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.
CDFA joined in celebrating the 57th annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol today, where attendees gathered to honor the contributions and culture of California’s Native American communities. This year’s theme, “Recognizing 100 Years of Citizenship and the Fight for the Right to Vote: 1924-2024,” underscored the ongoing struggle for equal rights and recognition.
The event was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of California’s original stewards, bringing together tribes, organizations, universities, elected officials, and state agencies. For CDFA, it was an important opportunity to engage with tribal communities and share information about the agency’s agricultural programs and services, including the prevention of invasive species, and grant programs.
CDFA’s interactive booth attracted attention from event attendees. Always a highlight, the insect display sparked conversations about the link between agriculture and invasive species. Through these conversations, CDFA highlighted its efforts in working alongside tribal communities to protect both agriculture and natural resources from potential threats.
Several CDFA divisions participated in the event, including:
Thea Rittenhouse, CDFA’s Tribal Affairs and Farm Equity Advisor, along with other CDFA representatives, connected with tribal community members and partners to foster stronger relationships. They emphasized the shared goal of protecting agricultural commodities, particularly on tribal lands where citrus is a key crop. The partnership between CDFA, tribal communities, agricultural commissioners, and federal partners like the USDA plays a necessary role in these efforts.
Additionally, CDFA highlighted the availability of grants and funds, such as those from OEFI and the Farm to School programs, which prioritize serving tribal communities as part of CDFA’s commitment to supporting historically underserved populations. Through its participation in California Native American Day, the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture is committed to working alongside tribal communities in protecting and preserving the state’s agricultural and natural resources for future generations.
Secretary Ross at Climate Week NYC. Top-left, with participants in a discussion about climate adaptation and nature-based solutions; and top-right, speaking about CDFA’s innovative Farm to School program. Bottom, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom (left) with panelists Anna Knight, a California farmer and current Farm to School Incubator Grantee, and Juan Cordon, Vacaville Unified School District nutrition services director and former Farm to School Incubator Grantee.
Climate Week NYC continues this week with a wide range of activities, and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross has made appearances to speak about California’s innovative Farm to School programming as well as challenges and opportunities with climate adaptation.
Secretary Ross appeared with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom to discuss the Farm to School initiative. The secretary expressed her appreciation to the legislature, the First Partner and Governor Newsom for their investment of nearly $100 million in the program; and she noted valuable contributions from regional staff members in the program helping to connect historically underserved farmers with school nutrition directors. The First Partner talked about the importance of collaboration for better health and well-being of children, and she discussed how proud she is of the partnerships that are driving the program.
The Farm to School program connects with climate adaptation by issuing grants to producers who plan to use climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations.
Climate was front and center at another event attended by Secretary Ross — a discussion hosted by the Almond Board of California, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and Monarch Tractor. The topics covered a range of climate issues, including farmer/rancher-led innovation on nature-based solutions, advanced technology adoption, and sustainability to meet public-benefit goals of food security, farm viability and climate resiliency.
“Both of these events provided California with excellent opportunities to discuss our leadership on climate issues,” said Secretary Ross. “Climate Week NYC is one of the best gatherings there is to exchange ideas and share our success stories as we work together on the essential mission of adaptation.”
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is at Climate Week NYC and participated today in a panel discussion co-hosted by Food Tank and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The discussion, “Building Healthy Soils, Reducing Food Waste, and Protecting Pollinators from Pesticides,” touched on the connection of food systems and global climate resilience.
Climate-smart agricultural practices can mitigate ag environmental impacts while improving ecosystem health, fostering stronger communities, and making farmers more resilient. This central theme was explored in a discussion moderated by Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, featuring insights from Secretary Ross and Gregory Jaffe, Senior Advisor of the USDA.
Climate Smart Agriculture
Secretary Ross provided an in-depth look at California’s innovative approach to climate-smart agriculture. Noting her experience working with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, she described how California took science-based steps toward improving soil health, even before funding became available. California has since invested tens of millions of dollars in incentive grants to support 1,500 farms in transitioning to sustainable practices. “What’s important about the funding is that it’s voluntary,” said Secretary Ross. “We cost-share with farmers to help them make these transitions, focusing especially on historically underserved farmers.” CDFA has also invested in technical assistance and demonstration projects to ensure farmers have the resources they need to succeed.
Role of Soil Health and Irrigation
At the center of California’s climate-smart practices is soil health. “It starts with soil health,” said Secretary Ross. She also stressed improving irrigation practices, which not only reduces water usage but also curbs runoff and emissions while maintaining productivity. “We need to see agriculture as a system, and the work we’re doing is a holistic approach,” she said.
