Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Programs Promote Resilience During Water Awareness Month 

It’s May, and that means it’s Water Awareness Month. The weather whiplash Californians have experienced over the past few months underscores the importance of our water systems.  While the recent wet weather has eased drought impacts on California, CDFA remains … Continue reading

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International Biodiversity Day — bird boxes provide big benefits to farmers

Today is International Biodiversity Day, as designated by the United Nations, and CDFA is recognizing the day with this video about bird boxes and their value in vineyards as well as other farms and ranches. Read about the commitment to … Continue reading

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May 20 is World Bee Day!

World Bee Day is Saturday, May 20, and here at CDFA, we care deeply about bees and other pollinators. They are integral to our state’s agriculture and natural systems! We invite you to learn more about the Pollinator Habitat Program, … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross celebrates Plenty indoor vertical farm – bringing agriculture back to Compton

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Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Support Ongoing Central Valley Flood Response

News Release from Governor Newsom’s office (May 17, 2023) WHAT TO KNOW: Amid ongoing flood impacts in the Central Valley, the state is extending flood diversion flexibilities implemented for the Tulare Lake Basin to the San Joaquin River Basin as the … Continue reading

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Mental Health Awareness Month — CDFA offers resources page for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and CDFA recognizes that stressors felt by farmworkers, farmers and ranchers are real and may require outside assistance. The agency maintains a webpage with mental health resources for those in need. Suicide rates among farmers and … Continue reading

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Secretary Ross welcomes Western Cape delegation to California

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (center in photo) today welcomed a delegation from the Western Cape of South Africa as it begins a week-long visit to California. The meeting included a discussion of a memorandum of understanding between the Western Cape … Continue reading

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Marking the seasons with flowers — urban grower helps supply florists and markets

CDFA recently visited Sweet Mabel’s Farm in West Sacramento, owned by Elle Huftill, an urban flower farmer. She takes us through her journey in farming and her passion for sustainable agriculture, as well as her commitment to community with fresh, … Continue reading

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CDFA looks ahead following US Supreme Court decision upholding Proposition 12 animal confinement initiative

The US Supreme Court has upheld California’s Proposition 12, an animal confinement initiative approved by voters in 2018 and subsequently challenged.  Californians voted to adopt Proposition 12 by an overwhelming margin (63%-37%), which established minimum confinement standards for the sale … Continue reading

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Looking out for grape-loving consumers — CDFA Standardization Program makes sure imported grapes meet California standards

Did you know that inspections of imported table grapes are conducted annually by California county and state personnel to ensure they meet the same high standards of California-grown fruit? Inspections ensure that table grapes look good, taste good, are nutritious; … Continue reading

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