Monthly Archives: April 2019

Governor Newsom directs state agencies, including CDFA, to prepare water resilience portfolio for California

As climate change continues to threaten the state’s water infrastructure and reliability, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order directing his administration to think differently and act boldly by developing a comprehensive strategy to build a climate-resilient water system. The order seeks to broaden California’s approach on water as the state faces a range of existing challenges, including unsafe …

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A week to recognize Earth Day: photos of California farms

Our week-long recognition of Earth Day continues with photos of some California farms. CDFA secretary Karen Ross reminded us earlier this week that farming is both a creative art and a productive process. It’s also a commitment to sustainable stewardship of working lands. Photos by Ventura County agricultural commissioner Ed Williams.

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#CDFACentennial – Centennial Reflections video series with Kristin Macey

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a state agency in 2019. Throughout the year this blog will feature a number of items to commemorate this milestone. Today we continue with the Centennial Reflections video series, featuring CDFA employees remembering their histories, and the agency’s.

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CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program making an impact in Central Valley – from KQED

By Lauren Sommer California’s climate change efforts can be spotted all over the Bay Area in the growing number of electric cars and solar panels. But now, California is enlisting people from a more conservative part of the state — even if they don’t think climate change is much of a concern. California’s farmers are receiving millions of dollars to …

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USDA introduces food waste reduction contest for students

Food waste is a problem everyone can tackle, including our nation’s youth. As part of Winning on Reducing Food Waste Month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is launching Ace the Waste! A student competition for food waste reduction ideas. This first-ever competition calls on students to come up with creative solutions to reduce food loss and waste in the …

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Earth Day on the Farm: Celebrating Soils, Science and Solutions

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food & Agriculture When we celebrate Earth Day, we come together to recognize our earth as a giant, complex ecosystem that we – humans – have pushed out of balance. Why is it a celebration? Because in recognizing our role, we can identify and enact measures that move us back toward that balance. All …

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#CDFACentennial – Centennial Reflections video series with Lynn Morgan

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a state agency in 2019. Throughout the year this blog will feature a number of items to commemorate this milestone. Today we continue with the Centennial Reflections video series, featuring CDFA employees remembering their histories, and the agency’s.

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CDFA partnership with California Association of Resource Conservation Districts

From the Association’s monthly partner spotlight The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has been an essential partner and supporter of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) and Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs). CDFA is a key funder and regulator for many conservation-in-agriculture programs. Since 1919, the CDFA has been overseeing food safety, protecting agriculture from invasive species, and …

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Nitrogen management advice for fruits, nuts and other crops – From California Ag Today

Note – CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) has provided funding, guidance and consultation to this nitrogen management project since 2013. It’s part of the joint Nitrogen Management Training Program with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department (UC ANR), the California Association of Pest Control Advisers’ Certified Crop Adviser Program, and the Regional Water Boards. By …

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NRCS invites proposals for 2019 Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Up to $500,000 is available for one- to three-year grants. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $75,000 in fiscal year 2019. Proposals are due by June 10, 2019. CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development …

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