CDFA Secretary Karen Ross met with New Zealand Ambassador Rosemary Banks and Consul-General Katja Ackerley during a recent visit to Sacramento. CDFA and New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industry signed on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sustainable Agricultural Cooperation in October 2022. The State of California also welcomed the New Zealand Prime Minister earlier this year fostering a partnership on climate action.
California agricultural exports to New Zealand are estimated at more than $156 million.
Farmer Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou at Brisa Ranch
As Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) draws to a close, CDFA would like to profile Brisa Ranch of Pescadero (San Mateo County) and its co-owner, Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou. Growing up with roots in Guatemala and Venezuela, Veronica’s journey into agriculture began during her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, where she developed a deep respect for subsistence farming.
Since 2018, Veronica and her business partners, Cole and Cristobal, have grown Brisa Ranch into a diversified fruit and vegetable operation. Located on California’s coast, the ranch benefits from a unique microclimate, allowing them to grow greens year-round and cultivate crops like tomatoes, peppers, and heirloom varieties of squash and corn. These crops not only reflect their cultural backgrounds but also meet the demands of local markets and communities. With Cristobal’s Oaxacan heritage and Cole’s Greek roots, Brisa Ranch has embraced diverse agricultural traditions.
The challenges Veronica and her partners face, like many small-scale farmers in California, are multifaceted. Land tenure and housing are significant obstacles, along with the unpredictable impacts of climate change, such as heavy rains and wildfires. Despite these hurdles, the ranch is committed to sustainable farming, employing cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage that prioritizes soil health and biodiversity. Flowers are grown to support pollinator habitats, further enhancing the ecological balance on their farm.
Veronica’s passion extends beyond the fields. As a member of the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee at CDFA, she helps represent the needs of small and minority-owned farms. She is also spearheading efforts to establish a food hub, which would connect local producers in San Mateo County with school districts and underserved communities.
“We have worked with four school districts that include Santa Cruz City Schools, Live Oak School District, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, and Alum Rock Union School District. We have also sold via regional food hubs that are working with school districts in other parts,” said Veronica. “We feel strongly about working with school districts to make sure local and organic produce is making it to school kitchens. As part of our work, students have visited our farm, and we have sent a member of our team to the schools to speak to the students.”
Veronica hopes that with the additional support being provided to schools and farms to strengthen the farm to school supply chain, she will be able to increase the number of school districts served and collaborate with other farms to distribute produce more efficiently. Through these efforts, Veronica is optimistic that more accessible and equitable food system can be created, ensuring that fresh, locally grown produce reaches those who need it most.
Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou and Brisa Ranch is a powerful example of how culture, sustainability, and community intersect in California’s agricultural landscape. The ranch is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Latina women farmers helping to shape the future of farming.
A look at avocado and blueberry production in Peru’s Ica Valley, and reservoir serving agriculture
CDFA secretary Karen Ross visited Peru this week as part of a Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Mission focusing on expanding collaboration on innovation, on-farm practices, and technologies to assist California’s specialty crop growers in adapting to climate change.
By CDFA secretary Karen Ross
Peru’s Ica Valley is an oasis in the desert. There are more than 100,000 acres of agricultural production primarily focusing on high-quality specialty crops (avocados, table grapes and blueberries), surrounded by the Andes mountains as well as desert sands. Water defines this region in all aspects – from controversy to innovation. The population faces challenges in accessing water and agriculture continues to grow. It is a very complicated picture and being from California, we have an opportunity to share our knowledge about water sustainability, equity and management.
There is a strong dedication to local communities in the Ica Valley, including the development and funding of local schools to providing upward mobility to the workforce by advancing home ownership and land access. There is also an environmental focus with aquifer recharge, investment in native habitat, and initial steps towards a circular economy.
Our visits have been with some of the largest and most productive growers in the region. We have also had the opportunity to meet with government and academia, where the importance of technical assistance and investment in small-to-medium scale farms on climate smart practices was strongly emphasized. It is a legitimate and appropriate role for government but also has to earn the trust of citizens to serve the common good.
The work that is occurring on farms in Peru is impressive. Data-driven production of crops, building organic matter in soils, precision agriculture, and on-farm sensor deployment is delivering world-class agricultural production. On-farm management practices are being implemented to adjust to climate realities by advancing harvest windows and targeting on-time irrigation of crops. Through this work, Peru is changing the desert landscape and building soils for food production.
