{"id":25394,"date":"2022-12-23T10:11:28","date_gmt":"2022-12-23T17:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/?p=25394"},"modified":"2022-12-23T10:12:29","modified_gmt":"2022-12-23T17:12:29","slug":"holiday-season-a-chance-to-reconnect-with-colleagues-and-family-as-we-enjoy-california-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2022\/12\/23\/holiday-season-a-chance-to-reconnect-with-colleagues-and-family-as-we-enjoy-california-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"<strong>Holiday Season a Chance to Reconnect with Colleagues and Family as we Enjoy California Agriculture<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/D8575726-DDA1-4012-BEBB-130478EFC413.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/D8575726-DDA1-4012-BEBB-130478EFC413-1024x990.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25396\" width=\"512\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/D8575726-DDA1-4012-BEBB-130478EFC413-1024x990.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/D8575726-DDA1-4012-BEBB-130478EFC413-300x290.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/D8575726-DDA1-4012-BEBB-130478EFC413-768x743.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/D8575726-DDA1-4012-BEBB-130478EFC413.jpeg 1242w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross visiting the Division of Measurement Standards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>By Karen Ross, Secretary<\/strong><br><strong>California Department of Food and Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\">Everywhere you look during this holiday season, you see the work of our California agricultural community.<br>From the Christmas trees and poinsettias, to the resplendent holiday tables full of California-grown specialties, to the office breakroom table brimming with goodies handmade by friends and colleagues \u2013 all of it is made tastier, more beautiful and more enjoyable because it\u2019s grown right here in California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-medium-font-size\" style=\"color:#338f4d\"><strong>Our California Agricultural Community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The food and the festivity of this season give us all a great opportunity to reflect on what it takes \u2013 what it <em>really<\/em> takes \u2013 to assemble a holiday dinner table, a catered event at a company\u2019s holiday party, or even a grocery bag or box full of donated goods passed out by our fantastic food banks. It takes farmers and ranchers, of course \u2013 but they\u2019d be the first to tell you that\u2019s just the beginning. Our farmworkers, food processors, truckers, farmers\u2019 market managers, all the way from the field to the agri-business CEO, there are people who embrace what it is to be Californian, and who instill that pride and productivity into every workday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-medium-font-size\" style=\"color:#277e34\"><strong>Our CDFA Family<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same goes for the wonderful people I\u2019m blessed to work alongside here at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Over the past few weeks, I\u2019ve been able to make the rounds to several of our local offices and laboratories to reconnect with my CDFA family. I\u2019ve done this almost every year I\u2019ve worked here (COVID notwithstanding), and there really is nothing quite like taking an unhurried moment to trade recipes and catch up with some of the finest public servants I\u2019ve ever known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We chatted about family and pets and holiday projects. We laughed together a lot, and we snacked, and we looked back over the year that was 2022. But, as Californians are wont to do, we usually ended up looking forward, to 2023 and the projects and promise it holds, for CDFA and for the larger agricultural community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My thanks go to my CDFA family for another year of accomplishments and advancement of so many important projects. And my sincere appreciation and fondest holiday wishes go to our farmers, our ranchers, our farmworkers and everyone throughout the food chain who plays a part in making California such a special place to live, work, play and eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"25436\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin1-833x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin1-833x1024.jpg 833w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin1-244x300.jpg 244w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin1-768x944.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin1.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visiting with Administrative Services Division employees in &#8220;the bistro&#8221; at CDFA Headquarters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"25438\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin2.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visiting with Administrative Services employees at CDFA Headquarters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"25437\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin4.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross with Joelle Panugaling (proudly sporting Harry Potter attire) in the Human Resources office.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"25440\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Admin5.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong (R) with Administrative Services staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25445\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25445\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-1.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross with Tiffany Tu at CDFA&#8217;s Center for Analytical Chemistry. Tu is retiring at the end of this year after 33 years of public service. We asked Santa if we can have her back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25444\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-2.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-2-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Undersecretary Birdsong with Chief Elf Barzin Moradi at CDFA&#8217;s Center for Analytical Chemistry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-4.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25446\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-4.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-4-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Selfie! Secretary Ross with Dinesh Chand at CDFA&#8217;s Center for Analytical Chemistry. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-5.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25449\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-5.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chem-lab-ISD-5-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At CDFA&#8217;s Center for Analytical Chemistry. (You have to zoom in on the tree &#8211; it&#8217;s chemistry-set chic.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-3-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25448\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-3-1.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-3-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross (R) with Len Banzhof, Ag Biotech Technician with the Plant Lab&#8217;s Asian Citrus Psyllid team.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-4.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25447\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-4.