June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and this week, CDFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights commemorated the month with a panel discussion featuring CDFA employees who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Moderated by CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the conversation included the panelists’ personal journeys, their experiences at CDFA, and their reflections on what LGBTQ+ Pride Month means to them.

Undersecretary Birdsong opened with a summary of the beginnings of Pride Month, which has its roots in the Stonewall Riots of 1969 — patrons of a New York City bar resisted a police raid, leading to six days of protests. Subsequent marches in cities like Greenwich and San Francisco laid the groundwork for Pride Month celebrations. In 2000, President Clinton officially designated June as Pride Month, a tradition further supported by President Obama.

Justin Hopper, Chief of CDFA’s Office of Civil Rights, joined the discussion virtually and spoke about his upbringing and the fear of coming out in a religious environment. He shared a story about his father’s support and of acceptance, emphasizing the personal and societal struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. “When I was growing up as a gay kid and surrounded by religion it can be scary to think about coming out and being different,” said Justin. “I was afraid to come out to my dad and thought he would hate me, but he didn’t — my dad didn’t care.”

The conversation was emotional and revealed deep feelings about growing up in families where acceptance was often challenging or non-existent. Trey Kenyon, Senior Personnel Specialist with the Administrative Services Division, shared that she admired her sister, who provided a sense of safety and support. Trey recounted her journey of coming out and the trauma of being outed. “My sister was the last person that I told,” said Trey. “When my sister asked me why she was the last to find out, I told her that I never had to worry.” To this day, Trey trusts and confides in her sister.

Carl Baum, Administrative Manager with the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, discussed finding comfort in school and relying on his teachers as role models. His story highlighted the importance of understanding and acceptance and helped to establish his activism for gay rights, including his efforts against Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot initiative intended to ban same-sex marriage. “I had to grow up very early,” said Carl. “As I got older, and learned that I was gay, and the things I learned in science class – ‘I’m not confused,’ I told myself, and I used my teachers as my role models, because my teachers had answers.”

Nicholas Kimutis, a Research Scientist with the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division, found inspiration in science fiction and public figures like George Takei. Nicholas stressed the significance of visibility and the influence of cultural icons in shaping his identity and courage. “I grew up in Southern Illinois, in a small agricultural community. I sought my mentors in science fiction,” said Nicholas. “I grew up watching Star Trek and Spock inspired me along with George Takei, about his life and internment camps as a gay person.”

Leticia Regalado, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Coordinator with the Office of Civil Rights, shared her coming-out story and the challenges she faced, especially within her family. She shared the role of her sister Maria in her journey and the importance of representation and visibility in agriculture. “I have a son and I didn’t know how I would tell him one day,” recounted Leticia. “My mom wasn’t handling it well and neither were other family members. But then things got better and when I finally told my son. He said he didn’t understand why it was anyone’s business. He said he loved me no matter what!”

The panelists also reflected on what Pride Month means to them. Carl sees it as a celebration of progress and a reminder of ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights all over the world. Justin sees it as recognition of the progress made and a time to honor those who fought for equality. Trey highlighted the continuous fight for rights, especially in states with hostile policies towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Nicholas emphasized the importance of visibility in breaking down barriers and fostering acceptance. Leticia focused on the significance of representation and the need for agricultural organizations to participate in Pride Month events.

As we celebrate Pride Month, CDFA honors those who have paved the way and embraces the work that still lies ahead.

Photo: (L-R) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong; Carl Baum, Administrative Manager, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division; Trey Kenyon, Sr. Personnel Specialist, Administrative Services Division; Nicholas Kimutis, Research Scientist, Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division; Leticia Regalado, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights; (joining virtually, bottom right) Justin Hopper, Chief, Office of Civil Rights.

Today, CDFA joins in the commemoration of Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the history and achievements of Black Americans throughout our country, including California agriculture.

CDFA strives to support Black farmers and ranchers through grant programs, and the agency provides opportunities for leadership and voices to be heard through the BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee.

CDFA embraces the diversity of crops, landscapes, farming practices, and people in California agriculture.  We take pride in our work and are committed to ensuring our workplace values everyone in our passion to serve all Californians. 