The next few years will see changes in Peru’s agricultural sector. California’s engagement on climate smart agriculture practices–supported through academic, grower and government collaboration–will be an important step forward in advancing shared practices and advancing water equity.
This is World Mental Health Day, and CDFA wants to remind farmers, farmworkers, and the ag community that mental health matters. CDFA offers a website with resources to support mental wellness in the agriculture community and beyond.
We join our partners on this day and every day to raise awareness and help support mental health. Visit our Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Resources page to learn more about the tools and programs available.
October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food service employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.
The organization Slow Money San Luis Obispo (SLO) is one of many taking part in California’s groundbreaking farm to school movement — educating students, families and the community about the benefits of farm to school programming.
A grantee in CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, Slow Money SLO recently hosted an event with local school nutrition directors at City Farm SLO to discuss the benefits of of incorporating produce into their school meal programs.
Attendees enjoyed a farm tour, picked fresh tomatoes, and ate fresh salsa created from their harvest. Local students visit City Farm SLO throughout the year to receive hands-on education regarding the science and nutrition of the farm’s produce.
“Students try raw kale and then go home and request it for dinner,” City Farm Executive Director Kayla Rutland explained about the benefits of students visiting the farm. “Students will eat anything when they’re here on the farm and see how it’s grown.”
The Incubator Grant Program has awarded nearly $87 million in funding to 163 different entities serving 1.5 million public school students.
In Peru — (L) CDFA secretary Karen Ross with Peruvian agriculture minister Miguel Manero; (R) with US Ambassador Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath.
CDFA secretary Karen Ross is in Peru as part of a Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Mission focusing on expanding collaboration on innovation, on-farm practices, and technologies to assist California’s specialty crop growers in adapting to climate change. Here are some comments from her on day one.
Our first day in Peru took us to the capital city of Lima, with our Climate Smart Ag Delegation visiting the U.S. Embassy to meet with Ambassador Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath and receive an excellent briefing from staff. We then had a very full day of meetings with the Agriculture Minister of Peru, Miguel Manero, and tours of research facilities to understand top production challenges they face in their work to adapt to our changing climate.
Our day ended with an excellent dialogue with academia and ag business leaders on shared challenges, opportunities, and possible topics for follow-up and collaboration. We learned today that there are many similarities between California and Peru!
Pictured from top left to right: Thea Rittenhouse, Farm Equity Advisor; Fred Gomez, Director of Information Technology Services Division; Claudia Vazquez, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division; Eddie Vasquez, Division of Measurement Standards; Sara Garcia, Office of Environmental Farming & Innovation — bottom right, joining on Zoom — Michael Flores, Deputy Secretary; Magally Luque-Williams, PHPPS.
The event, moderated by CDFA Farm Equity Advisor Thea Rittenhouse, brought together panelists from divisions within the agency. Thea began by recognizing the historical context of National Hispanic Heritage Month, originally established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. She also noted Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration of Latino Heritage Month in California.
“We’re here to celebrate the contributions of our employees,” said Thea, acknowledging the diversity within the Latino community. “In Mexico alone, there are 292 languages spoken, and we’re proud of the multicultural cultural identities that make up our workforce.”
Fred Gomez, CDFA’s Agency Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services, reflected on his career path and passion for public service. Having joined the state 15 years ago after working as a consultant, Fred emphasized the significance of his team’s work in supporting CDFA’s mission. “I’m proud to be part of a department that is so integral to California’s success,” Fred said. “Latinos have been the backbone of many agricultural roles, and we need to continue promoting equity and understanding.”
Claudia Vazquez, Environmental Program Manager in the Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division (Pest Exclusion Branch), shared her journey from working in the citrus industry to her current role in pest prevention. Coming from a farming background in the Central Valley, Vazquez noted, “I thought this was going to be a seasonal job, but now I’m 12 years in and still learning. My parents, who worked in agriculture, instilled in me the value of hard work, and I see that in the work we do every day.” She also recounted her family’s strong commitment to education. “Not going to college wasn’t an option; my parents valued it and wanted their children to go to college. Both of my parents worked in agriculture and worked their way up and saw the value of hard work,” she noted.
