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CDFA is on the front lines of a silent battle, one that impacts California’s horses and the equine industry every single day. While outbreaks like bird flu may get more headlines, the battle to safeguard California’s equine community against diseases is waged daily through thoughtful, consistent effort. 

CDFA’s Animal Health Branch works to protect horses from these threats — diseases like Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). In fact, nearly every day since the start of 2025, California has had at least one, if not multiple, equine disease quarantines actively in place. 

EIA: An Invisible Threat 

Equine Infectious Anemia is a bloodborne disease with no cure or vaccine, often leading to a heartbreaking decision for owners: euthanasia. It can be spread by biting insects, but more often is spread by needles used on more than one horse. A significant hotspot for EIA exposure is the clandestine world of unsanctioned quarterhorse racing. Because sanctioned racing is highly regulated to ensure fairness and protect the horses, unsanctioned tracks have become a rapidly rising “workaround” for those who want to race without rules. Over the last five years, 68 EIA cases have been identified, with all but two directly linked to this high-risk community. 

As of June 2025, there have already been 5 EIA cases, leading to quarantines for 51 horses across 4 premises. 

Annual CDFA EIA tests performed on California horses

2019: 28,472 tests; 0 positives  2020: 26,397 tests; 1 positive 2021: 29,527 tests; 1 positive 2022: 30,212 tests; 40 positives   2023: 28,521 tests; 6 positives  2024: 27,169 tests; 15 positives

EHM: An Evolving Threat 

Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, or EHM, is caused by EHV-1, a herpesvirus that can lurk quietly in an infected horse–showing no signs of disease–and activate at any time. When a horse is sick with EHV-1, it is contagious to other horses by direct contact or contaminated equipment. Unfortunately, some EHV-1 infections can have catastrophic impacts on a horse’s nervous system. While many horses recover with supportive care, others must be euthanized. In 2022, an EHV-1 outbreak led to approximately 1,400 horses being quarantined across California. 

Fortunately, recent research is refining our understanding of EHV-1. 

One of the most critical discoveries shows that many horses initially test negative for EHV-1 when they first show a fever, only to test positive a few days later. This was strikingly evident during California’s 2022 EHV-1 outbreak, when nearly 40 percent of confirmed cases initially tested negative at the first sign of fever, only to turn positive upon re-test two to three days later. This finding directly led to a change in nationwide protocols, now recommending repeat testing for febrile horses if their initial test is negative.  

CDFA case numbers for EHV-1 over the past five years illustrate how consistently the agency deals with this challenge

2020: 23 cases  2021: 13 cases  2022: 177 cases  2023: 14 cases  2024: 3 cases  2025 17 cases

Always Working for California’s Horses 

California’s large equine community means that CDFA’s robust disease response often sets the standard for other states. Actions like quarantine duration are quickly adopted nationwide. CDFA is committed to science-based improvements and flexible solutions, understanding that every facility presents its own unique challenges for isolation and containment. 

Staying ahead of disease threats while also responding swiftly to outbreaks means the system is working well. It also means the equine industry is improving its biosecurity, and that horse owners are collaborating closely with CDFA, veterinarians and other professional organizations on preventative measures. It’s a testament to effective management and a shared commitment to keeping California’s horses healthy. 

For more details on each of these equine diseases, please visit: 

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

And: 

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/EquineInfectiousAnemia.html

CDFA proudly welcomed seven interns and fellows this summer for work in divisions throughout the agency. The group includes five Maddy Institute* interns, one California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) fellow, and one Stanford Environment and Policy Internships (EPIC) fellow. These individuals contributed meaningfully to CDFA, bringing fresh ideas, dedication and a shared commitment to California’s agricultural future.

