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Monthly Archives: May 2026

CDFA Celebrates International Day of Biological Diversity 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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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Center for Analytical Chemistry staff gain better appreciation of lab work through sampling ride-along

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) Food Safety Laboratories provide analytical services to the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) through analyzing various samples DPR staff take from the field. To observe firsthand the sampling techniques utilized by DPR, Food Safety Laboratory … Continue reading →

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

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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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Artichokes: All About California’s Official State Vegetable

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Courtesy of CA GROWN Artichokes have been grown in California since the late 1880s, but they didn’t always have their modern-day it-girl status. Initially, most of America’s artichokes were imported from France, until World War I disrupted that supply line. … Continue reading →

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🍓 May is National Strawberry Month!

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

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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Secretary Ross discusses importance of fruit and vegetable inspections at national conference in San Diego

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross spoke to attendees of the 2026 Association of Fruits & Vegetables Inspection & Standardization Agencies (AFVISA) Conference on Wednesday, May 13. The association includes inspectors from throughout the country and Secretary Ross thanked them for working … Continue reading →

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CA GROWN Offers Budget-Friendly Recipes That Won’t Break the (Food) Bank

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Budget-friendly recipes don’t have to be boring. If you’re looking for fresh and delicious cooking ideas, created with affordability in mind, California Grown’s got you covered. Every recipe developed by our friends at California Grown is designed to celebrate California’s … Continue reading →

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Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture: Legislative Briefing

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California agriculture plays a substantial role in California’s climate adaptation efforts, with producers, researchers, and policymakers working together to build a more sustainable and resilient future. On April 30, California Department of Food and Agriculture Deputy Secretary for Climate and … Continue reading →

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Trade Mission to Thailand Represents Opportunities for California Exporters

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross traveled to Thailand from April 24 to May 1 as part of a National Association of State Department of Agriculture (NASDA) trade mission focused on strengthening agricultural trade relationships and expanding … Continue reading →

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

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

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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