Eddie Vasquez, an Environmental Scientist in the Division of Measurement Standards, spoke about his personal motivation to give back to his community. He was born in Mexico and moved to Mendota, California at the age of 10. Eddie said, “I always wanted to help my community, especially farmworkers who are sometimes overlooked. I’m proud to be able to advocate for vulnerable communities through my work.”
Sara Garcia, Technical Assistance Coordinator in the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI), highlighted her background in food safety and agricultural education. “Growing up in the Central Valley, I saw firsthand the need for educational programs for farmworkers,” Sara said. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling to be part of an agency that believes in the mission of serving our constituents.” Sara recalled becoming interested in science and graduating from UC Davis, where she studied genetics and obtained her Ph.D. Sara traveled to Rwanda as a Fulbright Scholar to focus on food safety and disease diagnostics.
Magally Luque-Williams, an Environmental Program Manager in the Plant Health Division with 28 years at CDFA, reflected on her journey from Venezuela to working in California’s agriculture sector. “Agriculture is the heart of this state, and it’s exciting to be a part of it,” she said. “Latinos are the face of agriculture, and our community is very diverse—from astronauts to business managers, scientists, and actors. It’s important to recognize these contributions.”
Michael Flores, Deputy Secretary of Fairs and Expositions, became the first Latino to be appointed to California’s Fish and Game Commission and served in numerous state government roles, breaking several barriers. “I was the first in my family to graduate from college.” Currently, Michael works to help enhance the fairgrounds and what they bring to their communities. “Fairgrounds are very important to local communities, including during crises, like fires and floods,” said Michael.
The panelists also discussed the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month in agriculture, emphasizing the long history and contributions of Latinos to the industry. “Our ancestors have been here for thousands of years, planting and working the land,” said Eddie. “California’s agricultural success is due in large part to the diversity of its workforce, and I’m proud to be part of an agency that champions that.”
As the panel conversation concluded, it was clear that the values of perseverance, family, and education were common threads among the speakers.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the countless ways in which Hispanic Americans have shaped the nation. At CDFA, the contributions of Latino leaders continue to drive innovation, equity, and sustainability in agriculture. As Eddie stated, “We’re not just celebrating our culture—we’re recognizing the critical role that Latinos play in making California the agricultural powerhouse that it is.”
October is National Farm to School Month! This year’s theme is, “From Soil to Sea: Nourishing People and Planet,” honoring the vital role of farmers and ranchers who establish the foundation for a thriving farm to school movement.
Since 2021, CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has reached 49 percent of all California students through an investment of $86 million in 375 projects, benefitting 2.85 million students at 269 school districts.
Stay tuned to Planting Seeds during National Farm to School Month as we highlight grantee projects and regional Farm to School Program staff across the state working to connect farmers to local school districts and improve the health and wellbeing of children and families.
CDFA encourages educators, school foodservice employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.
Leadership Insights is a monthly column from the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation in partnership with Morning Ag Clips. The series delves into the crucial facets of leadership within the agricultural sector, with academic and agricultural leaders offering valuable perspectives and strategies.
Opinion piece by CDFA secretary Karen Ross
Food production in a hotter, drier climate is essential for the health of people and our planet. It is complex and the challenge of our lifetime for businesses, communities, institutions and governments. It requires science, technology and nature-based solutions. It demands critical systems thinking throughout the economy, academia, nonprofits and governments.
A recent ag summit at Fresno State – with a focus on Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation and collaboration – underscored all the above. A farmer and California Ag Leadership Program alum said, “For the first five years of SGMA, we were focused on the science. Now we have the science, but we won’t be successful without collaboration.” It generated follow-up conversations regarding who is missing in the discussions and how do we engage them to ensure durable solutions that include all stakeholders?
The list of skills required for good leaders is long, but one is of increasing importance: the ability to harness the power of collaboration. I believe collaboration is the superpower that will allow us to tackle the tough challenges faced by agriculture today. From climate pressures to increasing public scrutiny, collaboration can be our ticket for solution-building, shared understanding and a better future for all. The process of engaging diverse perspectives depends on active listening and a willingness to focus on commonalities rather than differences to build trust.
My “why” for serving in this leadership role is my deep gratitude for all the opportunities I’ve had, the people around me and the work we do together in California agriculture. Even in these challenging times in agriculture, my gratitude and faith in people instills my sense of optimism that working together we can continue building agriculture and rural communities that are vibrant, resilient and capable of meeting future challenges.
