Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: September 2022

Secretary Ross and Western Cape Minister of Agriculture strengthen agricultural collaboration

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross welcomed Western Cape of South Africa agricultural minister Ivan Meyer today during his visit to California. Minister Meyer’s trip is dedicated to strengthen the existing collaboration between California and the Western Cape, and to further a … Continue reading

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CDFA deputy secretary Kevin Masuhara receives national honor for service to agriculture

CDFA deputy secretary Kevin Masuhara was recognized this week for his years of service to agriculture with the James A. Graham Award from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). The award is given annually for outstanding work … Continue reading

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Join CDFA in making a difference on International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) joins the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in recognizing today as the third annual International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. In a world where the … Continue reading

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Water-efficient cactus farm fits California’s hotter, drier climate

As drought and climate change continue to pose challenges for farmers and ranchers in the Central Valley and all of California, a family farm in Oakdale, Stanislaus County, may offer a window to the future with a water-efficient cactus farm. … Continue reading

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USDA commits $500 million for increase in American fertilizer production — webinars next week with more information

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers caused by the war … Continue reading

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CDFA at Native American Day at State Capitol

CDFA was joined today by CalFire and the University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the 55th Annual California Native American Day on the West Steps of the State Capitol. CDFA provided information about integrated pest control … Continue reading

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Spanish-language sessions expand outreach to organic growers about Produce Safety Rule

CDFA’s Produce Safety Program works to ensure that California farmers understand how to implement all food safety practices required by the federal Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule. As part of PSP’s Educate, Implement and Regulate strategy to accomplish … Continue reading

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Climate Week 2022 – Meet CDFA Senior Environmental Scientist Elizabeth Hessom and learn about her work on the Healthy Soils Program

Elizabeth Hessom, a senior environmental scientist at CDFA, has been with the agency for a year and a half and currently works on the Healthy Soils Program, which helps producers to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas … Continue reading

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Farmers on Drought — Roberto Le-Fort, San Luis Obispo County

Roberto Le-Fort and Dolores Howard farm a diverse number of crops just north of San Luis Obispo in the town of Creston, California, including apples, peaches, four varieties of basil, carrots, tomatoes, a multitude of herbs and spices, as well … Continue reading

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Climate Week 2022 – meet CDFA senior environmental scientist Alyssa Louie and learn about her work on methane emissions reduction programs

Alyssa Louie, a senior environmental scientist at CDFA, has been with the agency for seven-and-a-half years and currently works on the Dairy Digester Development and Research Program (DDRDP) and the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP), both of which reduce greenhouse … Continue reading

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