Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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CDFA Celebrates International Day of Biological Diversity 2026

As we recognize the International Day for Biological Diversity, we’d like to highlight how our Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability is supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators through its Pollinator Habitat Program and its participation in the California Multi-Agency … Continue reading

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Secretary Karen Ross Celebrated as Anti-Hunger Champion at 2026 Food ACCESS Conference

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized today by the California Association of Food Banks as a 2026 Anti-Hunger Champion during the organization’s Food ACCESS Conference luncheon in Sacramento. Secretary Ross received the Anti-Hunger Champion Award … Continue reading

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🍓 May is National Strawberry Month!

California leads the nation in strawberry production, harvesting 2.77 billion pounds valued at $3.68 billion. From coastal fields to tables across the United States, California strawberries are delicious and nutritious! Join us in celebrating the growers, farmworkers, and communities behind … Continue reading

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Public Service Recognition Week is May 3-9, 2026: “Thanks for everything you do.”

By Karen Ross, CDFA Secretary “Thanks for everything you do.” I’ve said those words to my CDFA colleagues and coworkers so many times over the past 16 years, in meeting rooms and at Ag Day and at holiday parties, in … Continue reading

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Earth Month is Every Month: Sustainable Agriculture Across California

Here in California, our farmers and producers are deeply committed to sustainable agriculture. More than 98% of California farms are family-owned, and conserving resources while caring for the land ensures that it remains productive for generations to come.  Throughout April, … Continue reading

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Ag Day Observations: How does your work help farmers, ranchers and Californians?

If you’ve ever been to Ag Day at the State Capitol, you’ve seen the remarkable range of people and organizations either directly representing the farmers and ranchers, or in a variety of ways supporting what the agricultural community does. California … Continue reading

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Earth Day: Celebrating Progress and Continued Commitment – Together

Happy Earth Day! We celebrated California Agriculture Day on the steps of the California Capitol just yesterday, and it helps provide a particularly positive perspective for our observance of Earth Day today. Especially in California, agriculture has an important role … Continue reading

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Ag Day Photo Gallery 2026: “California Leads”

California Agriculture Day, the state’s annual celebration of agriculture on the west steps of the State Capitol, brought together farmers, ranchers, agricultural enthusiasts and leaders today around this year’s theme: “California Leads.” California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom joined the celebration, praised … Continue reading

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California Agriculture Day is Tomorrow, April 21 – Rain or Shine!

California Agriculture Day returns to the west steps of the State Capitol tomorrow: Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Come on out and help us celebrate our agricultural community! The event is open to elected officials and staff from 10:30 am – 11:30 am and … Continue reading

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CDFA Climate Bond Grants: accepting concept proposals for Healthy Soils Program and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program

CDFA’s  Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is pleased to announce that Concept Proposal applications are now open for both the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Block Grants, funded by the Climate Bond.  This milestone reflects the continued momentum … Continue reading

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