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Lab-Meadowview-4-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Filling up the lobby with holiday spirit at CDFA&#8217;s Plant Lab.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"936\" height=\"666\" data-id=\"25452\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25452\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus1.jpg 936w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus1-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus1-768x546.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CDFA&#8217;s Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention crew.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"25453\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing1.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CDFA&#8217;s Marketing Division<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"25454\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing2.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Marketing2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CDFA&#8217;s Marketing Division<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25460\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-1.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Visiting CDFA&#8217;s Animal Health office. From left: Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch Chief Stephen Beam, Undersecretary Birdsong, Deputy Secretary Jameson, Secretary Ross, and Animal Health Branch Chief Anita Edmondson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-6.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"761\" data-id=\"25463\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-6.jpg 792w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-6-300x288.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-6-768x738.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">CDFA&#8217;s Animal Health office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-7.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25464\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-7.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-7-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross (L) and Deputy Secretary Virginia Jameson (R) with Lauren Schwertfeger in CDFA&#8217;s Animal Health office, holding copies of the Avian Health Calendar created by the staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-8.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"936\" height=\"616\" data-id=\"25462\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-8.jpg 936w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-8-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-8-768x505.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yes, we still have real cowboys on staff! That&#8217;s Livestock ID Branch Chief John Suther in the hat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-9.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25461\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-9.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-9-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-Health-2022-holiday-visit-9-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross with Elizabeth Cox (R) in the Animal Health office, and State Veterinarian Annette Jones in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"25467\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-1.jpg 1512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross In the IT office with Jarrett Heather and Sharon Buenafe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25466\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-2.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-2-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross with Tony Paiz in the IT office.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-7.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25465\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-7.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-7-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/IT-holiday-2022-visit-7-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross greets Jerry Sami in the IT office, with Karthikeyan Ganesan in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25468\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-1.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Squeeze in!<br>CDFA&#8217;s Pierce&#8217;s Disease Control Program<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"25470\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-2.jpg 1512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A visit from recently retired Pierce&#8217;s Disease Control Program Statewide Coordinator Craig Hanes (red shirt), welcoming Secretary Ross and incoming Statewide Coordinator Joe Damiano (dark shirt), along with Environmental Program Managers Matt Kaiser (L) and Michelle Pham.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-3.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25469\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-3.jpg 648w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Pierces-holiday-2022-visit-3-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Undersecretary Birdsong with the Pierce&#8217;s Disease Control Program&#8217;s Myrna Villegas (L) and Stacie Oswalt (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25472\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-1.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Plant Health Director Mark McLoughlin welcomes Secretary Ross. With Deputy Secretary and Chief Counsel Haig Baghdassarian (R) and Environmental Scientist Edward Southwick.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"849\" data-id=\"25473\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-2.jpg 792w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-2-280x300.jpg 280w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-2-768x823.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Secretary Ross with Judy Leon and her super-sweet &#8220;candy sled&#8221; in the Plant Health office (and Jason Leathers with the snack-grabbing photobomb).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-3.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"864\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"25471\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-3.jpg 864w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Plant-Health-3-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Undersecretary Birdsong with Plant Health Assistant Director Andy Kline (Santa hat, but maybe not quite enough beard this year) and Branch Chief Joshua Kress. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"711\" height=\"864\" data-id=\"25451\" src=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25451\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus2.jpg 711w, https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Citrus2-247x300.jpg 247w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yep. That&#8217;s a yellow sticky trap for a tree-topper. Secretary Ross with Victoria Hornbaker, director of the citrus program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture Everywhere you look during this holiday season, you see the work of our California agricultural community.From the Christmas trees and poinsettias, to the resplendent holiday tables full of California-grown specialties, to &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov\/wordpress\/index.php\/2022\/12\/23\/holiday-season-a-chance-to-reconnect-with-colleagues-and-family-as-we-enjoy-california-agriculture\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11945,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ 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