Monthly Archives: August 2012

Hollywood is Buzzing with Food … But Where are the Farmers? From the Food Dialogues

August 9, 2012   Office of Public Affairs

http://www.fooddialogues.com/posts/2012/08/06/hollywood-is-buzzing-with-food-but-where-are-the-farmers By George Motz Unlike stars in Hollywood, “food” may not have an agent, but it has definitely reached celebrity status across America. From documentary films to reality culinary challenges to stand-‘n-stir TV shows, the entertainment industry has created a giant stage that brings attention to how and where our food is grown, raised and processed, ultimately making its way …

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CDFA helps reel in catch of short measure tuna cans

August 8, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

You may have heard recently that some of the largest tuna packagers in the country agreed to pay several million dollars to settle a case that started with the discovery that cans of tuna contained less fish than required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of the cans had up to 33 percent less fish than required. This …

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National Farmers Market Week a time to celebrate abundant, healthy food

August 7, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I’m one of those people who thinks every week should be Farmers Market Week, and one of the miracles of California agriculture is that it’s actually possible in our state. Fresh fruits and vegetables are growing year-round someplace in California, and that provides farmers with the opportunity to bring them to market – direct to consumers. As we recognize National …

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Climate change is another reason to protect farmland – From the Sacramento Bee’s “Viewpoints” section

August 6, 2012   Office of Public Affairs

One of the co-authors of this story, Richard Rominger, is a former CDFA director (now secretary) and USDA deputy secretary. The other co-author, Renata Brillinger, is executive director of the Climate and Agriculture Network.   http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/02/4684014/climate-change-is-another-reason.html By Rich Rominger and Renata Brillinger Special to The Bee Food and farming are a big part of California’s identity. After all, the state produces 400 …

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What happens to school gardens in summer?

August 6, 2012   Office of Public Affairs

http://grist.org/food/no-more-trowels-no-more-roots-what-happens-to-school-gardens-in-summer/ The biggest irony of the school garden is that it often goes untended during summer, the peak season. This is no coincidence; what we now call “summer vacation” used to be the time when most parents needed their children at home in the fields, planting and harvesting. Now that the majority of Americans are no longer farmers, however, schools …

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Measuring the Olympics

August 2, 2012   Kristin Macey, Director, CDFA Division of Measurement Standards

The Olympic Games are one of the greatest international stages in the world, with the best athletes coming together for feats of skill, strength and endurance. But medal winners rely on more than just ability.  A precise system of measurements, distances and timing is required to maintain the integrity of the competition. Before the games even begin, meticulous care is …

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News Release – CDFA to establish climate change consortium to help specialty crop growers plan for future impacts

August 2, 2012   Office of Public Affairs

California’s specialty crops account for more than half of the nation’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts as well as nearly $7 billion dollars of exports worldwide. California’s production of diverse specialty crops is threatened by potential climate-related phenomena, including reduced water supplies, increased plant heat stress, decreased chill hours, shifts in pollinator lifecycles and increased influx of invasive species. Addressing these …

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