Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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

Thank you, Mr. Lincoln

I had an opportunity this week to acknowledge and help commemorate a genuinely transformative event in American history. The action itself was simple – the stroke of a pen. And, as it turned out, the man wielding the pen has … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Singapore farmers inspire with innovation and commitment to community

In California, I have the opportunity to meet with farmers almost everyday, and it’s a point of pride that they are widely admired for their innovation and support of local communities. What was inspiring about my trip to Singapore, a … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Community-based Food System, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Earth Day and Farming

As the daughter of a farmer, I grew up with a love of the land and a deep respect for nature – you might say a native understanding that every day was Earth Day. My father worked the land. He … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Cannella Panel, Climate Change, Environment, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Asia trade delegation an excellent opportunity to promote California products

Expanding export opportunities for California’s farmers, ranchers and food processors is a priority for me as I visit Singapore and South Korea as part of a U.S. trade delegation focusing on trade, market access and promotions. During my time in … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross – We must work together to help prevent invasive species

The USDA has announced that it’s dedicating the month of April to sharing information about the threat that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America’s fruits, vegetables, trees, and other plants—and how the public can help prevent … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Community-based Food System, Farmers' Markets, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Invasive Species, Specialty Crops, Trade | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

State Vet Dr. Annette Whiteford Named Chair of National Institute of Animal Agriculture

One of the best things about the California Department of Food and Agriculture is the talented group of people who work here. We have dedicated public servants with deep expertise in their chosen fields and a passion for making our … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Animal Welfare, Community-based Food System, Dairy, Food Access, Food Safety, Trade | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ag Day – A Celebration of the Future

I am blessed to be in my 15th month as California’s secretary of agriculture. In my travels around the state, I have gained a new appreciation for the miracles that farmers and ranchers create every day, against considerable odds. As … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Specialty Crops, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Connecting Consumers to Farmers and Farmers to Resources – the New Food Compass

From my experience at the USDA, I know the great wealth of data the agency has at its fingertips. With the release of the new Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food website tool – the food compass – resources and … Continue reading

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Agricultural Education and Our Moment to Shine

Over the last year I have seen a great effort by the FFA, 4-H and other agricultural education associations in raising the visibility and interest in the California Special Interest License Plate for Agriculture (CalAgPlate). This program is a great … Continue reading

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Future is bullish for Ag graduates

My email in-box lit up last week after Yahoo! published a story claiming that college degrees in agriculture are useless.  It certainly is a counterintuitive statement. Across our country, farming is hotter than ever. Agricultural exports broke records in 2011, and … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments