Monthly Archives: December 2022

Today is National Poinsettia Day, and CDFA recently visited a poinsettia nursery in Hughson, Stanislaus County, to view its popular wholesale and retail operation. California is the leading poinsettia producer in the nation, with more than $35.6 million in production value last year.

DWR News Release In drought-stricken communities, drinking water wells are going dry because groundwater is being pumped faster than it can be replenished. To further protect clean drinking water, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in coordination with CDFA has developed the LandFlex Program to support groundwater sustainability agencies and local growers to limit unsustainable groundwater pumping effecting drinking water …

As part of Healthy Soils Week, which concludes today, representatives from CDFA, the California Legislature, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), California Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), and other climate-focused agencies from around the state joined the Wine Institute, California Association of Winegrape Growers, and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a tour of Bogle Family Vineyards in Yolo …

Learn more about CDFA’s Border Protection Stations

The net benefits of composting and cover cropping were underscored as part of a Healthy Soils Week farm tour, as members of CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) and CalRecycle visited Spaletta Farm this week in Galt, California. The farm is a 65-acre property that produces walnuts and grapes.   “In the long-run, (composting) is good for the soil; …

As CDFA and its partners continue to observe Healthy Soils Week (through Friday), CDFA would like to emphasize that practices that boost organic matter in soil increase water-holding capacity in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These practices are valuable tools for drought and climate change. Read more here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross kicked off the events of Healthy Soils Week by hosting a webinar to emphasize the importance and the impact of belowground biodiversity on soil health.  Secretary Ross introduced attendees to the Belowground Biodiversity Advisory Committee (BBAC) and highlighted the progress the committee has made over the past five months. The Secretary facilitated the panel discussion with …

Today is the UN’s World Soil Day, and CDFA is joining California partners in observing Healthy Soils Week through Friday. In this video, Secretary Karen Ross discusses the many benefits of improving the health and resilience of our soils.   Learn more about Healthy Soils Week

California Healthy Soils Week 2022 will kick off December 5 with United Nations’ World Soil Day. CDFA and Agriculture and partner organizations from across the state will host a series of events highlighting soil health and biodiversity. CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will provide opening remarks via video on Dec. 5.  This year’s theme is “Stronger Soils: Biodiversity Below the Surface …