In 2023, the State Board of Food and Agriculture released Ag Vision for the Next Decade. Originally created in 2009, Ag Vision seeks to unite leaders with our common purpose: “To make California a better place to live because of what we grow and how we grow it.” The plan is focused on five priority areas with an aim on creating opportunity – something we heard loud and clear from stakeholders who wanted to change the narrative that paints agriculture as a legacy industry to one that excites people about opportunities and one that is valued by all Californians for its contributions to daily life.
I am proud of the progress made on several areas like fostering climate-smart resilient food systems, with over $800 million in grants to farmers and technical assistance providers for climate smart practices. We have invested $86 million in farm-to-school programs reaching 49% of schoolchildren as part of building healthy, local communities. Utilizing institutional procurement, we can support local farmers and ranchers and improve nutrition and health outcomes of youth to avoid diet-related chronic diseases. I am excited about our collaboration with ag organizations and academic partners on next generation talent and tools around ag technology and automation, biological solutions, workforce development and upskilling farmworkers for jobs of the future. I am inspired by the exciting regional collaborations on economic development like F3 Innovate and BEAM Circular that brought diverse stakeholders together to share a common vision for people and place-centered economies based on agriculture and innovation.
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and its alumni will continue to be a part of building a thriving California agriculture for years to come. As secretary, I seek out Ag Leadership alumni and 4-H and FFA members who can bring new voices and perspectives to our work. I am especially proud that CDFA Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina (Class 52), CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry Branch Chief Dr. Barzin Moradi (Class 48) and USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (and former CDFA undersecretary) Jenny Lester Moffitt (Class 47) participated in Ag Leadership during my tenure! It is always my pleasure to introduce my cabinet colleagues to the class members and alumni who are leaders making a difference.
My purpose and passion in life has always been to bring people together around food – for the purpose of growing it, preparing it or ensuring all Californians have access to the nutritious bounty that California agriculture provides – and to foster the reconnection of consumers to the land and people who produce it. A shared meal can help break down barriers, showcase different cultures and launch great conversations. For me it is often the first step in building relationships, shared leadership and collaboration. It’s about people coming together in all our differences who care about the common good. Thank you, Ag Leadership, for empowering collaborative leaders!
About the Author
Karen Ross has been the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture since 2011. She is a graduate of the Nebraska Ag Leadership Program and recipient of the 2012 California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Honorary Fellow Award. Read full bio.
CDFA is pleased to announce the publication of a California Native American Tribe Listening Session Report. The report can be found on the CDFA Farm Equity homepage.
The report is the result of a two-year collaboration with the Intertribal Agriculture Council. CDFA’s Farm Equity office and program staff collaborated with the council to conduct four listening sessions with Native American tribes from across the state. The sessions focused primarily on identifying current barriers and challenges to accessing CDFA grant programs, resources and services; and to propose recommendations for CDFA to address historic and current barriers to engagement with tribes.
The major recommendations are:
Develop tribal-specific grant application tracks within CDFA grant programs
Provide one-on-one technical assistance support with applications and project implementation.
Expand grant program focus and terminology to to include native foods, native plants, and native food sovereignty.
Although many CDFA grant programs are increasingly accessed by tribes, there is still a relatively low percentage of awards annually for them. The recommendations will help guide CDFA program staff to better address barriers — through innovations and changes in program structure, outreach and engagement. The objective is to ensure that more tribes are aware of grant programs, technical assistance, and other State of California opportunities.
“By coming together to host these listening sessions, the Intertribal Agriculture Council and the California Department of Food and Agriculture have taken a step toward better engagement with California tribes,” said Natalie Soares of the IAC. “The listening sessions allowed them to provide critical feedback on state programs related to agriculture in Indian Country. We look forward to seeing how CDFA will refine its programs in response to supporting tribal needs.”
CDFA’s Farm Equity Office continues to work to implement the tenets of AB 1348, the Farmer Equity Act, which called for increasing access to CDFA grants, programs resources, and services; and ensuring that historically underserved groups such as Native American tribes have a voice going forward.
The publication of this report is one step towards greater accountability and real progress toward ensuring that we are partnering with and serving Native American tribes in innovative ways.
