Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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USDA seeks members for advisory committee on urban farming

USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary … Continue reading

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Is farming with reclaimed water the solution to a drier future? From Civil Eats

By Cirrus Wood EXCERPTED On a Saturday in late October, Carolyn Phinney stands hip-deep in a half acre of vegetables, at the nucleus of what will one day be 15 acres of productive farmland. “You can’t even see the pathways,” … Continue reading

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With a new year, a fond farewell to two colleagues

The new year will leave some large shoes to fill in CDFA’s Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services with the retirements of Animal Health Branch Chief Dr. Kent Fowler and animal health specialist Victor Velez. Dr. Fowler steps … Continue reading

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Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program offers support for farmers and ranchers – application period begins today

Governor Newsom recently announced the creation of a $500 million California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. The application period for round one begins today and lasts until January 8, 2021. The program is administered by the California Office of … Continue reading

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Virtual exhibit highlights women innovators in AgTech – from the King City Rustler

By Ryan Cronk A new exhibition at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas highlights a diverse generation of women innovators and their contribution to agriculture by way of technology. “From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators in California Agtech,” which premiered … Continue reading

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For new administration, Ag science must lead the way – from AgriPulse

By Nicholas Goeser and Tom Grumbly The new administration of the president elect will break from tradition in many obvious ways—but some of the most important changes will take place under the radar. One that no one is talking about … Continue reading

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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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