Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: August 2022

Farmers on Drought: Cherthai Xiong, Fresno County

Cherthai Xiong grows more than 60 varieties of Asian vegetables on his farm in Del Rey, Fresno County, including three varieties of eggplant (Chinese, Indian and bitter), Thai hot peppers, and bitter melon. All of his crops are sold at … Continue reading

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FFA moving towards greater diversity, inclusion — from AgriPulse

By Spencer Chase The National FFA Organization’s top staffer says its diversity and inclusion efforts are key facets of a new strategic plan and value statements currently guiding the group and its newly announced record membership. It’s a charge that … Continue reading

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Healthy Soils Save Water!

CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program provides grants for farmers and ranchers to adopt practices that boost organic matter in soils for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increases in water-holding capacity. These projects are valuable tools for drought and climate change. … Continue reading

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Farm Bill listening session — Central Valley stakeholders share priorities as California considers recommendations for Congress

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USDA to invest up to $300 million in new Organic Transition Initiative

From a USDA News Release USDA Tom Vilsack has announced details of a $300 million investment in a new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers. Organic production … Continue reading

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On the lookout for Spotted Lanternflies — from the Today Show

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species causing major concern in the eastern US. It favors more than 70 different plant species. Grapes, apples and stone fruit (plums, cherries, peaches, apricots) are among crops that are threatened. Here in California, … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross joins US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on drought tour in Central Valley

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland today in the Central Valley for discussions about California’s ongoing drought as well as farmers and ranchers who are part of the solution with adaptation and conservation, including more than … Continue reading

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Congratulations to CDFA’s Craig Hanes on his retirement

29-year career concludes as Pierce’s Disease Control Program Statewide Coordinator CDFA Secretary Karen Ross congratulates Craig Hanes on his retirement. “Craig has been a friend and an asset for all of his 29 years with CDFA,” Secretary Ross said, “including … Continue reading

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USDA invests in local conservation projects, including pollinator support in California

From a USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages partner resources … Continue reading

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State and federal agencies announce new signatories to improve health of rivers and landscapes

Five Local Water Agencies Join Years-Long Effort to Help Recover Salmon While Protecting Water Reliability A news release from the California Natural Resources Agency Five more local water agencies have signed onto an agreement to provide water flows and new … Continue reading

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