Secretary Ross with her signed copy of the watershed MOU
State and federal government agencies signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday at California Natural Resources Agency headquarters, advancing long-term watershed health through floodplain restoration in the Sacramento River Basin.
The agreement brings together partners from agriculture, water, flood control, and wildlife management to implement large-scale, multi-benefit projects that protect communities, restore habitats, and support sustainable farming.
Among the key agencies involved are CDFA, the California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Water Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The Sacramento River Basin spans more than 1,100 square miles from Sacramento to Chico and is a vast and hardworking system with floodplains providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife while acting as natural flood protection for cities and farms.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross signed the MOU on behalf of the agency and said, “Farming is place-based. Rice farmers and others in Northern California have been fearless partners, showing how floodplains can benefit both fish, birds, and agriculture. Together, we’re building drought resilience, enabling groundwater recharge, and creating healthier ecosystems.”
Key Outcomes of the MOU:
Flood Protection: Restore and expand floodplains (e.g., Yolo, Sutter, and Tisdale Bypasses) to prevent devastating flood events.
Habitat Creation: Enhance critical habitats for migratory birds, endangered fish, and other wildlife.
Groundwater Recharge: Improve water security and aquifer replenishment through better floodplain management.
Agricultural Sustainability: Use post-harvest rice fields to provide 300,000 acres of habitat and approximately 200 million pounds of food resources to the millions of geese, ducks, swans and other migratory birds that rely on rice fields after harvest.
Climate Resilience: Build long-term resilience to droughts and extreme weather events through multi-agency collaboration.
This multi-agency partnership exemplifies how conservation and farming can work together to address climate challenges, sustain ecosystems, and ensure food security. With investments in floodplain restoration and a sharing of responsibility across agencies and sectors, this MOU sets a precedent for sustainable water and habitat management in California.
CDFA secretary Karen Ross (r) with Derek Kirk of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) and Hannah Johnson from UC ANR
Note:The FIRA USA event taking place in Woodland from October 22-24, is free and open to all growers.
The third annual FIRA USA event in Woodland, California, held at the Yolo County Fairgrounds (October 22 to 24), is a showcase for agricultural robotics and automation. Focused on innovation in the agriculture industry, the event draws key stakeholders from across the state to discuss how technology is shaping the future of food production and driving economic growth.
Food-producing regions across California are increasingly focused on technology as a driver of innovation. Both the state and federal governments have made substantial investments in tech-driven economic development. As Secretary Ross noted during the discussion, despite challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, California’s strategic advantages in crop diversity and productivity position it well for future growth while utilizing technological advancements.
Secretary Ross emphasized, “We still have many strategic advantages with the crops that we grow. There’s every reason to believe that we will continue to grow the gross revenues from our farms.” She highlighted how California’s innovative approach will also support a thriving bioeconomy.
Empowering Future Generations in Agriculture
The panel discussion also touched on the importance of attracting the next generation of farmers and innovators. Derek Kirk shared his experiences visiting the STAR (Strathmore Technical Agricultural Research) Center in the Porterville area, where young students are being introduced to ag tech. Kirk underscored the significance of this program in sustaining the industry’s workforce. “It’s exciting to see young students interested in the ag industry, and it shows real promise,” he said.
Secretary Ross stressed the need to focus on youth engagement in agriculture, which reflects the need to develop talent across the agri-food value chain. “That’s creating livable ways for families that want to stay in farming and all the other parts of the value chain,” she said.
Securing a Sustainable Future for Agriculture
As climate change reshapes the landscape of farming, Secretary Ross addressed healthy eating and nutrition as a path forward, emphasizing the importance of programs such as Farm-to-School initiatives connecting farmers to local economies while promoting healthy eating. “The real opportunity is in improving and enhancing our understanding of healthy eating from the youngest age possible to avoid chronic diseases which sucks so much out our economies now,” she said. “Filling nutrition gaps is going to be critically important in a changing climate.”
Looking ahead, Secretary Ross shared her vision for California agriculture, where a focus on problem-solving and collaboration ensures continued growth and innovation. “It’s exciting and very possible,” she said, envisioning a future where California remains a global leader in ag technology and innovation, all while ensuring that every Californian has access to healthy, nutritious food.
October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food service employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.
The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) received CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding appropriations in 2021 and 2022. Their project goals have included strengthening contractual relationships with local farmers by bringing them to campuses to cultivate and refurbish school gardens, hosting farmers’ markets, and expanding nutrition education through digital menu boards.
Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, PSUSD hosted farmers’ markets with locally grown produce at 26 of its 27 school sites. At the markets, students learned about the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and met local farmers growing produce that students eat in their cafeterias.
California farmers who have participated in PSUSD’s programming include Mark Tadros from Aziz Farms in Thermal, Anna and Bob Knight from Old Grove Orange in Redlands, and Loren Werth from Food 4 Thought LLC in Fresno.
CDFA’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is part of California’s nation-leading investment in farm to school programs to cultivate equity, nurture students, build climate resilience, and create scalable and sustainable change. The grant program has awarded nearly $87 million in funding to 163 different entities serving 1.5 million public school students.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross met with New Zealand Ambassador Rosemary Banks and Consul-General Katja Ackerley during a recent visit to Sacramento. CDFA and New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industry signed on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sustainable Agricultural Cooperation in October 2022. The State of California also welcomed the New Zealand Prime Minister earlier this year fostering a partnership on climate action.