A Summer of Growth and Impact

From legislative affairs to animal welfare, each participant engaged directly with CDFA’s mission. Their roles provided hands-on exposure to California’s agricultural policies, regulations and services:

• Marisol Ferrerya Orozco: Developed administrative and policy-related skills in Marketing Services while benefiting from mentorship by CDFA staff, supporting her academic and professional development. (Maddy Institute Intern, California State University, Sacramento)
• Garret Gomes: Honed his legislative tracking and analysis skills and participated in constituent meetings in the Office of Legislative Affairs, furthering his understanding of agricultural policy making. (Maddy Institute Intern, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo)
• Raisa Rahim: Supported the Deputy Secretary for Climate and Working Lands by highlighting climate-smart farmers and CDFA partners. (CCST Fellow)
• Zayra Y. Vazquez: Contributed to Pierce’s Disease Control Program strategy documents, legislative reports and visited the Arvin facility to gain insight into biological pest control methods. (Maddy Institute Intern, California State University, Stanislaus)
• Sofia Vera Verduzco: Assisted the Climate and Working Lands team on climate resilience strategy and equity initiatives. (Stanford EPIC Fellow)
• Mia Zamora: Worked on Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division Proposition 12 implementation, crafted stakeholder guidance and collaborated with CDFA’s legal team to advance animal welfare initiatives. (Maddy Institute Intern, California State University, Fresno)
• Jesus Zavala: Helped the Inspection Services Division develop a survey for the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, helped create a video promoting California Certified Farmers’ Markets and participated in agricultural inspections, bridging policy with real world application. (Maddy Institute Intern, California State University, Bakersfield)

Insights That Last a Lifetime

Beyond their daily assignments, interns and fellows joined field tours, shadowed CDFA staff, and participated in key meetings, gaining a deeper appreciation for public service in agriculture.

As intern Jesus Zavala shared, “My CDFA internship revealed how public policy directly supports California’s agriculture, from market oversight to community engagement, making it a deeply rewarding experience in agricultural public service.”

Investing in Future Leaders

CDFA’s commitment to mentorship and professional development was at the heart of this summer’s experience. By welcoming interns and fellows, the department continues to nurture the next generation of leaders in agriculture, science and public service.

As these individuals return to their academic and professional paths, they take with them the knowledge, skills and inspiration to help shape a more resilient and equitable agricultural future. CDFA looks forward to supporting their journeys and those of future interns and fellows in the years ahead.

*The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy institute for the San Juaquin Valley inspiring public leadership for the Central Valley.

As the country continues to recognize this week as National Farmers’ Market Week, CDFA celebrates its California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which helps low-income Californians access nutritious California-grown fresh produce at Certified Farmers’ Markets.

CNIP provides increased funding support for shoppers using nutrition benefits for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at participating Certified Farmers’ Markets and retail outlets. For every benefit dollar spent, shoppers receive an additional CNIP dollar via programs like CNIP grantee Ecology Center’s “Market Match”– discussed in the video below -– that can be spent on fruits and vegetables at the market.

Market Match incentives are currently available at 253 California Certified Markets. More $44.5 million in incentives were spent on California-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets and small retailers from 2017 into this year.

CNIP is part of CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork, committed to helping all Californians access healthy and nutritious California-grown food.

As the country is currently celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week, CDFA would like to remind Californians that when you visit a Certified Farmers’ Market, “Certified” means something significant.

To be certified, a farmers’ market vendor must be registered under the provisions of Section 47020 of the California Food and Agricultural Code. This means that only the producer or lawful authorized representative of the producer may sell products at these markets. It also means you’ll see a banner that states the name of the farm or ranch, the county where the farm or ranch grows the available products, and a statement that “We Grow What We Sell,” or a similar phrase.

To verify these regulations of California Certified Farmers’ Markets, CDFA Direct Marketing Program inspectors regularly visit production sites and markets. Such protections allow young farmers and ranchers to utilize Certified Farmers’ Markets for business development and provide small-scale farmers and ranchers a regular venue for sales.

It truly is something special to be able to purchase nutritious, locally grown whole foods directly from a producer. It’s an opportunity to know what’s in season in your area, support a local business, and, as noted by Blue House Farm’s Claire Pinkham in a CDFA video spotlighting the benefits of California Certified Farmers’ Markets, talk to growers about their farming methods and get tips on how to cook the produce they grow.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has concluded her visit to Brazil and is looking forward to next steps in collaboration on trade and climate.

During the closing portion of trip, the California delegation visited farms, packing houses, research facilities, and business incubators focusing on biological development within the agricultural sector.

Brazil’s leadership on agricultural biologicals and integrated pest management was on full display during the trip, including on-farm rearing and release of biological controls (parasitoid wasps in avocado production) as well as recent governmental action to provide a separate pathway for the registration of biological inputs, allowing for faster commercialization and on-farm use.

