Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Agricultural Education


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

A look back at last week’s Ag Day festivities

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

Merced County youth wins ag story writing contest (MercedSunStar.com)

Friday, Mar. 23, 2012 Sun-Star staff http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/03/23/2280526/merced-county-youth-wins-ag-story.html Grace Reyes, a Merced County student, was recognized March 21 by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom’s “Imagine this … Story Writing Contest.” Reyes, her teacher and parents were recognized at … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education | 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

News Advisory – Ag Day on March 21

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-007 WHAT: Ag Day 2012 is the California agricultural community’s annual opportunity to give legislators, Capitol staffers and the public a chance to see what’s new down on the farm. California’s farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, flowers and more … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing | Tagged | Leave a comment

Looking Ahead – Ag Day on March 21

California’s annual celebration of farming, Ag Day, is right around the corner. Next Wednesday, March 21, will see thousands of people on the west lawn of the State Capitol, viewing exhibits staffed by Ag groups. It’s a great opportunity for … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CDFA Launches Biosecurity Toolkit For Equine Events

Six different outbreaks of Equine Herpes Virus-1 among show horses in California over the past year have increased awareness of the need for stronger biosecurity measures at equine events. In response, CDFA’s Animal Health Branch developed the Biosecurity Toolkit for … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education, Animal Welfare, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 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

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Environment, Food Access, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Nitrogen management – a key issue in farming

Nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient for food crops, is a hot topic right now in California agriculture. Next week, a team of university researchers is scheduled to release a report on nitrate in groundwater in the Tulare Basin and Salinas … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Cannella Panel, Environment, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

For those thinking about farming – a new website helps the dream become a reality (start2farm.gov)

When I first began farming, the best advice I received came from my neighbors and the local University Ag Extension Office.  The time honored tradition of trial and error was really my business partner in the field.  I learned that … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural Education, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Succession Planning | 1 Comment