Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: September 2020

Remembering environmentalist and farmer John Anderson

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross I am saddened by the recent loss of John Anderson, DVM, farmer, scientist and environmentalist, who passed away on August 19, 2020. It seems quite fitting to pay tribute to him during this week of … Continue reading

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Governor Newsom’s ‘On The Record’ column – all Californians urged to get counted in Census by September 30

Governor Gavin Newsom has released his latest “On the Record” column encouraging Californians to get counted in the 2020 Census by September 30. The column is part of a media collaboration with California Black Media, Ethnic Media Services, ImpreMedia, Univision and … Continue reading

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CDFA environmental farming program saves water and energy

Recent heat waves have caused California’s energy grid to take a beating, which forced the California Independent System Operator, the entity that operates the state’s power grid, to institute rolling blackouts. How do California’s farmers and ranchers deal with energy … Continue reading

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$50 billion in cash receipts for California farmers and ranchers in 2019

In 2019, California’s farms and ranches received more than $50 billion in cash receipts for their output. This represents a slight increase over reported cash receipts for 2018. California’s agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. Over a third of … Continue reading

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Biodiversity Day next week – a video with Secretary Ross

https://youtu.be/HkAjPlmLtqk?list=PLxjMt4BmzMYasCKoAUewX0Vy2yk1LWNd_

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CDFA Senior Farmers Market Program helping to keep seniors fed – from the California Association of Food Banks

As Californians, we’re lucky to live in a state that grows an abundance and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables – more than 300 different crops! Many of us are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of this seasonal bounty by visiting our local farmers’ markets. Thankfully, there are programs that make … Continue reading

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USDA offers disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires

USDA News Release California agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by the wildfires, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. As agricultural producers move into recovery mode … Continue reading

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USDA extends free meals for children through December 31, 2020

From a USDA News Release U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as December 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free … Continue reading

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Fairgrounds continue to shelter evacuated people and animals, host fire camps

As wildfires continue to burn in California, local fairgrounds are fulfilling their mission to offer resources during times of crisis by providing shelter for people and animals as well as base camp facilities for firefighters. The fairs that have provided … Continue reading

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California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones honored by national Ag association

From a National Association of State Departments of Agriculture news release At the virtual annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) today, top employees of three state departments of agriculture were honored for their service … Continue reading

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