Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Author Archives: Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Food Day a time to look forward

The return of Food Day, with its second annual observance scheduled for today, is a timely reminder of the important road ahead for our food supply. The world’s population is growing at such a rapid clip – from the current … Continue reading

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USDA reaching out to Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers with discrimination claims

  I want to make sure Californians know that the USDA has opened a discrimination claims process for Hispanic and women farmers that extends through March 25, 2013.   In California, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency has announced a series of 13 meetings … Continue reading

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Statement from Secretary Ross on dairy pricing

Under state law, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has the responsibility of calculating the minimum price that milk producers are to receive from processors.  In order to perform this duty, the Department employs economists who monitor conditions in … Continue reading

Posted in Alternative Fuels, Dairy | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Farm to School Programs Teach, Nourish

I love visiting schools. When I see all those young faces I see the future – bright-eyed children who will be leading us in 20, 30 or 40 years. Those of us in positions of responsibility have an obligation to … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Drought Assistance; New Farmers Programs; Guidebook on Access To Capital – Partnership With USDA Continues To Provide Outstanding Benefits For California

A key to success at the California Department of Food and Agriculture is great partnerships, and one of our most important ones is with the USDA. We share a mission, we share knowledge, and we share resources as we work … Continue reading

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California Dairy Future Task Force asked to evaluate long-term solutions

Despite the perfect storm of economic challenges affecting our dairy industry, cooperation and strategic reform can provide a more sustainable marketplace for our dairy farmers. Many dairies suffered steep financial losses as a result of the economic collapse in 2008 … Continue reading

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Statement from Secretary Ross on Food Safety Efforts by California Cantaloupe Growers

You may have heard about recent illnesses and two deaths linked to cantaloupe grown in southwestern Indiana. I am very concerned to learn about the severity of this outbreak. My heart goes out to those affected and their loved ones. … Continue reading

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Fairs and Farmers are Key Partners with Local Food Banks

The success of food banks is based on relationships in local communities with individuals, faith-based organizations, retailers and food service businesses -just to name a few.  Additional partnerships with food producers and processors assist with sourcing local, fresh foods that can be … Continue reading

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National Farmers Market Week a time to celebrate abundant, healthy food

I’m one of those people who thinks every week should be Farmers Market Week, and one of the miracles of California agriculture is that it’s actually possible in our state. Fresh fruits and vegetables are growing year-round someplace in California, … Continue reading

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California State Fair brings together farming, heritage and communities

I had a chance to visit the California State Fair this week and, as the fair nears the end of another successful run at Cal Expo, I thought I would take a moment to share my thoughts about its meaning … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education, Fairs, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment