Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: May 2022

Secretary Ross joins Governor Newsom, New Zealand prime minister for Memorandum of Cooperation signing on climate 

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (photo-center) joined Governor Newsom, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern (to Secretary Ross’ right), New Zealand minister of agriculture and trade Damien O’Connor (to secretary’s left), and other dignitaries today at a memorandum of cooperation signing … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross learns about Farm-to-School efforts in Inland Empire

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National Learn About Compost Day coming up this weekend — CDFA offers compost resources page

Visit CDFA’s On-Farm Compost Resources Page

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Department of Conservation announces $42 million in Land Repurposing Program Grants

From a California Department of Conservation News Release The California Department of Conservation today announced the award of more than $40 million to regional organizations working to reduce groundwater reliance and create local environmental and economic opportunities through land-use changes. … Continue reading

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USDA announcement for Commodity Container Assistance Program includes Port of Oakland

From a USDA news release USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP), which currently includes a partnership with the Port of Oakland and the … Continue reading

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CDFA Border Stations helping to prevent risk of invasive mussel infestation during boating season

Once again, CDFA is partnering with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, and the Department of Water Resources to help prevent invasive quagga and zebra mussels from entering California. Staff at CDFA Border Inspection Stations are … Continue reading

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CDFA helps ensure that California cherries meet industry standards and consumer expectations

Did you know that CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection Program conducts cherry inspections at packing houses to help ensure that California cherries meet state and national standards? Packing houses are hard at work this month to get freshly-picked California cherries to … Continue reading

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Cal/OSHA reminds employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illness

From a Cal/OSHA news release Cal/OSHA reminds all employers with outdoor workers to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to prevent heat illness, as high temperatures are expected throughout the state this week. Employers in California must take steps … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross tours San Francisco wholesale produce market

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, CDFA Inspection Services Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg, and California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) visited San Francisco’s SF Market early this morning (May 20) to learn how the Market–a wholesale produce market–provides food and relationships that … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross applauds appointment of Maria Gallegos Herrera as USDA Rural Development State Director for California

President Biden has appointed Maria Gallegos Herrera as the USDA’s Rural Development State Director for California. Herrera grew up in the Central Valley, the daughter of farmworker parents, and served Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration as Central California Regional Director of … Continue reading

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