Monthly Archives: August 2022

Cherthai Xiong grows more than 60 varieties of Asian vegetables on his farm in Del Rey, Fresno County, including three varieties of eggplant (Chinese, Indian and bitter), Thai hot peppers, and bitter melon. All of his crops are sold at farmers markets throughout Los Angeles.  Xiong says he appreciates the incentives from SWEEP for drip irrigation systems as well as …

By Spencer Chase The National FFA Organization’s top staffer says its diversity and inclusion efforts are key facets of a new strategic plan and value statements currently guiding the group and its newly announced record membership. It’s a charge that FFA CEO Scott Stump says is critical not only for the future health of the organization, but also for the …

CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program provides grants for farmers and ranchers to adopt practices that boost organic matter in soils for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increases in water-holding capacity. These projects are valuable tools for drought and climate change. Read more here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/ Learn more about all of CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture programs here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/

From a USDA News Release USDA Tom Vilsack has announced details of a $300 million investment in a new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and streams of income for farmers and producers. Organic production allows producers to hold a unique position in the marketplace and thus take home a greater share of the food …

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species causing major concern in the eastern US. It favors more than 70 different plant species. Grapes, apples and stone fruit (plums, cherries, peaches, apricots) are among crops that are threatened. Here in California, CDFA is working to keep the pest away through measures such as an exterior quarantine that prohibits host plants from …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland today in the Central Valley for discussions about California’s ongoing drought as well as farmers and ranchers who are part of the solution with adaptation and conservation, including more than 1,100 projects funded through CDFA’s State Water Efficiency and and Enhancement Program, or SWEEP. Those projects will save an estimated …

29-year career concludes as Pierce’s Disease Control Program Statewide Coordinator CDFA Secretary Karen Ross congratulates Craig Hanes on his retirement. “Craig has been a friend and an asset for all of his 29 years with CDFA,” Secretary Ross said, “including 22 years with the Pierce’s disease program, virtually since its inception.” Hanes’ career with the department began as a trapper …

From a USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages partner resources to advance innovative projects that address climate change, enhance water quality, and address other critical challenges on agricultural land. “Our …

Five Local Water Agencies Join Years-Long Effort to Help Recover Salmon While Protecting Water Reliability A news release from the California Natural Resources Agency Five more local water agencies have signed onto an agreement to provide water flows and new habitat to help improve conditions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta watershed, adding momentum to the state’s plan to adapt …