California agricultural exports to New Zealand are estimated at more than $156 million.
Farmer Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou at Brisa Ranch
As Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) draws to a close, CDFA would like to profile Brisa Ranch of Pescadero (San Mateo County) and its co-owner, Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou. Growing up with roots in Guatemala and Venezuela, Veronica’s journey into agriculture began during her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, where she developed a deep respect for subsistence farming.
Since 2018, Veronica and her business partners, Cole and Cristobal, have grown Brisa Ranch into a diversified fruit and vegetable operation. Located on California’s coast, the ranch benefits from a unique microclimate, allowing them to grow greens year-round and cultivate crops like tomatoes, peppers, and heirloom varieties of squash and corn. These crops not only reflect their cultural backgrounds but also meet the demands of local markets and communities. With Cristobal’s Oaxacan heritage and Cole’s Greek roots, Brisa Ranch has embraced diverse agricultural traditions.
The challenges Veronica and her partners face, like many small-scale farmers in California, are multifaceted. Land tenure and housing are significant obstacles, along with the unpredictable impacts of climate change, such as heavy rains and wildfires. Despite these hurdles, the ranch is committed to sustainable farming, employing cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage that prioritizes soil health and biodiversity. Flowers are grown to support pollinator habitats, further enhancing the ecological balance on their farm.
Veronica’s passion extends beyond the fields. As a member of the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee at CDFA, she helps represent the needs of small and minority-owned farms. She is also spearheading efforts to establish a food hub, which would connect local producers in San Mateo County with school districts and underserved communities.
“We have worked with four school districts that include Santa Cruz City Schools, Live Oak School District, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, and Alum Rock Union School District. We have also sold via regional food hubs that are working with school districts in other parts,” said Veronica. “We feel strongly about working with school districts to make sure local and organic produce is making it to school kitchens. As part of our work, students have visited our farm, and we have sent a member of our team to the schools to speak to the students.”
Veronica hopes that with the additional support being provided to schools and farms to strengthen the farm to school supply chain, she will be able to increase the number of school districts served and collaborate with other farms to distribute produce more efficiently. Through these efforts, Veronica is optimistic that more accessible and equitable food system can be created, ensuring that fresh, locally grown produce reaches those who need it most.
Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou and Brisa Ranch is a powerful example of how culture, sustainability, and community intersect in California’s agricultural landscape. The ranch is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Latina women farmers helping to shape the future of farming.
A look at avocado and blueberry production in Peru’s Ica Valley, and reservoir serving agriculture
CDFA secretary Karen Ross visited Peru this week 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.
By CDFA secretary Karen Ross
Peru’s Ica Valley is an oasis in the desert. There are more than 100,000 acres of agricultural production primarily focusing on high-quality specialty crops (avocados, table grapes and blueberries), surrounded by the Andes mountains as well as desert sands. Water defines this region in all aspects – from controversy to innovation. The population faces challenges in accessing water and agriculture continues to grow. It is a very complicated picture and being from California, we have an opportunity to share our knowledge about water sustainability, equity and management.
There is a strong dedication to local communities in the Ica Valley, including the development and funding of local schools to providing upward mobility to the workforce by advancing home ownership and land access. There is also an environmental focus with aquifer recharge, investment in native habitat, and initial steps towards a circular economy.
Our visits have been with some of the largest and most productive growers in the region. We have also had the opportunity to meet with government and academia, where the importance of technical assistance and investment in small-to-medium scale farms on climate smart practices was strongly emphasized. It is a legitimate and appropriate role for government but also has to earn the trust of citizens to serve the common good.
The work that is occurring on farms in Peru is impressive. Data-driven production of crops, building organic matter in soils, precision agriculture, and on-farm sensor deployment is delivering world-class agricultural production. On-farm management practices are being implemented to adjust to climate realities by advancing harvest windows and targeting on-time irrigation of crops. Through this work, Peru is changing the desert landscape and building soils for food production.
The next few years will see changes in Peru’s agricultural sector. California’s engagement on climate smart agriculture practices–supported through academic, grower and government collaboration–will be an important step forward in advancing shared practices and advancing water equity.
This is World Mental Health Day, and CDFA wants to remind farmers, farmworkers, and the ag community that mental health matters. CDFA offers a website with resources to support mental wellness in the agriculture community and beyond.
We join our partners on this day and every day to raise awareness and help support mental health. Visit our Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Resources page to learn more about the tools and programs available.
October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food service employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.
The organization Slow Money San Luis Obispo (SLO) is one of many taking part in California’s groundbreaking farm to school movement — educating students, families and the community about the benefits of farm to school programming.
A grantee in CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, Slow Money SLO recently hosted an event with local school nutrition directors at City Farm SLO to discuss the benefits of of incorporating produce into their school meal programs.
Attendees enjoyed a farm tour, picked fresh tomatoes, and ate fresh salsa created from their harvest. Local students visit City Farm SLO throughout the year to receive hands-on education regarding the science and nutrition of the farm’s produce.
“Students try raw kale and then go home and request it for dinner,” City Farm Executive Director Kayla Rutland explained about the benefits of students visiting the farm. “Students will eat anything when they’re here on the farm and see how it’s grown.”
The Incubator Grant Program has awarded nearly $87 million in funding to 163 different entities serving 1.5 million public school students.
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.”
