Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: July 2022

Public Service: CDFA Personnel Officer Gay Faivre retires after 47-year career

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Personnel Officer Gay Faivre (right), pictured with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, is retiring today after a career spanning 47 years with the department, including 45 years in the human resources office after … Continue reading

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USDA announces local food purchase agreement with California

From a USDA news release Today, during a visit to the Yolo County Food Bank in Woodland, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has signed a cooperative agreement with California … Continue reading

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Drip-irrigation study sees 37 percent reduction in water use and five percent increase in yield

A new study suggests that drip irrigation for sweet corn can significantly conserve water, reduce fertilizer use and boost crop yield in the low desert of California – and likely in other areas of the state with similar conditions. Although … Continue reading

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First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom visits Farm to School summer program

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Secretary Ross welcomes Kayla Ungar to CDFA

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CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong Highlights CA GROWN as part of USDA Trade Mission to the Philippines

CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong recently joined representatives from the California Fresh Fruit Association, California Olive Committee, California Milk Advisory Board, Raisin Administrative Committee, Wine Institute and the California Agricultural Export Council in promoting California Grown agricultural products in the Philippines. … Continue reading

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Barbecue, Wasabi and ‘Culinary Diplomacy’ come together in Half Moon Bay

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USDA announces increased funding for school meal programs

From a USDA News Release The USDA today announced an increase in funding to help schools continue to serve kids healthy meals this coming school year and provide financial relief for schools and child care providers. Effective July 1, 2022, … Continue reading

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California’s idle crop land may double as water crisis deepens — from Bloomberg

By Kim Chipman California’s historic drought may leave the state with the largest amount of empty farmland in recent memory as farmers face unprecedented cuts to crucial water supplies. The size of fields intended for almonds, rice, wine grapes and … Continue reading

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California farmers and ranchers — saving water for decades

As California and the west contend with challenges brought by and climate change and drought, it is noteworthy that the state’s farmers and ranchers have been working for improved water efficiency for decades. Information developed by the Public Policy Institute … Continue reading

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