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Category Archives: Climate Smart Agriculture

Women Farmers Shaping the Future: Luciana Jonkman’s Story 

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Sureena Johl

In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we’re honoring the women whose paths into agriculture were shaped not by tradition, but by curiosity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to learning. For Luciana Jonkman, a dairy farmer, consultant, and lifelong problem solver from Oakley, California, agriculture became a calling not because she was born into it, but because people along the way took the time to encourage her to explore different fields of study.  Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Smart Agriculture, International Year of the Woman Farmer | Leave a comment

Strengthening Partnerships with Punjabi American growers at the 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA’s Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division and Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability participated in the Punjabi American Growers Group’s 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera, connecting directly with growers to share resources on citrus health, sustainable farming, and climate‑resilience programs. Through initiatives such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, and methane reduction efforts, CDFA continues to support producers in improving water efficiency, strengthening soil health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building trusted relationships within California’s diverse agricultural communities. Continue reading →

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New Report: “CDFA’s Contributions to California’s Agricultural Excellence”

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Office of Public Affairs

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture We work hard to make California a better place to live because of what we grow and how we grow it. At the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), we … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Food Access, Food Safety, Invasive Species, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

California Welcomes New Zealand Prime Minister to Highlight Partnerships on Climate and Energy

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins Governor Newsom to highlight partnerships on climate, energy and more CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined Governor Newsom and Cabinet colleagues last week in welcoming New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in San Francisco. New Zealand … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Trade | Leave a comment

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross kicks off the State of the Science Summit: Feed Strategies to Reduce Livestock Methane

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Office of Public Affairs

With approximately 270 attendees at the UC Davis State of the Science Summit: Strategies to Reduce Livestock Methane, California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, kicked off the two-day event (May 21-22) this morning at UC Davis. Hosted … Continue reading →

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Secretary Ross meets with US Trade Representative’s chief agricultural negotiator

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross met today in Sacramento with the US Trade Representative’s chief agricultural negotiator, Doug McKalip. The discussion centered on international trade opportunities for California’s farmers and ranchers. California is the nation’s leading agricultural exporter, with more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Marketing, Climate Smart Agriculture, Trade | Leave a comment

CDFA Programs Promote Resilience During Water Awareness Month 

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Office of Public Affairs

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 →

Posted in Climate Smart Agriculture, Drought | Leave a comment

California Announces Funding for Projects to Conserve Agricultural Land and Fight Climate Change

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom Program has awarded $373 million to date, conserving more than 194,000 acres of agricultural land across California Grants prioritized for projects that benefit California Native American tribes, beginning farmers and ranchers, U.S. Military … Continue reading →

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to host “Ag Vision for the Next Decade” Webinar on April 6th

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Office of Public Affairs

Plan Takes Aim on Building Opportunity for California and Climate Action https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84592921932Passcode: CalAg2023!

Posted in AG Vision, Climate Smart Agriculture, Growing California, State Board of Food and Agriculture | Leave a comment

Climate smart ag collaboration between California and the Netherlands

Posted on November 30, 2022 by Office of Public Affairs

California and the Netherlands continue their longstanding partnership on Climate Smart Agriculture, first established in 2015 with a visit by CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to the Netherlands. The two governments share opportunities for innovation within the food sector to reduce … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Dairy, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment