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Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Farm to School benefits small farms like Old Grove Orange in Redlands

Posted on June 2, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Farm to school programming provides the consistent demand needed to sustain local small farmers who take pride in benefitting student health and the local economy.  “Small farmers need to adapt to survive!” said fifth-generation farmer Anna Knight of Old Grove … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, CDFA Inspection Services, Community-based Food System, Environment, Farm to School, Food Access | Tagged | Leave a comment

Happy National Olive Day – June 1! 🫒🌞🌿

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Today, we celebrate one of California’s iconic crops and the people who make it possible. California leads the nation in olive production, thanks to its favorable climate, fertile growing regions, and the hard work of dedicated growers and farmworkers. A … Continue reading →

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USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments … Continue reading →

Posted in Specialty Crops | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, Center for Analytical Chemistry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, Food Safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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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