Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

“Farewell and Thank You” to CDFA Deputy Secretary Rachael O’Brien

February 6 marks the last day of state service for CDFA Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs Rachael O’Brien, after eight years with the department. As deputy secretary, O’Brien provided crucial leadership across two gubernatorial administrations, giving expert consultation to the … Continue reading

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CDFA Celebrates National Citrus Month

Meet One of California’s Citrus Growers Behind California’s citrus industry are dedicated farmers who care for the land and produce exceptional fruit. CDFA recognizes National Citrus Month and in collaboration with California Grown, we’re spotlighting one of the many growers … Continue reading

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USDA to Host Free Biosecurity Webinars for Dairy and Poultry Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer two free webinars focused on biosecurity best practices to help prevent the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These sessions are designed for: Each webinar will cover practical steps … Continue reading

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CDFA State Organic Program collaborates with county agricultural inspectors across California

CDFA’s State Organic Program’s (SOP) mission is to protect the organic label through education, outreach, and, when necessary, enforcement in California, under the authority of the USDA’s National Organic Program. California is the only state in the nation with a … Continue reading

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CDFA Farm to School grant fosters lifelong connections to healthy food for Orange County students

The Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) is putting its CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding to good use, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food for Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) students. “This partnership … Continue reading

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Video: Secretary Ross celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer with colleagues in Mexico City

Celebrating the beginning of the International Year of the Woman Farmer at the famous Central de Abasto (Central Market) in Mexico City today, California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined a panel of experts to talk about the many roles of … Continue reading

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New Year, New Site: CDFA website updated for easier access to licensing, more intuitive navigation

We’re kicking off 2026 with a new site! We’ve updated www.cdfa.ca.gov with a new look-and-feel, all designed to help our agricultural stakeholders and public users find what they need more efficiently and intuitively, using visual cues, clear labeling, and organization … Continue reading

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Governor’s final State of the State address praises California ag productivity, leadership, innovation

In his final State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom praised “the farmers who work the soil, nourished by our rivers.” He highlighted First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s contributions to school food nutrition, as … Continue reading

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2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer

California’s female farmers and farmworkers are at the heart of our food system, driving advances in innovation, food safety, quality, and sustainability every day. Whether behind the scenes or in the fields, women are actively shaping the future of agriculture … Continue reading

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Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona Win Top Honor at the 137th Rose Parade

Cal Poly’s student-built Rose Float, Jungle Jumpstart, has been named the Sweepstakes Award winner at the 137th Rose Parade – the parade’s highest honor, recognizing the most beautiful float overall. This historic win marks the first time in nearly 80 … Continue reading

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