CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, third from left, in Dubai this week as the USDA’s Valerie R. Brown, an export specialist in the region, speaks at the Gulfood Trade Show.
CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined a number of California businesses, agricultural organizations and government officials this week at the 30th edition of the Gulfood Trade Show in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates is the 9th largest export destination for California agricultural products, valued at more than $548 million.
While in Dubai, Undersecretary Birdsong was able to connect with key buyers, participate in media/trade events highlighting California agricultural products, and hear directly from California companies participating at the show. A number of California agriculture groups were in attendance — the Almond Board of California, American Pistachio Growers, the California Milk Advisory Board, the California Walnut Commission, the Wine Institute, California Prunes, the California Agricultural Export Council, and others.
On average, California exports approximately 24 percent of its agricultural production — $22.4 billon in the most recent year for which figures are available. These exports help support more than 140,000 jobs in California.
CDFA staff members will participate at next week’s California Small Farm Conference — taking place both online and in person at various locations around the state. The conference will take place from Feb 23-28 and feature over 40 online workshops and more than a dozen in-person gatherings around the state.
On Feb. 25, CDFA staff members Logan Dreher and Lauren McCawley will present together at an online workshop, Grants – Preparing for the Proposal. This session is designed to help producers and processors who are new to grant applications. With many steps to take prior to beginning the application process, this workshop will provide an overview of everything the small producer should do before beginning their proposal.
In addition, look for CDFA Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) staff members Lizzy Elliott and Meerae Park at the conference’s North Bay Regional Gathering on Feb. 27, where they will participate in a presentation, Farm to School & Institutional Sales.
Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, a local food advocate or a farmers market manager, there’s something for you at the conference. Topics include regenerative agriculture, small business management, new funding opportunities, and farmland equity, all aligned with this year’s theme: “Rooted in Place.” There’s still time to register! Learn more at www.caff.org/conference2025
CDFA is joining in the celebration of National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week, from February 15-22. During the weeklong celebration, FFA students across California and the nation will host various events, including farmer and teacher appreciation breakfasts, community service projects, and skills contests, all aimed at advancing agricultural literacy in their communities.
Rep. Panetta’s leadership highlights his ongoing support for agriculture and education in California’s 19th District and beyond. As co-chair of the FFA Congressional Caucus, he remains committed to fostering opportunities for young agricultural leaders and strengthening the future of the agricultural industry.
For more information about the resolution, visit the official resolution text here.
(Top and bottom left) CDFA’s Black History Month panel was moderated by Deputy Secretary of Administration and Finance Arima Kozina. She was joined at agency headquarters by Kelvin Kimball (Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division) and Anissa Kotey (Administrative Service Division); and virtually by State Board of Food and Agriculture members Doria Robinson and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire.
CDFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights hosted a Black History Month panel discussion this week. Moderated by CDFA Deputy Secretary of Administration and Finance Arima Kozina, the event highlighted the stories, experiences, and reflections of staff as well as insight from members of California’s State Board of Food and Agriculture. The panelists included Anissa Kotey, Kelvin Kimball, Doria Robinson, and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire.
Doria Robinson began the discussion by sharing her perspective as the first urban-agriculture member of the State Board. As Executive Director of Urban Tilth, based in Richmond CA, she leads efforts to provide fresh food to low-income communities of color. “Operating a farm in a community with little access to food has given me a deep appreciation for the role agriculture plays in equity,” Robinson shared. She emphasized the importance of highlighting lesser-known historical contributions, such as the knowledge of rice cultivation brought by enslaved Africans. “It’s vital to honor the folks who made this possible,” she said.
Kelvin Kimball, an Associate Governmental Program Associate with the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division, reflected on how Black history was deeply personal to him. He was born in Columbus, Georgia and moved to Atlanta shortly afterwards. He spent most of his life in California after his parents relocated from Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree from Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black college. “My dad walked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my mom was the first African American stewardess for Southern Airways. She couldn’t even get off the plane in some cities because of segregation,” Kimball recalled. These experiences shaped his identity and commitment to educating others. He highlighted the contributions of African American inventor Garrett Morgan, who developed the refrigerated truck and the gas mask, noting how these innovations revolutionized the health and safety field. “It’s difficult not having an understanding of one’s history,” he reflected. Kimball also emphasized the critical role of education in fostering understanding: “I try to post 28 days of African American history [on social media] every Black History Month so that people can see the contributions we’ve made.”
Anissa Kotey, Staff Services Manager for CDFA’s Human Resources Branch, brought a global lens to the discussion. Having grown up in both California and London, she noted how her experience of Blackness varied across continents. “For me, Black History Month is about recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of Black people across the diaspora,” Kotey said. She emphasized the importance of understanding the intersectionality of Black identities, particularly the experiences of people of Caribbean and Latino descent. Kotey expressed excitement about CDFA’s potential to be a driver in sharing these stories.
Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Dean of Agriculture at Fresno State and a member of the State Board, focused on Black contributions to agriculture and science. “George Washington Carver was a pioneer of regenerative agriculture, using peanuts as a soil amendment more than 100 years ago,” he explained. St. Hilaire underscored the legacy of Black farmers in California, noting that only about 500 remain today. “These farmers have played a critical role in cultivating niche crops like okra and black beans that add diversity to our plates,” he said. He also called for increased technical and financial support for Black farmers, stressing the importance of equitable policies. St. Hilaire expressed hope for contributing his expertise on water policy to the board, particularly around the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). “We need to ensure small and underserved farmers are supported with friendly regulations,” he stated.
Doria Robinson closed the panel by reflecting on the limited but meaningful recognition Black History Month brings. “It’s the shortest month of the year, and we get positive stories, but after March 1st, they disappear,” she said. She emphasized the importance of telling complex, authentic stories about African American contributions beyond stereotypes. Robinson also expressed pride in her work on CDFA’s Land Equity Task Force, which aims to create greater access to farming and land ownership for underserved communities. “This work is critical, and I’m excited about moving forward with the recommendations,” she concluded.
The event underscored the significance of Black History Month as a time for reflection, education, and action. As CDFA continues its commitment to equity and inclusion, events like this panel discussion provide a platform for honoring history and fostering progress.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hosts the annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Achievement Awards to recognize IPM leaders for their achievements in the adoption and promotion of safer, more sustainable IPM practices in agricultural, urban, and wildland settings throughout California. IPM—any approach that uses the least toxic, effective method to solve pest problems—is a foundational concept in sustainable pest management. This year’s award recipients include organizations that are promoting IPM gardening practices in their community, protecting residents and wildlife using IPM on a university campus, and conducting extensive IPM outreach for pollinator protection.
DPR will celebrate this year’s award recipients at an in-person IPM Achievement Awards ceremony and networking event at the CalEPA Building at 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 12:30 – 3:00 P.M. The networking event, which will feature exhibit tables and posters from past winners and partner agencies, will takes place from 12:30 – 1:15 P.M. A keynote panel session featuring an organic farmer representatives from state agencies and a statewide associationwill kick off activities at 1:15 P.M., The awards ceremony will feature remarks from guest speakers from CDFA and the California Environmental Protection Agency, congratulatory videos from legislative representatives, and videos highlighting the specific achievements of the three award recipients.
All are invited to attend the ceremony at the CalEPA Building, but if you cannot attend in person, you can view the keynote panel session and ceremony via Zoom by registering here: https://bit.ly/IPMAA2025-Register. Spanish translation will be available in-person and on Zoom for keynote panel session and ceremony.
More information about the IPM Achievement Awards Program can be found on the DPR website.
In working to “Drive the Next Generation of Talent and Tools”, CDFA is launching an agricultural workforce survey to help determine employer needs within the specialty crop sector. Jobs and careers within agriculture are changing – adopting greater use of technology, evolving its practices, and requiring new skills from the agricultural workforce of today and tomorrow. To meet these evolving workforce needs, the Specialty Crop Ag Workforce Development Program is conducting a survey of employers to identify the emerging skills and talent needed.
For specialty crop workers, you make California agriculture possible. This survey helps to develop education, training and other services to help you grow in your agricultural career or business. Survey results will identify training, classes and certifications needed in various production regions of the state, promoting long-term career opportunities.
This survey is part of the Specialty Crop Ag Workforce Development Program, which is designed to unite specialty crop employers, community colleges and other partners to train for the skills needed today and in the future. The program represents a partnership between the Agricultural Council of California, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Farmworker Foundation, Central Valley Community Foundation, and Western Growers.
Responses will be gathered into a statewide report that is being developed by California Community College’s Center of Excellence. Please assist CDFA by completing the survey to support workforce development and career opportunities within the specialty crop sector.
CDFA is hosting public listening sessions February 6th and 7th to gather input on the development of a Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture.
CDFA’s vision document, California Ag Vision for 2030, establishes five key priorities for California agriculture to achieve success over the next decade. This Resilience Strategy has been created in response to priority #1, to “foster climate-smart, resilient, and regenerative food systems.”
Climate change is driving a myriad of challenges for our food system, including increased pest pressure; stress on crops, animals, and people; less water availability; soil, water, and air quality degradation; and higher energy demand. The Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture will lay out these challenges, identify state actions to address them, and provide direction for future actions. CDFA is looking for guidance from the agriculture community. Input provided in these sessions will be incorporated into a draft Resilience Strategy to be released for public comment in Summer 2025.
Listening sessions will be held virtually over the course of two days. Please register by clicking on the day and time below.
Thursday, February 6th from 11:30 a.m. PT – 1 p.m. PT
If you are unable to attend, or wish to also submit written feedback, a comment card will be open for written input from Thursday, February 6 to Thursday, February 27th. You may access the comment card from the Resilience Strategy website: CDFA – Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture
The wildfires this month in Southern California have resulted in an activation of emergency shelter resources to house displaced people and animals, and the state’s network of fairgrounds has stepped forward to assist.
The Antelope Valley Fairgrounds opened its RV park to people forced to flee the Eaton fire. More than 50 RVs and their occupants spent a number of days there. The fairgrounds also hosted animals rescued from fire zones.
The fairgrounds at Del Mar are housing horses this week after the Lilac fire erupted near Fallbrook in San Diego County.
Also, the Los Angeles County fairgrounds/Fairplex housed 57 horses displaced by fires in the region.
“Fairgrounds continue to demonstrate their value beyond annual fair events and entertainment,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “They are truly community resilience centers able to activate at a moment’s notice in times of crisis, and they serve their communities in many more important ways. We are very fortunate to have them as partners across the state.”
What you need to know: Governor Newsom continued his statewide California Jobs First tour today to outline a first-of-its-kind, bottom-up economic vision for California’s future, receiving the regional plan from local leaders in the North San Joaquin Valley. The Governor also previewed toplines of this year’s state budget — a balanced spending plan that makes government more efficient, increases accountability, and improves the safety, health, and well-being of Californians.
Stanislaus County, California – Governor Gavin Newsom, as part of his ongoing statewide California Jobs First tour, today received the North San Joaquin Valley’s regional economic plan from community leaders representing San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties. The plan is one of 13 regional plans that will make up the upcoming California Jobs First Economic Blueprint.
Governor Newsom also previewed his 2025-26 state budget proposal by outlining the state’s continued plans to support robust economic growth, high-paying jobs and career development, and strong accountability measures to address housing, homelessness, and mental health.
“California is not only dominating but paving the way for the future of jobs and the American economy, with local homegrown economic plans for every region of our state. With a balanced budget and key investments maintained for the upcoming fiscal year, we are well-positioned to continue the forward momentum we have created. California remains the standard bearer for our nation, and we’re looking forward to another strong year ahead,” said Governor Newsom.
The California Jobs First Economic Blueprint will guide the state’s investments in key sectors to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade. The complete Economic Blueprint will be released in the coming weeks, along with a grant solicitation for a portion of the remaining $120 million over three years in competitive funding to support “ready-to-go” projects aligned to the state’s strategic sectors, ensuring that every region across California continues to play a critical role in the sustainable growth of the world’s fifth largest economy.
Made up of ten key industry sectors, this framework will help streamline the state’s economic, business, and workforce development programs to create more jobs faster. The state’s thirteen economic regions engaged more than 10,000 local residents and experts who collectively identified these sectors as key to driving local economies into the future.
Today, leaders in the North San Joaquin Valley region presented their regional plan to the Governor and provided information about their key economic sectors.
Advanced Manufacturing, including building materials, mobility technologies, and measurement and testing products
Clean Economy, particularly solar energy, green hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon management, an emerging sector with enormous growth potential, driven by the increasing demand for carbon capture and sequestration technologies.
Bioeconomy, a forward-looking sector that is transforming waste streams from biomass (such as agricultural and forestry residues, municipal solid waste, and food processing byproducts) into valuable bioproducts such as fuels, plastics, chemicals, solvents, fabrics, polymers, food additives, and alternative proteins.
A balanced budget and a more efficient government
Continuing to deliver key investments and responsible fiscal management, Governor Newsom previewed the toplines of his 2025-26 state budget proposal — a balanced budget that emphasizes fiscal stability and lean and efficient government. The full budget release, accompanied by a briefing led by the Department of Finance, is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025.
The Governor’s $322.2 billion proposal includes $228.9 billion in general fund spending. The proposed budget is fully balanced with no deficit and projects $16.5 billion in additional revenue above the 2024 Budget Act thanks to a stronger economy, stock market, and cash receipts. It includes savings from the elimination of 6,500 government positions, resulting in $1.2 billion in savings over two years, alongside operational efficiencies like reduced travel budgets, printing costs, and IT modernizations that further reduce costs by $3.5 billion.
While introducing no cuts to core programs, the proposal maintains transformative initiatives that include the full implementation of Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK), expanded after-school and summer programs, and Universal School Meals.
Investments focus on education, economic growth, public safety, and accountability. The full Governor’s budget proposal will be released on Friday, January 10, 2025.
California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has granted a 24-hour permit for nine reindeer scheduled to visit California on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25.
The application was filed with CDFA Animal Health Branch staff by a rotund, jolly man with a red suit, white beard, and a pocketful of candy canes. The signature on the application reads, “K. Kringle.”
“Although Santa’s reindeer are special and very magical, we are grateful that every year he ensures they meet and exceed our animal health requirements to enter the state — he really cares about protecting the health of our farm animals and wildlife,” said Dr. Jones.
The permit was granted with two conditions: the nine reindeer listed, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, may not fraternize with other reindeer in the State of California, and the sleigh must be checked before entering the state to ensure no agricultural pests are hitching a ride. “Mr. Kringle’s veterinarian has assured us that the reindeer are healthy and fit again this year. They are ready for a busy night,” said Dr. Jones. “We are excited to welcome them into our state, where they are sure to find plenty of yummy fresh vegetables to renew their energy,”
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross thanked Department staff for their hard work, recognizing their commitment to maintaining animal health and safe and abundant California-grown food to share with all our visitors this holiday season. “We are delighted to issue this permit to Mr. Kringle,” said Secretary Ross. “We wish him safe travels and plenty of California milk and cookies as he and his reindeer deliver presents to the children of our state.”