Resources:

CDFA Farmer Equity Office

CDFA Farmer Resource Portal

This week, CDFA is celebrating and highlighting the importance of pollinators in our state’s agriculture. National Pollinator Week (June 17-23) promotes the valuable services provided by pollinators such as bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, moths, wasps, and flies.

Pollinators are critical to California’s agriculture. The overwhelming majority of food crops rely at least partially on some type of insect pollination. Without pollinators, many of California’s farmers could not grow the quantity and quality or not be able to produce at all the crops we enjoy. CDFA encourages everyone to learn about the significant role of pollinators in our ecosystem, and especially our food supply.

Of the 115 most-grown foods around the world, 87 depend on pollinators. The United States grows more than 100 crops that rely on pollinators — 90 percent of them are pollinated by honey bees. Collectively, these crops make up a third of the typical American diet. Some examples:

• Almonds
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Cranberries
• Cucumbers
• Melons
• Pears
• Pumpkins
• Raspberries
• Squash
• Strawberries
• Sunflowers
• Tomatoes

In California, it is estimated that one third of the value of California agriculture comes from pollinator- dependent crops!

Native pollinators reside in California’s natural habitats and provide over 35% of the pollination services to the state’s crops, the majority of the rest is provided by honey bees.

Pollinators face challenges and are in decline. There are different reasons for the decline of different species. Many species are facing issues due to climate change and loss of habitat. In terms of honey bees there are the four P’s: Poor nutrition, Pests, Pathogens, and Pesticides.

However, one of the biggest reasons for native pollinator decline is habitat loss.

What is California doing for pollinators?

The 2021 California State Budget (Senate Bill 170, Skinner), dedicated $15 million to CDFA for the Pollinator Habitat Program, which provides funding for the establishment of pollinator habitat on agricultural lands throughout California. CDFA was tasked to administer the Pollinator Habitat Program and to prioritize the planning of native habitats for the benefit of native biodiversity and the use of locally appropriate native plant seed mixes when feasible. This has allowed experienced organizations to work directly with farmers and ranchers to install habitats and implement management practices that support pollinators.

NOTE — Patricia Bohls, M.S., a Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist and Biodiversity Coordinator with CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation, will be speaking later this week about pollinators with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Beyond Honey Bees: Exploring the Diversity of California’s Pollinators

Presented by: Patricia Bohls, M.S. and Hillary Sardiñas, PhD

Thursday, June 20

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)

Register at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Lectures

If you would like to find out more about CDFA’s Pollinator Habitat Program, please visit the program website and sign up for email notifications.

CDFA encourages Californians to vote for their favorite farmers’ market in the 2024 America’s Farmers’ Market Celebration (AMFC)! This summer, American Farmland Trust is giving away $15,000 in prizes to the markets that receive the most votes.

This is an annual ranking of the top farmers’ markets in the United States, as voted on by the public. Since 2008, AFMC has highlighted the important role farmers’ markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff and volunteers that make markets happen. While farmers’ markets have long served as pillars of local food in urban centers and town squares, since 2008 AFMC has helped them gain the national recognition they deserve as essential businesses that empower farmers and help communities thrive.

Visit https://markets.farmland.org/ for more information, and vote for your favorite farmers’ market via the interactive map by July 31!

From a USDA news release

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced awards of $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico, through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program), reaching 177 unique agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers. California will receive $4.4 million from the program, for 10 different recipients.

The awards will help improve the resiliency of the U.S. food supply chain by addressing agriculture labor challenges and instability, by strengthening protections for farmworkers, and by expanding legal pathways for labor migration.

“These awards will largely support small and mid-sized farms to ensure they can hire and retain the workers they need to be competitive in the market, while also lifting up rural communities across the country,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Farmworkers make an incredibly important contribution to food and agriculture and ensure we have food on our tables every day. Improving working conditions and quality of life for farmworkers, both U.S. based workers and those that come to our country to work, is one key step in building a stronger, more resilient food supply chain. The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting employers and farmworkers alike.”

