Monthly Archives: February 2024

In the Fresno area lies a legacy of determination and farming rooted in the African American community. The African American Farmers of California is helping to preserve the rich tradition of Black farmers for future generations. The organization received a $100,000 grant from CDFA’s 2022 Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training and Workforce Development (BFFTP) Grant Program. With these resources, the …

State’s commitment to expanding healthy food access includes universal school meals for public school students and the California Farm to School program WASHINGTON – Building on California’s innovative initiatives to combat food insecurity, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today announced California’s commitment to the White House Challenge to End Hunger …

As we continue to commemorate Black History Month 2024, it’s important to acknowledge the rich legacy of Black/African American contributions to agriculture, particularly in California. One endeavor that stands out is the transformative work of the Allensworth Progressive Association in establishing a teaching farm in the historic community of Allensworth. The community, located in Tulare County, is implementing an initiative aimed at …

CDFA program staff will be participating at the 2024 California Small Farm Conference, starting February 25 – March 1. The conference will feature more than 60 events — virtual/online and in-person for those in the small-farm community: growers, aspiring entrepreneurs, market managers, students of agriculture, local food activists and more! CDFA program representation These speakers will be presenting during the virtual part of …

The world’s largest annual food exhibition is in Dubai this week, and it was an opportunity to present California products and companies to buyers across the globe. While in Dubai, California was able to partner with the USDA, the California Milk Advisory Board, the California Walnut Commission, California Prunes, the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association, CA GROWN, and other US …

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California needs accurate data on water use for planning, enforcement If you have a water right and haven’t submitted your annual water use report, it isn’t too late! Your reporting gives the state a more accurate picture of water use, and that data is an important tool for accurate enforcement and planning. If you have a California water right, you …

CDFA’s commitment to honoring Black History Month continues. The agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee hosted a panel discussion featuring prominent Black employees yesterday afternoon at agency headquarters and via Zoom. Moderated by CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the panel showcased the remarkable journeys and achievements of Amadou Ba, Feed Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulation Services Branch Chief; Deborra Murphy, …

2022 Census of Agriculture released today Taken from a USDA News Release The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, spanning more than six-million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Among the findings — California continues to have nine of the top-10 counties in …