Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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12 Days of Gratitude with Secretary Ross – Day #12, gratitude for scientific advancements

A term we like to use around CDFA is ‘evidence-based science.’  While its meaning is self-explanatory, we see it as something that checks the boxes of the scientific method and provides advancements to agriculture. Scientists are a linchpin of our … Continue reading

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Santa’s reindeer cleared for entry into California by State Veterinarian

California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has granted a 24-hour permit clearing all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer scheduled to visit California on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25. … Continue reading

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12 Days of Gratitude with Secretary Ross – Day #11, gratitude for inspectors who protect

An essential job at CDFA is the position of inspector. They serve in numerous capacities throughout our agency, including the inspection of the yellow sticky traps we discussed earlier this week and so much more in our division of Plant … Continue reading

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12 Days or Gratitude with Secretary Ross – Day #10, Gratitude for Partnerships

As CDFA carries forward with its essential work to promote and protect agriculture and natural resources, I’d like to express my appreciation for the partnerships that help make it possible. It all starts with our farmers and ranchers, and the … Continue reading

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Statement from Secretary Ross on the passing of Richard Rominger

Yesterday we learned the sad news of the passing of Yolo County farmer and agricultural leader Richard Rominger.  Rich was a passionate advocate for California agriculture, farmland conservation, and environmental stewardship. He served on countless boards in leadership positions throughout … Continue reading

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12 Days of Gratitude with Secretary Ross – Day #9, gratitude for the humble yellow sticky trap

Ok, I’m grateful for more than just the traps, but they represent an essential first step in our efforts to exclude invasive species from California, and then respond as effectively as possible if we find them.  Yellow sticky traps are … Continue reading

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12 Days of Gratitude – Day #8, gratitude for commitments to equity and diversity

I am grateful for the important work of state government to ensure our programs and services can benefit every community of concern.  COVID-19 has starkly demonstrated disproportionate impacts to vulnerable populations, which makes Governor Newsom’s commitment to diversity and racial … Continue reading

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12 Days of Gratitude with Secretary Karen Ross – Day #7, gratitude for Certified Farmers’ Markets

As the COVID-19 outbreak spread earlier this year and Californians were facing challenges brought-on by quarantine directives, certified farmers’ markets emerged as even greater essential hubs of local food availability. While initial disruptions in national and regional supply chains created … Continue reading

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12 Days of Gratitude with Secretary Karen Ross – Day #6, gratitude for fairs

As a 4-H kid who loved the annual county fair growing up, I have a special appreciation for our state’s fairgrounds and the people who operate them.  I am especially grateful for the evolution of these properties into a critically … Continue reading

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12 Days of Gratitude with Secretary Karen Ross – Day #5, gratitude for climate-smart agriculture

Through the many challenges of 2020, I am exceptionally thankful for the leadership of California farmers and ranchers who are implementing climate-smart agriculture practices and embracing innovation for climate and water resiliency.  These adaptations are essential if California is to … Continue reading

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