Monthly Archives: May 2022

Secretary Ross joins Governor Newsom, New Zealand prime minister for Memorandum of Cooperation signing on climate 

May 27, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (photo-center) joined Governor Newsom, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern (to Secretary Ross’ right), New Zealand minister of agriculture and trade Damien O’Connor (to secretary’s left), and other dignitaries today at a memorandum of cooperation signing ceremony at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The memorandum formalizes an agreement between California and New Zealand to exchange …

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Secretary Ross learns about Farm-to-School efforts in Inland Empire

May 27, 2022   Office of Public Affairs
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National Learn About Compost Day coming up this weekend — CDFA offers compost resources page

May 26, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

Visit CDFA’s On-Farm Compost Resources Page

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Department of Conservation announces $42 million in Land Repurposing Program Grants

May 25, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

From a California Department of Conservation News Release The California Department of Conservation today announced the award of more than $40 million to regional organizations working to reduce groundwater reliance and create local environmental and economic opportunities through land-use changes. These organizations, which operate in five important agricultural counties, are the first recipients of funding from the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program​, part …

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USDA announcement for Commodity Container Assistance Program includes Port of Oakland

May 25, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

From a USDA news release USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP), which currently includes a partnership with the Port of Oakland and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), which is a marine cargo operating partnership between the Port of Seattle and the Port of …

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CDFA Border Stations helping to prevent risk of invasive mussel infestation during boating season

May 25, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

Once again, CDFA is partnering with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, and the Department of Water Resources to help prevent invasive quagga and zebra mussels from entering California. Staff at CDFA Border Inspection Stations are inspecting boats and other watercraft entering the state for unwanted hitchhikers. Boaters are urged to take the following steps to …

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CDFA helps ensure that California cherries meet industry standards and consumer expectations

May 24, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

Did you know that CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection Program conducts cherry inspections at packing houses to help ensure that California cherries meet state and national standards? Packing houses are hard at work this month to get freshly-picked California cherries to consumers worldwide. Packing house inspectors must go through 40 initial hours of training–and eight additional hours annually–to receive a USDA …

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Cal/OSHA reminds employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illness

May 24, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

From a Cal/OSHA news release Cal/OSHA reminds all employers with outdoor workers to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to prevent heat illness, as high temperatures are expected throughout the state this week. Employers in California must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training. “As we shift towards summer, employers …

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Secretary Ross tours San Francisco wholesale produce market

May 20, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, CDFA Inspection Services Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg, and California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) visited San Francisco’s SF Market early this morning (May 20) to learn how the Market–a wholesale produce market–provides food and relationships that help businesses, Bay Area communities, and hundreds of farmers thrive. The SF Market is home to 26 merchants moving millions …

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Secretary Ross applauds appointment of Maria Gallegos Herrera as USDA Rural Development State Director for California

May 20, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

President Biden has appointed Maria Gallegos Herrera as the USDA’s Rural Development State Director for California. Herrera grew up in the Central Valley, the daughter of farmworker parents, and served Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration as Central California Regional Director of External Affairs. “I want to offer my most sincere congratulations to Maria on her appointment,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. …

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