Monthly Archives: April 2017

Governor Brown Lifts Drought Emergency, Retains Prohibition on Wasteful Practices

April 7, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

SACRAMENTO – Following unprecedented water conservation and plentiful winter rain and snow, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today (4-7-17) ended the drought state of emergency in most of California, while maintaining water reporting requirements and prohibitions on wasteful practices, such as watering during or right after rainfall. “This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the …

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California’s farmers tackle climate change in their own way – from the Christian Science Monitor

April 7, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

By Jessica Mendoza Like all California farmers, Don Cameron is used to long dry spells interrupted by wet years. Drought and flood, he says, have always been a way of life in the Golden State. But in 36 years of farming, Mr. Cameron says he’s never experienced anything like the swings of the past six years. (Note – Don Cameron …

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A conservation budget that takes care of us by taking care of the land – from the George Washington University Food Institute

April 6, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

By Ann Mills Note – The author is a former USDA deputy undersecretary for natural resources and development.  At his Senate confirmation hearing last Thursday, Governor Sonny Purdue opened and closed his remarks by quoting his father: “If you take care of the land, the land will take care of you.”  These are hopeful words for agricultural conservation advocates gearing …

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International scientists drawn to CDFA Plant Pest Diagnostics Lab

April 5, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

NOTE – April has been declared ‘Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month’ by the USDA.                      

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USDA declares April as ‘Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month’

April 4, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

The USDA has proclaimed April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.  Each year during April, USDA amplifies its public outreach about the risks that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America’s crops and forests—and how the public can prevent their spread.  These non-native, destructive species can seriously harm the economy, environment, or even human health. …

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Small and beginning farmers find opportunities at Dixon Farm – from Ag Alert

April 3, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

By Bob Johnson A few hundred yards from the Kidwell Road off ramp from Highway 80 heading into Dixon from the east, Rich and Shelly Collins have built a small incubator for farmers who serve the local community. Emma Torbert has four acres of tree fruit for U-pick customers, or for sale through her community-supported agriculture operation, Cloverleaf Farms. Jan-Erik …

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