Visits to Koppert and Ideelab further underscored the momentum in the biologicals space — where solutions are actively being pursued, with grower input, to address bio-control needs. One example that was provided highlighted the reduction of the chemical spending for a specific pest, from an estimated $1 billion in costs to $100 million over the course of 10 years because of the introduction of a bio-based alternative.

Other visits included Fundecitrus, an association of citrus growers and juice industries, established to further sustainable development of the citrus industry. Citrus Greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB) is currently a focus of the organization, with innovative research supporting new approaches to combat the disease. AgNest Farm highlighted agricultural technology and biological input trials to support grower adaptation and use. AgNest Farm is a public-private partnership of financial lenders and Brazil’s agricultural research institute, Embrapa.

Brazil is an inspiring market because there is an established system of research institutions, businesses and growers looking for solutions for ag-related pests, disease and climate adaptation.

Next steps for collaboration include the COP 30 conference in Brazil in November, the Salinas Biological Summit next June, ongoing UC ANR connections with academic partners, and expanding grower engagement with the biological companies visited on the trip. For trade, the Angua Select Brazil exhibition next April will be an opportunity to explore potential partnerships.

California’s delegation included: Karen Morrison, CA Department of Pesticide Regulation; Don Cameron, Terranova Ranch (State Board); Glenda Humiston, UC ANR; Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau Federation; Jeana Cadby, Western Growers; Pamela Marrone, biological entrepreneur; Frank Muller, M Three Ranches, David Shabazian, State Board of Food and Agriculture; and Daniel Sonke, Blue Diamond Growers.

CDFA joins the nation in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week August 3-9 and encourages Californians to vote by September 30 for your favorite farmers’ market in American Farmland Trust’s 2025 America’s Farmers Market Celebration.

Simply put, Certified Farmers’ Markets build healthy relationships with your local farmers and offer local food!

Click on the video to see what makes California Certified Farmers’ Markets special, and why you should view CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Locator to find and visit one in your county!

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is in São Paulo, Brazil this week, leading a delegation of business and agricultural organizations interested in strengthening ties with Brazil. The delegation also includes Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Karen Morrison and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Vice-President Glenda Humiston.

Brazil is a leading global producer and an exporter of a variety of top agricultural products, including soybeans, coffee, beef, orange juice, and poultry.  The country is the world’s 10th largest economy and is ranked 7th in global population. In addition, Brazil is a leading global market for the biological solutions sector (biopesticides, biostimulants and biofertilizers).  

Many factors have been attributed to Brazil’s leadership in the biologicals space for agriculture. Primarily it has been a combination of regulatory reforms, market dynamics associated with tropical agricultural production (an estimated 80 percent of  production is export driven), and continued public investments in research. This has resulted in faster approval and commercialization of new biological inputs (versus traditional chemical products), on-farm production of bio-input materials, and increased use of biologicals on agricultural lands.

Nature-based solutions for agriculture pest and weed management is a critical area for collaboration between California and Brazil. Visits by the delegation so far have included: the São Paulo State Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply, the Brazilian Agribusiness Association, Aqua Capital, Terradot, Yield Lab Brazil, SP Ventures, Moss Earth, and Biotrop, a market leader in the development of advanced biological solutions for sustainable and high-productivity agriculture.

While Brazil is working to advance a climate-forward agricultural sector and develop new revenue streams for growers, deforestation remains a key issue. Agriculture is a climate challenge and opportunity in Brazil.

As California looks for opportunities to expand trade and climate collaboration, Brazil is a strong potential partner. On trade, California pistachios have made significant strides, achieving approximately 95 percent market share with strong growth prospects. California’s agricultural exports to Brazil are valued at $131M, approximately 13 percent of total U.S agricultural exports. Leading export commodities include dairy products and almonds.

Brazil is hosting COP 30 this November, with a commitment to further consensus on targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

From stick bugs to helpful pollinators, the Insect Pavilion at the California State Fair is crawling with discovery! Presented by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in partnership with the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, along with the Bohart Museum of Entomology—this exhibit invites fairgoers to explore the incredible world of insects and their vital role in our environment. Check out the video below for a tour of the interactive displays, exotic and invasive species, and educational activities that are sparking curiosity and conversations. The Insect Pavilion is open through July 27 at the State Fair.

