Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: April 2023

California Announces Funding for Projects to Conserve Agricultural Land and Fight Climate Change

From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom Program has awarded $373 million to date, conserving more than 194,000 acres of agricultural land across California Grants prioritized for projects that benefit California Native American tribes, beginning farmers and ranchers, U.S. Military … Continue reading

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CDFA’s Dr. Stephen Beam steps down after 10 years as chair of National Conference on International Milk Shipments

CDFA’s branch chief for Milk and Dairy Food Safety, Dr. Stephen Beam, stepped down this month after a 10-year term as chair of the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS), a body of government and private interests that meets every two … Continue reading

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CDFA Undersecretary Birdsong meets with Chilean Ambassador Valdés

Today, CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong met with Chilean Ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdés. The discussion focused on opportunities to further collaboration on agricultural trade, climate smart agriculture and issues related to drought and wildfires. California and Chile share a strong agricultural … Continue reading

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Help identify and pinpoint invasive species with CDFA’s Report a Pest program

April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month Have you seen a new or unusual plant or pest in your area? If so, you can play an important role in protecting California agriculture and your environment by reporting the sighting … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross on Climate and Trade Visit to Denmark and the Netherlands

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Visiting last week with farmers, ag tech companies, and academic researchers in Denmark and the Netherlands demonstrated the shared priority of investing in science-based tools and agricultural technology to advance climate resiliency on working lands. … Continue reading

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A look back at Earth Day — Secretary Ross joins First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Governor Newsom to highlight Farm to School programs

From a news release by the Governor’s office. (Top photo — Secretary Ross, third from right, with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Governor Newsom, and other Earth Day attendees at Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova) On Earth Day, California … Continue reading

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CDFA helps Black Farmers Conference attendees learn about available grant programs

CDFA attended today’s Black Farmers Conference at Fresno State University. Representatives from the CDFA Office of Farm Equity, the Urban Agriculture Grant Program, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Fertilizer Research and Education Program and the Citrus Pest & … Continue reading

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Rendering is Recycling — join us in recognition of National Rendering Day, April 21

Today is National Rendering Day! The Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Branch within CDFA licenses and inspects rendering plants and promotes the safe and legal collection, transportation, processing and disposal of dead livestock, animal and fish materials, and used cooking … Continue reading

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California to deliver 100 percent water supply allocation

News release from the office of Governor Newsom WHAT TO KNOW: California is managing water supplies to expand storage, maximize delivery throughout the state, mitigate flooding, and help communities recover from years of extreme drought – announcing a 100% water … Continue reading

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Earth Day on April 22 — video message from Secretary Ross on farming, ranching and soil health

Learn more about CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program

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