In recognition of the cultural tradition of Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), November 1 and 2, Pixca Farm is proud of celebrating through its sustainable agricultural practices.

Erik Rodriguez’s journey into farming began in Rosarito, where he grew up at his family’s bookstore on the main boulevard. His mother, however, wanted him to experience life away from town, and so he would spend his days at his godfather’s ranch, helping harvest cilantro, radishes, and calabazas (pumpkins). Working on the land sparked a love for farming in Erik that would one day lead him to co-manage Pixca Farm in the Tijuana River Valley of San Diego County.

Years later, Erik was furloughed from his job at the YMCA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gardening had always been a passion, and while volunteering at Pixca Farm, he found himself at a crossroads—try to return to his job or take a leap into full-time farming. Erik chose farming and reconnected with Leonard Vargas, a founding member of Pixca with more than 30 years of agricultural experience. Together, they focused on Pixca Farm, which has since become a source of fresh, pesticide-free vegetables, flowers, and herbs for the San Diego community.

Growing Marigolds and a Community Connection

One of the farm’s key crops is marigolds, or cempasúchil, known for their vibrant orange color and cultural significance, especially during the Day of the Dead celebration. Erik and his team prepare around 500 bunches of marigolds, handpicked and bound into bunches of nine to ten stems. While the flowers are in high demand, especially around this time, Pixca Farm grows the marigolds without pesticides, which Erik shares with his customers.

Pixca Farm contributes to California’s dominance in marigold production. According to the most recent data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2019, California led the nation in marigold production with $10.5 million in wholesale and retail sales.

“The marigolds serve more than just a decorative purpose; they play a significant role in natural pest management on the farm,” said Erik. By rotating flowers, including marigolds and sunflowers, through each plot, Erik minimizes pest issues and maximizes soil health. “We try to win with numbers and know that pests are going to happen. We do a rotation with marigolds through every section of the farm within one to two years, including sunflowers,” explained Erik. Pixca Farm has marigolds growing all season long and he throws them into mixed bouquets.

Operating on just half an acre, Pixca Farm produces a diverse range of vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, cilantro, zucchini, and even tomatoes in bumper crop quantities. They sell these at a farm stand, which has become popular.

Pixca Farm’s mission, symbolized by its name—a take on the Spanish word for “pick”—is not only to provide healthy food but also to foster a deeper connection with the land. Erik’s call to action for consumers is: “Support local agriculture, support small businesses.” He emphasizes that with San Diego having the largest number of farms in California, it’s essential to support smaller, family-operated farms in California.

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.

Did you know CDFA’s Farm to School Program has regional staff throughout California available to foster farm to school participation and connect producers with local school districts?

Farm to School Network Regional Leads are working to facilitate relationships with partners across the school food ecosystem and more. For example, Farm to School Network San Joaquin Regional Lead Jane Alvarado Banister recently worked with Sanger Unified School District to connect their educational initiatives with the school meal program. In the accompanying photo, Jane joins Sanger Unified officials at the ribbon cutting for the Fairmont Ag Complex, an agricultural education hub for the region.

Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialists are working to provide value chain coordination for producers looking to sell foods to school districts with a focus on small and midsize farms and ranches. For example, Farm to School Central Regional Producer Engagement Specialist Michael Ackley-Grady recently helped the Asian Business Institute and Resource Center (ABIRC) connect Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) with local, ethnically diverse farmers so that the school may incorporate new crops into school meals that are culturally appropriate for many of the students. In the accompanying photo, Michael joins FUSD officials and others on an ABIRC-led tour and taste-test of ethnically diverse micro farms.

There are eight California Farm to School Regions. Reach out to contact the regional staff in your area!

Superior Region
Jennifer Rogge, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Jennifer.Rogge@cdfa.ca.gov
Mike Whamond, Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialist, Michael.Whamond@cdfa.ca.gov

North Coast Region
Pamela Lee, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Pamela.Lee
Meerae Park, Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialist, Meerae.Park@cdfa.ca.gov

Bay Area Region
Lizzy Elliott, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Lizzy.Elliott@cdfa.ca.gov

Central Region
Michael Ackley-Grady, Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialist, Michael.Ackley-Grady@cdfa.ca.gov

San Joaquin Region
Jane Alvarado-Banister, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Jane.Banister@cdfa.ca.gov

South Coast Region
Jacqueline Day, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Jacqueline.Day@cdfa.ca.gov
Chris Massa, Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialist, Chris.Massa@cdfa.ca.gov

Greater Los Angeles Region
Sophia Riemer Bopp, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Sophia.Bopp@cdfa.ca.gov
Tracey Kimura, Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialist, Tracey.Kimura@cdfa.ca.gov

Southern Region
Molly Jones, Farm to School Network Regional Lead, Molly.Jones@cdfa.ca.gov
Jennifer Huang, Farm to School Regional Producer Engagement Specialist, Jennifer.Huang@cdfa.ca.gov

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.

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.

In addition to various panels and demonstrations, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture convened at FIRA yesterday to discuss agricultural innovation and technology.

A highlight was a panel discussion called Building an Agricultural Technology Innovation Economy, featuring CDFA secretary Karen Ross, along with Derek Kirk, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz), and Hannah Johnson from The Vine at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).

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.

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.

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.

Remember — we’re all in this together.

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.