Monthly Archives: May 2025

Today, May 29, is National Learn About Composting Day! Ever wonder what happens to the banana peels and yard clippings you toss in the green bin? In this video, Dana Yount, an environmental scientist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, along with Henry Lou of Northern Recycling, and Kristen Pidcock, senior environmental scientist for CalRecycle, take us behind …

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Secretary Karen Ross shares an important reminder about the emotional well-being of our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers — especially in immigrant and rural communities. CDFA is partnering with trusted organizations to launch the Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Resources hub, available in English, Spanish, and other languages. Featured in the video are vital …

California FFA student Brendy Puckett earns inaugural $10,000 scholarship from Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Livestock exhibitions are a hallmark of local and state fairs, and teaching our student exhibitors how to care for their animals in preparation for the fair season is an important opportunity to pass on these important skills and values. Livestock exhibitors participating …

CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork is pleased to announce that 12 projects across the state and the people they serve are now benefiting from more than $30 million in California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) Grant funding. The projects will endeavor to increase the purchase of California-grown fresh fruit and vegetables by CalFresh shoppers at 303 Certified Farmers’ Markets, Community …

CDFA’s report “Progress for California” highlights a variety of ways that agency programs benefit the state. The Farm to School initiative is a great example — a vital approach to improve the health and well-being of California schoolchildren through food-based education and healthy food access. California schools serve hundreds of millions of meals each year, and expanding opportunities for local …

Ten CDFA staff members graduated last week from the agency’s Coaching for Personal and Professional Effectiveness Program, a course that provides improved communication skills for work and life and prepares employees to take on leadership positions. With 24 percent of agency employees at retirement age, and another 12 percent within five years of retirement eligibility, CDFA is prioritizing succession planning …

You’re invited to watch a special message from California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross as she honors the dedication and impact of our public service employees. To our CDFA employees, our stakeholders, and the public—this message is for you. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the commitment that drives our mission every day.

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross I was pleased to visit the Central Valley for two days last week and honored to be asked to attend a ribbon cutting for a new milk processing plant, appear at a farewell for a friend and widely respected leader in agriculture, and participate in a roundtable discussion on immigration with stakeholders and representatives of …