The California recipients are as follows:

1. Faridhkot Farms, Fresno County — $200,000 for training modules to cover workplace safety, equipment handling, and emergency response, complemented by regular health screenings for early identification of occupational health issues.
2. Drummond Ranch, Los Angeles County — $1,200,000 to improve training, development and retention of workers by enhancing their needed skill sets and by also creating an employee housing initiative as well as working to improve compensation and worker benefits.
3. Oya Organics, San Benito County — $200,000 for hiring, onboarding, recruitment/consulting fees, direct labor costs for employees, administrative costs for compliance with program commitments, and housing, rent and maintenance costs.
4. AgriCareInc, Tulare County — $400,000 to support ongoing efforts to benefit a growing pool of employees with new opportunities for professional growth in the agricultural industry. This investment will also allow AgriCare to onboard 75 additional hires.
5. Alexandre Dairy, Del Norte County — $600,000 to help stabilize current labor shortages with a projected 107 new hires, which would help safeguard the company’s agricultural supply chain.
6. Cabrera Contracting Inc, Monterey County — $720,000 to bolster its workforce and further ongoing efforts to provide employees with training on emergency plans and procedures.
7. Healthy Acres LLC, Ventura County — $100,000 to address workforce stability, regulatory compliance, and employee welfare challenges.
8. JSM Organics Inc, Santa Cruz County — $200,000 for employee recruitment and retention.
9. JVKS Harvest Solutions LLC, Monterey County — $720,000 to to improve food options for H-2A employees; provide employees digital access to their work and training experience to support career advancement; and modernize training for frontline leaders to include skills like effective communication and conflict resolution.
10. King Bee Apiarys, Kern County — $100,000 to help address immediate labor needs.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is accepting nominations for its annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Achievement Awards. Nominations will be accepted through June 30, 2024. 

The DPR IPM Achievement Awards honor the innovations and achievements of individuals and organizations leading in the adoption of safe, effective, and sustainable IPM practices in agricultural, urban, and wildland settings throughout California. IPM—any approach that uses the least toxic yet effective method to solve pest problems—is a foundational element of the state’s approach to accelerate a systemwide transition to more sustainable pest management.

DPR is seeking nominations that reflect IPM and SPM practices and leadership by and for Californians of all cultural and economic backgrounds, and inclusive of all settings where pests need to be managed, including urban centers, agricultural areas, and wildlands. Examples of IPM practices used by past recipients include managing a successful regenerative farm, applying new technology to traditional IPM techniques, and facilitating pest management communication and education for urban settings.

Nominations may be submitted here.

Two special investigators in CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS), Jamie Quiroz and Dirk Rudolph, were recently honored by the US Attorney’s Office at an “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice” awards ceremony hosted by the federal agency.

The investigative work of Quiroz and Rudolph gathered crucial evidence of suspects, locations, vehicles and equipment used in criminal activity; evidence that led to successful prosecution of several people involved in skimmer fraud (stolen credit and debit card information) conducted across multiple southern California counties.

The FBI estimates that skimmer fraud costs businesses and consumers more than $1 billion a year. The work of these special investigators demonstrate the ongoing commitment of DMS to protect both the public and private businesses from device manipulation, fraud, and identity theft.

Congratulations Jaime and Dirk!

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross recently joined colleagues in the Newsom Administration for tours of three important farmworker housing sites in Salinas and Gilroy. The tours emphasized the efforts of key agencies and partners collaborating to improve living conditions for farmworkers.

https://youtu.be/9nX_8Qn5iCk?feature=shared

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and yesterday CDFA showed its support for the LGBTQ+ community with more than forty five employees marching in the Sacramento Pride Parade!

With CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and several members of the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee leading the way, our team gathered at Southside Park and made its way to the State Capitol, celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion every step of the way. 

“Marching in the Sacramento Pride Parade is one tangible moment for our agency to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Secretary Ross. “At CDFA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. I’m honored to have joined our agency, our DEI Committee, and all who participated in this event.”

A huge thank you to everyone who marched with us and helped make the event a success