Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: July 2020

CDFA scientist Dale Woods retires after 35 years at agency

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CDFA scientists published in academic journal after developing improved method to test for mycotoxin in feed

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) scientists Bahar Nakhjavan, Nighat Sami Ahmed, and Maryam Khosravifard were recently published in an academic journal after developing an improved method to test for mycotoxin in feed. Their … Continue reading

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Governor Newsom releases final Water Resilience Portfolio

Water policy blueprint will guide state actions, support regional efforts Safe drinking water, groundwater recharge, healthy waterways, progress on Salton Sea among top priorities SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today released a final version of the Water Resilience Portfolio, the Administration’s … Continue reading

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CDFA statement on unsolicited seeds from China

Recently the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has become aware of a number of reports regarding unsolicited seeds from China being received by homeowners throughout the US. CDFA is communicating with the USDA to determine any necessary actions for … Continue reading

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What is Soil? From Dirt to Dinner

By Lucy M. Stitzer THE DIRT Life on earth would not survive without soil. Whether we live in a city apartment or on the farm, our lives depend on this seemingly mundane piece of earth. Yet it is not boring … Continue reading

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Governor Newsom announces new supports for California workers

Governor announces support for workers to isolate and quarantine outside their home Unveils new actions to increase outreach and education to slow the spread and reduce the risk for COVID-19 at work, at home, and in the community  Announces new … Continue reading

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New shutdowns complicate farms’ plans – from Ag Alert

By Kevin Hechtman Making planting decisions for fall and winter vegetables is hard enough without a pandemic and ever-changing shutdown orders dimming the crystal ball. The state ordered indoor restaurant dining to cease again July 13 as coronavirus cases spiked … Continue reading

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USDA announces $15 million in funding opportunities to support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers

USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced approximately $15 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance … Continue reading

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Smarter irrigation could feed millions more – from Cosmos Magazine

By Natalie Parletta US researchers have calculated that accessing untapped freshwater around the world would allow farmers to feed 620 to 840 million more people without depleting water resources or expanding agriculture into natural ecosystems. Agriculture uses 90% of the … Continue reading

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CDFA Healthy Soils grant supports beneficial birds for pest control on farm – video from the Wild Farm Alliance

The farm profiled in this video received a grant from CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program for the planting of hedgerows and cover crops.

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