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Monthly Archives: March 2026

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross inspires future leaders at 98th California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

This week, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross traveled to Ontario to join 7,600 students from across the state who gathered for the 98th California FFA State Leadership Conference. Serving as the opening speaker for the Monday program, Secretary Ross helped kick … Continue reading →

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Women Farmers Shaping the Future: Luciana Jonkman’s Story 

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Sureena Johl

In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we’re honoring the women whose paths into agriculture were shaped not by tradition, but by curiosity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to learning. For Luciana Jonkman, a dairy farmer, consultant, and lifelong problem solver from Oakley, California, agriculture became a calling not because she was born into it, but because people along the way took the time to encourage her to explore different fields of study.  Continue reading →

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Strengthening Partnerships with Punjabi American growers at the 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA’s Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division and Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability participated in the Punjabi American Growers Group’s 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera, connecting directly with growers to share resources on citrus health, sustainable farming, and climate‑resilience programs. Through initiatives such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, and methane reduction efforts, CDFA continues to support producers in improving water efficiency, strengthening soil health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building trusted relationships within California’s diverse agricultural communities. Continue reading →

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Farmer Isabel Rosas Garcia: growing produce and community in the Salinas Valley

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Whether you’re celebrating March as Women’s History Month, National Celery Month, or International Year of the Woman Farmer — produce grower Isabel Rosas Garcia has an impact that reaches far beyond the field. In fact, her work as a farmer, … Continue reading →

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Save the Date! Ag Day is April 21 on the west steps of the California Capitol

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California Agriculture Day returns to the west steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Are you ready to celebrate our agricultural community? Ag Day is presented by CDFA in partnership with the California Foundation for Agriculture in … Continue reading →

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Common Threads: 30 Years of Celebrating the Women Who Are the Backbone of California Agriculture

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Secretary Karen Ross celebrated the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 during the Common Threads Awards Luncheon in Fresno, highlighting the vital role women play across California agriculture. Speaking during Women’s History Month on March 10, she noted that … Continue reading →

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California and Ireland – celebrating agriculture and community

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Secretary Karen Ross welcomed Martin Heydon Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine of the Government of Ireland today at CDFA. The conversation highlighted the bioeconomy, climate and sustainable agriculture, research and innovation, and the International Year of the … Continue reading →

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Preliminary Grape Crush Report: Declines in crush numbers, prices tell the story of the 2025 crop

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

While not surprising based on news reports about declining global demand for wine, declines in grape crush tonnage and price data for the 2025 crop year are a painful confirmation of trends that growers, processors and other stakeholders in California’s … Continue reading →

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DWR report details advancements toward groundwater sustainability

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the final version of California’s Groundwater: Bulletin 118 – Update 2025, the State’s official and most comprehensive report of groundwater monitoring, conditions, and management across California. The report builds upon the previous update … Continue reading →

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Governor Newsom announces more than $23 million to increase access to farm-fresh food for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program recipients

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

News Release – Office of Governor Newsom What you need to know: California is investing $23 million to help connect California grown fresh food to Californians who qualify for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. Governor Newsom today announced … Continue reading →

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