Monthly Archives: June 2023

The California Agricultural Heritage Club recognizes the impact of pioneering farms, farm bureaus and agribusinesses that have built California into a proud leader in agriculture and food production, celebrating milestones of 100, 125, 150, and 175 years of agribusiness. The Heritage Club convenes and welcomes new members each year during the run of the California State Fair, and nominations for …

CDFA Deputy Secretary for Fairs Michael Flores (at podium) was at the kickoff event today for the Kings County Fair as it begins its four-day run in Hanford through June 18. Deputy Secretary Flores highlighted an $89 million slate of projects at Hanford and eleven other fairgrounds sites around the state. The projects include new and expanded safe-shelter space, kitchen …

In recognition of National Dairy Month (June), the Dairy Council of California has partnered with the San Francisco 49ers football club for an informative video about dairy’s important contributions to supporting nutrition security and healthy communities. California is the leading dairy-producing state in the country, and dairy is its highest-valued commodity at more than $7.5 billion.

CDFA environmental scientist Sarah Standiford–of the agency’s Produce Safety Program–recently appeared on a podcast for MyAgLife about Produce Safety Rule inspections and what farmers can expect. Topics included why CDFA conducts food safety inspections, the steps of an inspection, how a grower can prepare, and how CDFA inspectors take an educate-then-regulate approach. California farms with more than $25,000 in average …

CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong was in Japan this week on a trade mission along with USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor, representatives from 10 other state departments of agriculture, numerous farm organizations, and 40 agribusinesses looking to connect with future business partners in Japan. The week included meetings with Japanese buyers seeking to import American …

A reminder that this is Invasive Species Action Week in California. CDFA works to prevent invasive species from threatening our environment and food supply in a number of important ways, including 16 Border Protection Stations positioned strategically around the perimeter of the state. Most years, more than 20 million private vehicles and 7 million commercial vehicles are inspected by Border …

As part of Pride Month activities, the USDA is hosting a webinar tomorrow (June 6), LGBTQI+ Mental Health in Agricultural Communities. This session will focus on the experiences of LGBTQ+ identifying people in agricultural and farming communities across the country. The webinar–occurring from 11 am to 12:30 pm PDT–will feature a special message from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack as well as …