Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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Strengthening University of California-Mexico Ties to Further Research on Agricultural Topics

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross met recently with Dr. Isabel Studer, Director of Alianza University of California-Mexico, and Liliana Ferrer, Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, to discuss cooperation on agricultural and climate related research topics, centered on the ongoing activities already taking … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross on California Farmer and Farmworker Month

October is California Farmer and Farmworker Month! California plays a big role in the nation’s food supply and economy—supporting 1.2 million jobs, producing over 400 crops and roughly 50 percent of U.S. produce overall. California Department of Food and Agriculture … Continue reading

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California organizations among USDA Equity in Agriculture grant recipients

From a USDA news release The USDA has announced a trio of awards totaling nearly $25 million in grants and cooperative agreements intended to ensure broader access and participation in USDA programs and services for historically underserved farmers and ranchers. … Continue reading

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Indigenous Peoples Day — CDFA recognizes sustainable urban farming practices rooted in native and indigenous traditions

Three Sisters Gardens is one of West Sacramento’s five urban farm sites and is located at 5th and C Streets. It is a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization that brings youth and neighbors together to grow food. Led by Alfred Melbourne, Three … Continue reading

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Governor Newsom appoints Christine Birdsong as CDFA Undersecretary

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross: “We are thrilled to welcome Christine Birdsong to the CDFA team, and I want to thank Governor Newsom for making this appointment. Christine’s leadership experience at the federal level as well as in the private sector is … Continue reading

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October 8 is National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day — find out why

Today, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) joins the nation in celebrating the seventh annual National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, which marks the growth of the industry by raising awareness of the benefits fuel cell technologies and … Continue reading

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Farm to School Month — CDFA receives $60 million budget appropriation for grants

October is National Farm to School Month and CDFA joins thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country in celebrating food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients. Adding … Continue reading

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Application period opens for grant program for small producers, processors, distributors and farmers’ markets impacted by COVID-19

USDA news release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the new Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and encourages eligible entities to apply now for funds. Applications must be submitted electronically through the grant … Continue reading

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California recipients benefit from USDA urban agriculture grants

From a USDA News Release The USDA has announced the selection of recipients for more than $6.6 million in grants and cooperative agreements through the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. These grants and cooperative agreements build on $4.1 … Continue reading

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CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards assists law enforcement in $80 million recycling fraud case

The California Attorney General’s office has announced sentencing in a multi-year investigation of recycling fraud in Sacramento County. More than $80 million was paid out to Recycling Services Alliance, a redemption center for California Redemption Value (CRV) materials, based on … Continue reading

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