Monthly Archives: October 2025

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource …

As CDFA continues the celebration of October as National Farm to School Month, we’re highlighting two-time California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program grantee Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Union School District (YCJUSD), in San Bernardino County. YCJUSD started purchasing oranges and kiwi from local farm Old Grove Orange nearly 20 years ago. Since then, farm to school has blossomed into a cornerstone …

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource …

CDFA congratulates State Organic Program Special Investigator Leslie Fernandez for recently being recognized with a Women Making a Difference Award from Orange County. This award is given to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact and commitment in their fields, as well as meaningful contributions to their communities. The Certificate of Recognition reads, in part, “Your leadership and unwavering commitment …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross today joined University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and other partners to introduce the California AgTech Alliance, a statewide initiative intended to transform how agricultural technology moves from lab to field as well as coordinate nine regional innovation hubs designed to deploy cutting-edge technology, train the next generation of agricultural workers, and attract …

Now Extended!Review Period: October 7, 2025 – November 21, 2025 CDFA encourages stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, technical assistance providers, and the public, to review the draft guidelines and submit feedback during the open comment period. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has just released the draft Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture (RSA) for public comment. As California farmers and …

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource …

On October 16, CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined the Community Alliance with Family Farmers California CRUNCH event at Charles Mack Elementary School in Sacramento. The “CRUNCH!” heard across the state is an annual event where California students all at once take a bite of locally grown fruits and vegetables to celebrate local farms and healthy eating! Learn more about CDFA’s …

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is proud to partner with California Grown during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and California Farmer and Farmworker Month—to highlight the stories of Latino and Hispanic farmers who help feed our state and nation. Through this collaboration, we’re celebrating the resilience, innovation, and deep agricultural traditions that shape California’s farming communities. Meet first-generation California farmer, Mel …

A Visit to Reedley: California’s Ag Secretary Engages with the Valley California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined The Ag Meter host Nick Papagni at Reedley College to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping California agriculture. The conversation, held on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley, covered everything from workforce development and ag tech innovation to water storage and the future of food production in …