North of Sacramento near the Sutter Buttes, these flooded rice fields are a key component of the Pacific Flyway, along with wetlands and other wildlife areas. The Flyway is an important stop for migrating waterfowl to rest and feed on their journey, and a win-win for agriculture and biodiversity.
California, home to an astonishing variety of plants, animals and other organisms, is a global biodiversity hotspot. Conserving this rich biological diversity requires creativity and collaboration. In 2018, the California Biodiversity Initiative was launched to secure the future of our state’s biodiversity by integrating its protection into California’s environmental and economic efforts.
With Executive Order N-82-20, Governor Newsom set a bold goal: conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. This 30×30 initiative aims to conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and enhance climate resilience through voluntary, collaborative action.
Together, we can protect the incredible biodiversity that makes California unique. Learn more about CDFA’s efforts and activities related to the California Biodiversity Initiative.
Bottom photo: Secretary Ross (center) and USDA Under Secretary Robert Bonnie (left) helped set the stage for a series of informative presentations and panel discussions, including an engaging fireside conversation moderated by Dean Helene Dillard (right), of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis.
The summit began with a welcome address by CDFA Deputy Secretary for Climate and Working Lands Virginia Jameson, followed by an opening presentation from Secretary Ross.
The Secretary talked about the importance of partnerships to address climate. “Government has to get the policy right as a signal to markets. Using the cap-and-trade approach has generated revenues from auctions to invest in our transition to carbon neutrality. That’s been especially important for California agriculture, where nearly one billion dollars in total investments have gone to climate smart ag practices and programs,” said Secretary Ross. “We cannot do our work without research and technical assistance. Our friends in academia are critically important to generating that objective, evidence-based science and data, as well as the social science of how behavior changes happen.”
Secretary Ross also stressed the significance of the private sector and the importance of voluntary incentive approaches to help make a difference. “But in all of this, we cannot forget the technical assistance providers,” added Secretary Ross, and thanked the USDA California Natural Resources Conservation Service among other organizations providing technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and the agricultural community.
On the summit’s key theme regarding methane reduction, Secretary Ross thanked dairy farmers in California for the progress the state has made in reducing livestock methane emissions. “Our dairy families have been leaders; they’ve done it with developers of dairy digesters, and they’ve done it with Resource Conservation District, Cooperative Extension and others to really support the adoption of these alternative manure management practices.”
On methane reduction targets, Secretary Ross said that since 2016, to meet the 40 percent reduction goal, California is approximately halfway there with dairy digesters. And the state, which has invested $227 million for 140 projects, with $489 million in matching funds altogether with alternative manure and healthy soils programs, has helped reduce, over a ten-year period, approximately 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.
Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the USDA, followed Secretary Ross and provided a national perspective on enteric methane. Secretary Ross and Under Secretary Bonnie helped set the stage for a series of informative presentations and panel discussions, with an engaging fireside conversation, moderated by Dean Helene Dillard, of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis.
Today, the Summit continues with more sessions and opportunities for collaboration. Tomorrow marks the final day, where participants will discuss research and strategies that can help the dairy and beef industries achieve their climate goals. CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong is scheduled to deliver the closing address.
As interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, we are seeing the introduction and evolution of the term in California policies and programs. From references in legislation to inclusion in government programs, as well as policies promoting local food systems – the term regenerative agriculture is now widely used in California.
The principles behind the concept of regenerative agriculture reflect practices that have been used by any number of farmers as well as Native American Tribes for generations. Even so, the regenerative terminology is gaining traction and support like never before due in part to the ongoing climate change and biodiversity crises.
CDFA will host the second Regenerative Agriculture Work Group Session this Friday, May 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, both in-person at the CDFA Headquarters auditorium (1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) and virtually on Zoom. To register for the event, please use the link: https://csus.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkc-mhqDorEtMFnsJNFil2GR2758yIzXSs#/registration
In the 2021-2022 Ag Vision 2030 process, agricultural stakeholders identified as the number one priority for California agriculture the need to “Foster climate-smart, resilient, regenerative food systems.” The State Board of Food and Agriculture identified the definition of regenerative as a project to take on.
The Board consulted the CDFA’s Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel (EFA SAP), and between December 13, 2022 and March 9, 2023, the EFA SAP worked to create a framework for the definition. The panel then sent the State Board a letter with the framework in May 2023.
