Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

National State Fair Food Day — celebrate at the upcoming California State Fair and Food Festival, and all summer long!

Today (July 11) has been declared the inaugural National State Fair Food Day, and while that conjures-up images of corn dogs, deep-fried veggies, BBQ and ice cream, the California State Fair and Food Festival–starting this Friday the 14th and continuing … Continue reading

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USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs

From a USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP)Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help … Continue reading

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Quality assurance — 3.81 billion pounds of produce inspected by CDFA Shipping Point Inspection

Did you know that CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection (SPI) Program inspected 3.81 billion pounds of fresh product in fiscal year 2021-22? SPI inspects fresh fruits and vegetables in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and in voluntary … Continue reading

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Food safety reminders for the holiday weekend

From a USDA news release Whether you’re a grill master or a first-time barbecue cook, food safety should always be part of your routine to ensure a healthy and happy Fourth of July. “Recent USDA consumer behavior studies have shown that individuals don’t always properly wash … Continue reading

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Rural Energy Improvements — USDA offering grants and loans for eligible projects, including drought recovery

Application window opens June 30 Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) funds from the USDA can be used to help those impacted by California’s drought.  Projects to assist with irrigation, such as energy efficient pumps, may be eligible for funding.  … Continue reading

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Storm Assistance for Immigrants: CA Dept. of Social Services can help with housing, food, transportation costs

In response to the series of storms across our state from December 2022 through April 2023, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing state-funded storm recovery services to provide disaster relief case management and direct assistance to eligible … Continue reading

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Pollinator Week wrap-up: Just how important are pollinators?

Pollinator Week is June 19-25, 2023 Out of 115 commonly grown food crops around the world, 87 use animal/insect pollinators. The U.S. grows over 100 crop plants that are pollinated by these creatures; of these, 90 are pollinated by honey … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross announces $20 million fairgrounds resilience grant at Antelope Valley Fair

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined local leaders, FFA students and fair supporters at the Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center yesterday to announce details of a $20 million grant through the state’s Fairgrounds Resilience Centers Program. The funding will … Continue reading

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Salinas Biological Summit Day 2 – Focus on Opportunity, Investment and Innovation

A great group of speakers highlighted Day 2 of the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit, as growers and agricultural stakeholders gathered to hear about the exciting potential biologicals can have within sustainable pest management. On the “Meet the Innovators” panel, speakers … Continue reading

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Pollinator Week June 19-25 – CDFA committed to supporting the health of multiple pollinating species

It’s Pollinator Week! Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats provide one out of every three bites of food we eat. We’re acknowledging this annual week of special recognition by highlighting awardees of CDFA’s Pollinator Habitat Program, which was established by … Continue reading

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