Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Monthly Archives: May 2023

USDA Invites Input on Crop Insurance Coverage for Prevented Planting

From a USDA news release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced public listening sessions and is soliciting public comments on possible changes to prevented planting crop insurance coverage.  USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) will hold in-person and virtual listening … Continue reading

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CDFA Celebrates National Learn About Compost Day: Coming up May 29

National Learn About Compost Day is May 29, 2023 (which is also Memorial Day, so we’re sharing this in advance of the holiday weekend) and CDFA is celebrating with this video about the department’s work with Glenn County grower Mike … Continue reading

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CDFA Announces $89 Million in Grants for Emergency Shelters, Infrastructure at California Fairgrounds

CDFA Deputy Secretary for Fairs Michael Flores (center) joined local Fair Board members and other community dignitaries for a press conference today, on opening day at Chico’s Silver Dollar Fair, to announce a slate of projects at Chico and eleven … Continue reading

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USDA: $500 Million Available for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program to Better Support Partners, Producers

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the availability of $500 million in funding to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP leverages a voluntary approach to conservation that … Continue reading

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CDFA Programs Promote Resilience During Water Awareness Month 

It’s May, and that means it’s Water Awareness Month. The weather whiplash Californians have experienced over the past few months underscores the importance of our water systems.  While the recent wet weather has eased drought impacts on California, CDFA remains … Continue reading

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Taking action to protect endangered California Condors from Avian Influenza

CDFA is working with federal partners to allow vaccination of the endangered birds under emergency provisions The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Animal Health and Food Safety Services division is engaged in a cooperative effort to protect endangered California … Continue reading

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International Biodiversity Day — bird boxes provide big benefits to farmers

Today is International Biodiversity Day, as designated by the United Nations, and CDFA is recognizing the day with this video about bird boxes and their value in vineyards as well as other farms and ranches. Read about the commitment to … Continue reading

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May 20 is World Bee Day!

World Bee Day is Saturday, May 20, and here at CDFA, we care deeply about bees and other pollinators. They are integral to our state’s agriculture and natural systems! We invite you to learn more about the Pollinator Habitat Program, … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross celebrates Plenty indoor vertical farm – bringing agriculture back to Compton

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Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Support Ongoing Central Valley Flood Response

News Release from Governor Newsom’s office (May 17, 2023) WHAT TO KNOW: Amid ongoing flood impacts in the Central Valley, the state is extending flood diversion flexibilities implemented for the Tulare Lake Basin to the San Joaquin River Basin as the … Continue reading

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