In December 6, 2023, CDFA held the first public listing session focused exclusively on the topic. Additional listening sessions were held on January 11 and February 22. The next listening session will be May 29. Tribal-focused listening sessions were held on April 16 and April 29.
Concurrently, CDFA appointed 14 individuals to serve on a Regenerative Agriculture Definition Work Group in 2023. Through a series of facilitated meetings, the Work Group will draft a recommendation for a definition of regenerative agriculture to submit to the State Board for consideration. The Work Group
CDFA Environmental Program Manager Dr. David Morgan (top left), who oversees the department’s Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division Biological Control Program, recently hosted a tour of the Mount Rubidoux Field Station in Riverside for Advanced Placement Environmental Science students from Corona High School. Dr. Morgan provided an informative presentation on Pierce’s disease and innovative pest management techniques. The students were thoroughly engaged and inspired as they toured the facility and learned about these advanced methods. CDFA is proud to help continue empowering the next generation with knowledge and tools to drive innovation and equity in environmental science.
Bees are essential to California’s agriculture and ecosystems. Did you know that California is home to 1,600 species of bees? While you might think of bees being social, most are solitary species.
CDFA, through its Pollinator Habitat Program, does several things to support these pollinators. But what can YOU do?
🌻 Plant Native Plants: Use resources like Calscape (https://www.calscape.org/) to find native plants suited to your area.
🏡 Create Bee Habitats: – For Ground-Nesting Bees: Provide mulch-free, well-drained, sunny soil. – Stem-Nesting Bees: Preserve hollow stems and logs. Wait until spring to trim back dead stalks, leaving stems 8-24 inches high.
CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong and Vietnam Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam
CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong met today with Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on shared opportunities around climate, trade and research collaboration.
Key objectives of the agreement include:
Developing a mutually beneficial relationship focusing on enhancing trade, climate collaboration, and agricultural research.
Further connections between government, academia, and the agricultural sector for the purpose of information sharing on key agricultural issues, such as climate, agricultural technology, and plant and animal health.
California’s agricultural exports to Vietnam are valued at more than $336M, with tree nuts, dairy and table grapes among the top exports. Collaboration and partnership with Vietnam provides opportunities for California’s farmers and ranchers to expand export markets while enhancing climate resilience for shared challenges.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced new programs, partnerships and grant awards to expand markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. These programs will support the development of new and better markets for domestic organic products, provide hands-on training to producers transitioning to organic production, and ease the financial burden of obtaining organic certification.
“Offsetting the costs for organic transition helps more farmers realize higher margins sooner while giving consumers more access to high-demand organic products,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The partnerships and technical support we offer will ease the transition for producers, and the investments in grant projects we are announcing today will reduce the organic industry’s reliance on imports, lower cost barriers for businesses transitioning to organic, and address crucial infrastructure needs. Together, these resources ensure small and mid-sized producers can gain access to new, profitable markets and further our commitment to maximize American farmers’ share of the food dollar.”
California organic concerns have received more than $22 million in funding via these programs and have pledged millions more in matching funds.
The California recipients are:
California Certified Organic Farmers, Inc. Santa Cruz — $3 million for market development and promotion.
Rock Front Ranch, Santa Maria — $89,180 for equipment to facilitate expansion or organic fruit operation.
California Craft Maltings, Alameda — $99,033 for equipment to facilitate capacity expansion for milled raw grains.
Zego, San Francisco — $3 million to increase processing and consumption of organic, gluten-free, high-protein oats and rotational crop millet by creating a collaborative integrated value chain
Tidal Foods, San Francisco — $660,970 for expansion for regenerative kelp.
Rumiano Cheese Company, Winters — $3 million for processing capacity expansion.
Heal the Earth, Cardiff by the Sea — $2,473,795 for organic avocado production.
Burroughs Family Orchards, Denair — $1,166,250 for expansion of organic almond and olive products.
Lundberg Family Farms, Richvale — $3 million for organic rice processing capacity expansion.
Straus Family Creamery, Petaluma — $3 million for processing capacity expansion
Ecocenter Inc., San Juan Capistrano — $2,975,397 for processing capacity and distribution expansion for value-added products utilizing organic corn, legumes and fruit.
