Monthly Archives: December 2025

As CDFA’s primary scientist in the field of biological control, Dr. David Morgan has had a hand in many projects over the years. He came to CDFA from “across the pond,” a few years after arriving on our shores in the mid-90s as a postdoctoral researcher at UC Riverside having just completed his studies at Imperial College (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) …

As California agriculture wraps up 2025 and looks toward 2026, conversations about technology, climate, and collaboration are shaping what comes next for food and farming. In a recent episode of the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined host Vonnie Estes at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim to discuss how innovation, from precision agriculture …

State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones, Public Affairs Director Steve Lyle retiring By Karen Ross, CDFA Secretary As our CDFA family prepares to turn the calendar over to 2026, the adage “the only constant is change” seems particularly appropriate this time around. This week, we say a fond “farewell” to two longstanding and outstanding leaders of our department, State Veterinarian Dr. …

As we wrap up 2025, we are reflecting on another year of growth, collaboration, and dedication to California agriculture and animal health. To celebrate the season, we are sharing a festive holiday video with a little North Pole magic. State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones, who is closing out her final year of service, received an urgent request from Santa himself, …

By Secretary Karen Ross As part of a long-standing California Department of Food and Agriculture tradition, I, along with members of our executive team, spent time visiting staff across the agency during end-of-year holiday visits. We had the opportunity to connect with just a few of the many dedicated people who bring their expertise and passion to work every day …

Family farms form the backbone of California agriculture. While more than 90% of the state’s farms are considered family-owned, only around 9% of California farms are BIPOC-owned. Keng Vang established the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub to help these underrepresented growers to survive and thrive. He explains, “I started the food hub because I saw a real need – especially around …

CDFA is proud to announce the appointment and promotion of two longstanding leaders in our Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division (AHFSS): Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Murray will begin the new year as California’s Acting State Veterinarian, and Dr. Stephen Beam will take the helm as Director of the division. Both have served Californians and the state’s livestock, poultry and …

A recent Farm to School regional workshop in Imperial County was a well-attended opportunity for school nutrition professionals to see how local produce could be utilized in creative and fun ways for healthy school meals. “We’re showing how you can dress up vegetables, making some really commonplace vegetables the stars,” Chef Ann Foundation Chef Zach Thomas told the Imperial Valley …

Today is National Poinsettia Day! As shown in the accompanying graphic, California leads the nation in poinsettia production. There’s a grower in the Central Valley that supplies tens of thousands of poinsettias each year. CDFA visited Duarte Nursery in Hughson, Stanislaus County to learn more about the operation.