our Feet – from UC Davis

From UC Davis There’s too much carbon in the atmosphere and not enough in the ground where it’s useful. When we think of climate change solutions, what typically comes to mind is the transportation we use, the lights in our … Continue reading

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Boaters can help fight spread of invasive mussels over Memorial Day Weekend

California agencies combatting the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels remind boaters to remain cautious over Memorial Day weekend. Quagga and zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mussels native to Eurasia. They multiply quickly, encrust watercraft and infrastructure, alter water … Continue reading

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Water in Agriculture Forum highlights cooperation between California and Israel

Today, Secretary Karen Ross and Israeli Agricultural Minister Uri Ariel signed a Letter of Intent (see below) on agricultural cooperation furthering the commitment between California and Israel in addressing issues related to a changing climate. The document was signed during the opening … Continue reading

Posted in Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Drought | Leave a comment

Farmers look back at range of impacts from drought – From Ag Alert

By Dave Kranz, Ag Alert Lessons learned during the multi-year California drought will help farmers and ranchers cope with the next one—and those lessons extended beyond the farm to the realms of policy and public perception, according to farmers who … Continue reading

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Video: Secretary Ross joins celebration of the formation of the California Farm Demonstration Network – from UC ANR

The newly formed Farm Demonstration Network is designed to increase the adoption of improved-performance conservation agriculture systems in California. Founding signatories, including CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, gathered on May 5 to launch the network with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): the … Continue reading

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Dairy and Livestock Working Group Kickoff Meeting at CDFA

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First came hydrogen cars; now the refueling stations – from the New York Times

Note – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards plays an important role in the ongoing development of hydrogen fueling stations by certifying hydrogen fuel meters and regulating fuel quality, advertising and labeling in the marketplace. For … Continue reading

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Soil Health Institute releases action plan – from Agri Pulse

By Steve Davies, Agri Pulse Farmers and ranchers need better tools to measure and understand the value of soil health, the Soil Health Institute said in a sweeping action plan released recently. “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” lays out a series … Continue reading

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May is CalFresh Awareness Month

California has the largest Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the nation. Our state’s farmers and ranchers are proud to play a critical role in reducing hunger and improving health. Throughout the month of May, our state is highlighting the importance … Continue reading

Posted in Food Access, Nutrition, Uncategorized | 1 Comment