From a State Fair News Release

The California State Fair proudly recognizes the legacy, resilience, and contributions of multi-generational farming and ranching families as part of the 2025 Agricultural Heritage Awards. This year’s honorees include families whose operations span over a century of dedication to California’s rich agricultural landscape, with two families celebrating an extraordinary 175 years of continuous farming.

The honorees will be celebrated for their remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to California agriculture at the Ag Heritage Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the 1 p.m. at the Clubhouse at the Michelob Ultra Racetrack Grandstand. The Friends of the State Fair will also acknowledge their scholarship recipients. 

“These families represent the spirit and perseverance of California agriculture,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “They’ve remained committed to working the land and feeding their communities and the world.”

175-Year Honorees

Locke Ranch Inc. – Lockeford, CA
Founded in 1850 by Dr. Dean Jewett Locke, Locke Ranch is a testament to six generations of agricultural innovation and perseverance. From cattle and dairy to wine grapes and walnuts, the Locke family has continuously adapted to the times, overcoming floods, failed crops, and economic shifts. Today, the ranch spans 600 acres and remains under the stewardship of Chris and Elliot Locke, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

Hoskins/Pleasants Ranch – Pleasants Valley, CA
Settled in 1850, the Hoskins/Pleasants Ranch helped give Pleasants Valley its name. Through generations, the family raised livestock, grew orchards, and now focuses on queen bee production and regenerative agriculture. Despite the destruction of historic buildings during the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex Fire, including an original 1880 barn, the ranch was rebuilt. Under the care of Ethel Hoskins and the Joyful Ranch Foundation, this historic homestead is preserved for future generations and recognized on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

125-Year Honorees

Gowan’s Family Orchard – Philo, CA
Established in 1876, Gowan family orchards are located in Philo, California, near the Mendocino coast, in the heart of Anderson Valley. Gowan’s Heirloom Cider is California’s pre-eminent premium cider, estate grown, produced, and bottled. Gowan’s Heirloom Cider is self-distributed in California, and available online throughout most of the US.

Tyron Ranches – Del Norte County
The Tryon family first settled in Del Norte County in the early 1800s. In November 1883, George Tryon purchased the original ranch property, laying the foundation for a multi-generational legacy in agriculture. Today, the ranch is proudly owned and operated by his great-niece, Rose Tryon. Rose acquired the ranch from her father, Presley Scott Tryon. Rose attributes her deepest inspiration to her grandmother, Celia W. Tryon, the matriarch of the ranch who passed on a profound respect for the land and her family’s heritage. Rose is honored to farm the same fields today where she once fed hay alongside her grandmother as a child. A lifelong advocate of agriculture, Rose Tryon has dedicated herself to advocacy and leadership. She is a former State President of California Women for Agriculture and currently serves as the National President of American Agri-Women.

100-Year Honorees

Heinke’s Family Farm – Paradise, CA
Founded in 1925, Heinke’s Family Farm has evolved from fruit preserves to organic juice and specialty crops. Known for launching the U.S. kiwi industry, the farm faced devastating loss during the 2018 Camp Fire—but the orchard and vineyard survived. Today, Heinke’s stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, continuing to grow and distribute organic produce nationwide.

San Gabriel Nursery & Florist – San Gabriel, CA
Established in 1923 by Japanese immigrants Fred and Mitoko Yoshimura, this beloved nursery overcame immense adversity. In 1942, the Yoshimura family—American citizens—were forcibly relocated to an internment camp during World War II. After the war, they returned and rebuilt across the street, growing the nursery into a flourishing business and cultural landmark. Fred was a pioneer of the California Bonsai Society, and the family introduced unique plant varieties like the “Mission Bell” azalea.

About the California State Fair Ag Heritage Program:
The Agricultural Heritage Club was established in 1948 to honor California farm families who have maintained continuous family ownership and operation of their land for 100 years or more. The awards are a cherished State Fair tradition celebrating the vital role agriculture plays in California’s identity and economy. 

The State Fair runs through July 27 at Cal Expo.