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Category Archives: Agricultural Education


Rose Parade gives Cal Poly students a head start in promoting California agriculture

One of my favorite traditions as secretary is the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Each year I have an opportunity to join our colleagues from California Grown as they certify that a select number of floats are comprised of … Continue reading

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Woodland’s California Ag Museum in an exciting time of transition

In unassuming warehouse space nestled along I-5 in Woodland, a stone’s throw from the region’s famed rice fields and nut trees, something’s up. Change is afoot. If you’re an aggie, it’s all kind of exciting… What began a few decades … Continue reading

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National Manufacturing Month – Recognizing where the harvest leads

For a lot of our farmers here in California, this is about the time of year when we stand back with pride and a little relief that the harvest is done. There is always plenty more work to be done, … Continue reading

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Food Safe Families with Oakland school children, the USDA and a ‘Big League Foodie’

I spent an energizing afternoon at Parker Elementary School in Oakland this week, where students took full advantage of a presentation about how to handle, prepare and store food safely and help protect their families from food poisoning. USDA’s Food Safety and … Continue reading

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California agriculture: it’s worth the water – Op-ed co-authored by Secretary Ross in the LA Times

By Karen Ross and Daniel Sumner Pundits here in drought-stricken California have become fond of proclaiming that farms consume 80% of the state’s water and generate only about 2% of its gross domestic product. “Why devote so much of our … Continue reading

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Drought, Environment, Trade, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Secretary Ross Delivers Commencement Address at UC Berkeley College of Natural Resources

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was honored to deliver the commencement address for the UC Berkeley College of Natural Resources on May 16, 2015. Her remarks: Dean, faculty members and staff, families, and—of course—students and graduates.  What a great night … Continue reading

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A Day in Marin: Farmers Share a Passion for a Place Called California

“A day in Marin.” Say that out loud to someone from California’s Bay Area, then stand back and watch the reaction. “Well, I could reschedule that meeting, move some things around…” It’s something you want to do, someplace you want to … Continue reading

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Earth Day & Invasive Species: Sacramento-area students meet “Hungry Pests”

Sixth-graders from Cowan Fundamental Elementary School joined students at nearby Mira Loma High School in the Sacramento area this morning for an energizing and educational event built around the themes of Earth Day (April 22) and invasive species. CDFA Secretary … Continue reading

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Governor Brown talks about drought and Ag on PBS

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Conservation, Drought, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Soil Health – a conversation between Secretary Ross and “Sammy Soil”

The theme of California Ag Day at the State Capitol last week was “Breaking New Ground,” with soil health a key focal point. During the event, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross took a moment to discuss the issue with “Sammy Soil,” … Continue reading

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