Engaging the Next Generation
One of the highlights of Secretary Ross’ presentation was her call to engage younger generations in farming. “We need to show that farming is a viable, purposeful option,” she said, noting California’s focus on attracting next-generation talent into the agriculture value chain. She believes this engagement is important to creating “climate warriors” who are both food producers and help advocate for sustainable practices.
Preserving Farmland and Building Resilience
The threat of losing farmland is a serious concern for agriculture, with the USDA reporting the loss of 140,000 farms and millions of acres of farmland in the last five years. Secretary Ross highlighted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which aims to balance underground aquifers, and called for careful land-use planning to protect farmland while supporting farm-based livelihoods.
Call to Action on Food Waste
The event also addressed the urgent need to reduce food waste. Secretary Ross issued a call to action: “Food waste is something every one of us can do something about. It starts on the farm but continues in our homes. We need to teach others how to reduce waste and keep it out of landfills.” The USDA discussion participant, Gregory Jaffe, paralleled this message by exploring how food waste can be transformed into bio-based products to further support sustainability efforts. “Agriculture is a renewable resource,” said Secretary Ross.
What you need to know: A new report shows California greenhouse gas emissions declined across most sectors in 2022 – and declined a whopping 20% since 2000. The decrease in emissions took place even as the state’s economic dominance continued.
SACRAMENTO – Greenhouse gas emissions in California dropped yet again in 2022, continuing a big drop that has now totaled 20% since 2000. This is the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in recent history, aside from the pandemic-caused dip in 2020.
A report released today for 2022 greenhouse gas emissions shows a 2.4% drop from 2021 to 2022 that is the equivalent of removing more than 2.2 million gasoline-powered cars off California’s roads for one year.
“California is proving that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. We’ve slashed carbon pollution by a whopping 20% since the turn of the century all while building the world’s fifth largest economy. Cleaner air, more good jobs – that’s the California way.” — Governor Gavin Newsom
The biggest drop came from transportation, due largely to the increased use of renewable fuels in addition to the growing strength of the zero-emission vehicle market. The electricity sector had its lowest carbon intensity since 2000. Five out of seven sectors tracked had drops which reduced total emissions by 9.3 million metric tons.
“The numbers are clear: our world-leading regulations are reducing emissions, spurring innovation, and bringing us closer to achieving our climate goals,” said California Air Resources Board Chair LianeRandolph. “A future with clean air and a vibrant economy is possible and California is leading the way.”
The latest data underscores a continued trend of steady emissions decline even as the economy continues to grow. Between 2000 to 2022, emissions fell by 20% while California’s gross domestic product increased by 78%, pointing to the effectiveness of the state’s climate action. California has decreased the carbon intensity of its economy by 55% in the last 20 years.
In recognition of September as Guide Dog Awareness Month, CDFA’s Disability Advisory Committee has been welcoming furry, trained canine guests to agency headquarters. A recent event was a collaboration with the California Association of Guide Dog Users, a division of the National Federation of the Blind of California.
The session was led by association president Shannon Dillon, accompanied by her guide dog Irish, an eight-year-old German Shepherd.
Guide dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Shannon talked about how specifically dogs like Irish play an essential role in the lives of individuals who are blind or have low vision, which Shannon experiences.
Guide dogs can perform tasks that range from guiding their handlers safely through busy streets to helping them navigate daily obstacles. The dogs are trained to provide independence and mobility to people who are blind or visually impaired.
“The dog will stop at the curb, and I give it a hand motion to go right or left, and it helps me walk to the curb,” said Shannon. “They can also help find escalators and look for elevators. Guide dogs can know the word ‘elevator’ and they can find them.”
Shannon also discussed how guide dogs learn to work in crowds, locate a ramp at light rail platforms, identify empty seats on trains and buses, find counters and trash cans in unfamiliar spaces, navigate revolving doors, and help their handler manage safely in areas with no sidewalks or paths.
She highlighted the importance of understanding that guide dogs are working animals, not pets, and distractions like petting or making eye contact can interfere with their ability to assist their handlers. She therefore stressed the need for increased public awareness for the safety of handlers and their guide dogs.
Guide Dog Awareness Month is as a reminder of the critical work performed by these animals. Through the efforts of organizations like the California Association of Guide Dog Users, progress continues to be made toward greater inclusion and understanding.
As Shannon and Irish demonstrate, guide dogs are essential in maintaining the independence and safety of people with disabilities.