Pictured: (L-R), CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong; David Phong, Sr. Environmental Scientist; Keith Okasaki, Environmental Program Manager I; and Michelle Pham, Environmental Program Manager I.
Moderated by Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the panel featured CDFA employees with AAPI heritage, shedding light on their contributions to the agricultural and scientific fields. The panel highlighted the significance of AAPI Heritage Month, both personally and professionally, while celebrating the rich history and achievements of the AAPI community.
Among the speakers were David Phong, a Senior Environmental Scientist, and Keith Okasaki, an Environmental Program Manager I, both with the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division; and Michelle Pham, also an Environmental Program Manager I, in the Pierce’s Disease Control Program. Each offered insights about their roles at CDFA and shared anecdotes reflecting the impact of AAPI heritage on their journey.
David Phong, who immigrated from Vietnam, said he attributes part of his achievements to his mom. “While in Vietnam, she had to drop out of school in second grade. She was able to start a small business in Vietnam, but my parents decided to let go of everything in Vietnam and I came here when I was 12 with my siblings. My mom worked as a waitress all her career in the United States. Due to her hard work and sacrifices, I was motivated. I am very grateful for our parents and their hard work and sacrifice.”
Michelle Pham, recalling her humble beginnings and pursuit to establish a career, emphasized the transformative power of mentorship and familial support. “I graduated from college in 2008 and saw a posting on a bulletin board and started as a seasonal employee for CDFA. I have grown to love CDFA.” She attributes her career growth to the help and mentoring she has received, but more importantly to her parents.
Keith Okasaki, drawing inspiration from his Japanese immigrant roots, shared the profound cultural significance of food in uniting families and communities. Reflecting on his familial ties to farming, Keith underscored the enduring legacy of AAPI contributions to agriculture in California. “All the traditions revolve around food. Food brings everyone together. When my parents settled here, they were farmers. My wife’s family were also farmers, and my mom grew up in a fruit orchard in Placer County and they still have the property. I spent a lot of time picking fruit and running around in the orchard.”
Michelle Pham also emphasized the centrality of food in AAPI culture, and David Phong underscored the importance of highlighting AAPI Heritage Month to combat discrimination and foster inclusivity.
The panelists also share one significant CDFA experience in common – they’re all former participants in the agency’s Upward Mobility Program, designed to provide equitable access and departmental assistance for permanent full-time employees who show an interest in advancing their careers.
The discussion was presented by CDFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights.
As Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11) continues, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross offers these words of appreciation for all the ways agency employees help improve the lives of Californians.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday afternoon at Sotomayor Academies in Los Angeles, to spotlight the California Farm to School initiative and efforts to ensure all children have access to healthy, nutritious meals while at school.
The visit highlighted farm-to-school efforts underway in California and the role school meals can play in supporting local and regional food systems, mitigating climate change impacts, and providing healthy food to students. It comes just weeks after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out new nutritional standards for school meals based the latest science-based recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
California has taken significant actions to strengthen their school meal programs, including:
In 2022, California became one of the first states to implement universal meals for children at school. Through their Universal Meals Program, the state is building on USDA’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, which provide meals to 30 million school children. As of May 2024, eight states have instituted policies to provide healthy school meals at no cost to all students. Expanding those policies nationwide is a key goal of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which committed to ending hunger, improving nutrition, and ending diet-related disease by 2030.
Launched in 2019, California Farm to School connects school districts with local farms, so they can procure fresh and delicious produce for school meals. To date, the initiative is benefiting over 1.5 million public school students in California at over 163 educational entities.
USDA’s Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program helps school meal operators incorporate local foods into meal programs. Spearheaded by First Partner Siebel Newsom, California Farm to School has committed to expanding the use of locally grown commodities in school meals and hands-on food education to up to 80% of California students by 2030. The commitment was made by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) as part of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. In pursuit of this expansion, CDFA has partnered with school administrators and built partnerships with local producers and growers to maximize the quantity of locally-sourced produce in California schools.
USDA has also partnered with the California Department of Education (CDE) under the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program. In 2022, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service signed a $23 million cooperative agreement with CDE to purchase and distribute local and regional foods and beverages for schools while strengthening partnerships with local producers and agricultural operations.
Additionally, California has signed on to participate in the inaugural year of USDA’s Summer EBT program, which provides qualifying students $120 in grocery benefits to families to purchase food during the summer months when child food insecurity is at its highest.
