Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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CDFA staff and Secretary Ross to participate in upcoming California Small Farm Conference

The 33rd annual California Small Farm Conference will feature CDFA secretary Karen Ross and agency staff during its series of educational webinars, videos and online forums February 22-28. Hosted by the Community Alliance for Family Farmers (CAFF), this year’s virtual … Continue reading

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Exploring the past and future of California agriculture

From UC Davis via Morning Ag Clips A new book shows why California has led the nation in farm sales since 1948 and explores future challenges. California Agriculture: Dimensions and Issues , by the Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, details the … Continue reading

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California produce company joins pandemic response by supplying food banks – from GrowingProduce.com

By Mindy Robinson Prior to the pandemic, SunTerra Produce enjoyed an excellent reputation as a grower, packer, and shipper of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Newport Beach, CA-based operation partners with more than 14 farms in the U.S. and Mexico, adhering to … Continue reading

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CDFA presents helpful resources at Latino Farmer Conference

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) co-sponsored, attended and presented at the sixth annual Latino Farmer Conference on February 11. The virtual conference presented in Spanish was held to facilitate the creation of networks and provide pertinent information … Continue reading

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Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2020

A news release from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service SACRAMENTO, CA – February 10, 2021 – The 2020 crush totaled 3,542,038 tons, down 13.9% from the 2019 crush of 4,115,413 tons. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share … Continue reading

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Major upgrade for CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety lab in Governor Newsom’s proposed budget – from the Modesto Bee

By John Holland Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked for $88.6 million to build a livestock health lab in Turlock much better than the one already there. Backers say the project would help assure safe food for humans while containing diseases … Continue reading

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Tulare’s World Ag Expo going ahead next week, online – from the Bakersfield Californian

Tulare’s annual World Ag Expo will go on after all — online, that is — with expectations for participants and exhibitors from around the world. Scheduled to kick off Tuesday and run through Thursday, the event now in its 54th year has … Continue reading

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CDFA grant helping turn food waste back into food – from UC Riverside

By Jules Bernstein There’s a better end for used food than taking up space in landfills and contributing to global warming.  UC Riverside scientists have discovered fermented food waste can boost bacteria that increase crop growth, making plants more resistant … Continue reading

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Study: food and agriculture workers at top of list for those most at-risk of COVID death – from CBS SF Bay Area

A University of California, San Francisco study of the jobs at most risk for death from COVID-19 shows line cooks, machine operators, agricultural workers, bakers, and construction laborers at the top of the list. The study looked at occupational sectors … Continue reading

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California leads in organic agriculture

The USDA has released its annual count of certified organic operations calculated from the USDA National Organic Program  Organic INTEGRITY Database. The number of certified organic operations worldwide grew to 45,578 in 2020 with 28,454 — more than 62 percent … Continue reading

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