Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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Earth Day — CDFA’s Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability works to support farmers and ranchers and help increase sustainability

In recognition of today (April 22) as Earth Day, CDFA would like to lift-up farmers and ranchers as stewards of the land, nurturing the soil, conserving water, and protecting biodiversity to sustain our food systems. In California, where 90 percent … Continue reading

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Rendering is Recycling — CDFA recognizes National Rendering Day, April 21

As part of Earth Week activities across the country and around the world, CDFA is spotlighting the rendering industry as vital to California food and agriculture waste reduction, and the agency supports those who work in rendering by recognizing National … Continue reading

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CDFA IT department honored for work on Produce Safety Program web page

CDFA’s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) – working with the Inspection Services Division’s Produce Safety Program (PSP) – was recognized with five awards from the California Public Sector Chief Information Officer Academy for stellar work in government technology. Three ITSD … Continue reading

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CDFA’s Progress for Californians — protecting the food supply from invasive fruit flies

The USDA has designated April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, and CDFA is aligning with that by highlighting its work to eradicate invasive fruit flies, especially over the last two years. Infestations reached record levels in 2023, … Continue reading

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Benefits of California Farm to School Program discussed at school nutrition conference

At the California State Nutrition Association (CSNA) Legislative Action Conference yesterday (April 7), CDFA Farm to School Program Manager Nick Anicich discussed how the initiative is benefitting students, farmers, and school meal supply chain partners across California. From frequent Farm … Continue reading

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If you are a Californian, this is for you: Unveiling CDFA’s Strategic Plan Update for 2025-2030

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Whenever I’m asked to describe or summarize California agriculture, especially for an audience that isn’t Californian, it’s an opportunity to start a conversation and learn what our more global audience thinks and knows about what … Continue reading

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California FFA State Leadership Conference: Secretary Karen Ross speaks to future agricultural leaders

On Thursday night April 3, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross addressed California FFA students at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, delivering an inspiring message about the power of teamwork, innovation, and the role of FFA in shaping the future of agriculture. More … Continue reading

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New CDFA report details “Progress for California’s Agricultural Community”

From the past winter’s fires in Southern California to our ongoing recovery from bird flu in California’s dairy and poultry farms, California agriculture has been put to the test. The headlines are captivating and the emergency response efforts are urgent … Continue reading

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CDFA celebrates Women’s History Month with inspiring panel of women leaders

CDFA proudly celebrated Women’s History Month with a dynamic panel discussion on Wednesday, March 26, moderated by Undersecretary Christine Birdsong. As part of the month-long celebration, CDFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, along with the CDFA Office of Civil Rights, … Continue reading

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The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability — introducing a new name for a groundbreaking sustainability program

By Dr. Tawny Mata, Director of CDFA’s Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability I am excited to announce that our office has a new name: The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS).  Along with the name change, we have … Continue reading

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