Monthly Archives: June 2023

Food safety reminders for the holiday weekend

June 29, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

From a USDA news release Whether you’re a grill master or a first-time barbecue cook, food safety should always be part of your routine to ensure a healthy and happy Fourth of July. “Recent USDA consumer behavior studies have shown that individuals don’t always properly wash their hands or use a food thermometer,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “Show your family and friends that you’re a true grill …

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Rural Energy Improvements — USDA offering grants and loans for eligible projects, including drought recovery

June 28, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

Application window opens June 30 Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) funds from the USDA can be used to help those impacted by California’s drought.  Projects to assist with irrigation, such as energy efficient pumps, may be eligible for funding.  Here’s more information: What does this program do? The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers …

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Storm Assistance for Immigrants: CA Dept. of Social Services can help with housing, food, transportation costs

June 26, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

In response to the series of storms across our state from December 2022 through April 2023, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing state-funded storm recovery services to provide disaster relief case management and direct assistance to eligible individuals who experienced hardship from the storms and cannot access federal assistance due to immigration status. Direct assistance payments will …

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Pollinator Week wrap-up: Just how important are pollinators?

June 23, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

Pollinator Week is June 19-25, 2023 Out of 115 commonly grown food crops around the world, 87 use animal/insect pollinators. The U.S. grows over 100 crop plants that are pollinated by these creatures; of these, 90 are pollinated by honey bees. Primary examples that require or benefit from pollinators include almonds, apples, pears, citrus fruits, cherries, pumpkins, cucumbers, blackberries, cranberries, …

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Secretary Ross announces $20 million fairgrounds resilience grant at Antelope Valley Fair

June 23, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined local leaders, FFA students and fair supporters at the Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center yesterday to announce details of a $20 million grant through the state’s Fairgrounds Resilience Centers Program. The funding will allow the local fairgrounds to develop a new events center, an emergency operations center, a culinary facility, energy and HVAC …

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Salinas Biological Summit Day 2 – Focus on Opportunity, Investment and Innovation

June 21, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

A great group of speakers highlighted Day 2 of the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit, as growers and agricultural stakeholders gathered to hear about the exciting potential biologicals can have within sustainable pest management. On the “Meet the Innovators” panel, speakers addressed the need for start-ups to internationalize and create product pipelines, and the need for consolidation within the sector. As …

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Pollinator Week June 19-25 – CDFA committed to supporting the health of multiple pollinating species

June 21, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

It’s Pollinator Week! Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats provide one out of every three bites of food we eat. We’re acknowledging this annual week of special recognition by highlighting awardees of CDFA’s Pollinator Habitat Program, which was established by the Budget Act of 2021 (Senate Bill 170, Skinner). CDFA was appropriated $15 million to provide grant funding for the …

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Salinas Biological Summit Launches to Sold-Out Crowd

June 20, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

The 2023 Salinas Biological Summit is showcasing international solutions for improving soil and plant health, offering growers an overview of opportunities biologicals have to improve crop yield and protect against plant pests and diseases. With international representation from nine countries, the Summit is fostering discussions on the global regulatory environment, grower opportunities for biologicals, and perspectives from innovators.   The Summit …

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Certified Farmers’ Markets show benefits of buying local produce and developing relationships with farmers

June 20, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA encourages all Californians to shop at Certified Farmers’ Markets to experience the healthy benefits of purchasing local produce and developing relationships with area farmers. This video is of a recent Saturday morning at the Davis Farmers Market in Davis, CA, with participating farmers describing its rewarding sense of community. We also encourage you to click here to vote for …

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CDFA celebrates Juneteenth

June 19, 2023   Office of Public Affairs

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. This day in history has been recognized as Juneteenth (“June” + “nineteenth”) and celebrates this turning point toward the end of slavery in the United States. CDFA acknowledges the significance of this holiday in the …

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