Monthly Archives: March 2026

Celebrating Women Leaders in Agriculture: A Conversation with Secretary Ross and California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass

March 30, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we’re excited to share a special conversation between CDFA Secretary Ross and Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau. This video offers an insightful and engaging look into leadership, career trajectories, and the experiences shaping women in agriculture today. Secretary Ross and Shannon dive into topics ranging from leadership strategies to …

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross inspires future leaders at 98th California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario

March 27, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

This week, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross traveled to Ontario to join 7,600 students from across the state who gathered for the 98th California FFA State Leadership Conference. Serving as the opening speaker for the Monday program, Secretary Ross helped kick off the day by sharing her enthusiasm for the future of agriculture and encouraging students to seek out opportunities to …

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Women Farmers Shaping the Future: Luciana Jonkman’s Story 

March 26, 2026   Sureena Johl

In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we’re honoring the women whose paths into agriculture were shaped not by tradition, but by curiosity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to learning. For Luciana Jonkman, a dairy farmer, consultant, and lifelong problem solver from Oakley, California, agriculture became a calling not because she was born into it, but because people along the way took the time to encourage her to explore different fields of study. 

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Strengthening Partnerships with Punjabi American growers at the 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera

March 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA’s Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division and Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability participated in the Punjabi American Growers Group’s 2026 Kisan Mela in Madera, connecting directly with growers to share resources on citrus health, sustainable farming, and climate‑resilience programs. Through initiatives such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, and methane reduction efforts, CDFA continues to support producers in improving water efficiency, strengthening soil health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building trusted relationships within California’s diverse agricultural communities.

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Farmer Isabel Rosas Garcia: growing produce and community in the Salinas Valley

March 23, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Whether you’re celebrating March as Women’s History Month, National Celery Month, or International Year of the Woman Farmer — produce grower Isabel Rosas Garcia has an impact that reaches far beyond the field. In fact, her work as a farmer, community partner, and advocate for fresh food access reflects the commitment to sustainable farming and nutrition that many farmers like …

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Save the Date! Ag Day is April 21 on the west steps of the California Capitol

March 20, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

California Agriculture Day returns to the west steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Are you ready to celebrate our agricultural community? Ag Day is presented by CDFA in partnership with the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, California Women for Agriculture, and California Grown. Our theme this year is “California Leads,” a nod to all …

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Common Threads: 30 Years of Celebrating the Women Who Are the Backbone of California Agriculture

March 17, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Secretary Karen Ross celebrated the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 during the Common Threads Awards Luncheon in Fresno, highlighting the vital role women play across California agriculture. Speaking during Women’s History Month on March 10, she noted that women farmers are leaders, innovators, and stewards of the land who strengthen rural communities and help sustain the state’s food …

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California and Ireland – celebrating agriculture and community

March 16, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Secretary Karen Ross welcomed Martin Heydon Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine of the Government of Ireland today at CDFA. The conversation highlighted the bioeconomy, climate and sustainable agriculture, research and innovation, and the International Year of the Woman Farmer. California remains one of the top U.S. exporting states to Ireland, reflecting strong economic, trade, and cultural ties between the …

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Preliminary Grape Crush Report: Declines in crush numbers, prices tell the story of the 2025 crop

March 13, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

While not surprising based on news reports about declining global demand for wine, declines in grape crush tonnage and price data for the 2025 crop year are a painful confirmation of trends that growers, processors and other stakeholders in California’s wine sector are experiencing. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts the annual Grape Crush survey through a cooperative agreement with …

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DWR report details advancements toward groundwater sustainability

March 13, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the final version of California’s Groundwater: Bulletin 118 – Update 2025, the State’s official and most comprehensive report of groundwater monitoring, conditions, and management across California. The report builds upon the previous update in 2020 and contains critical information about the state’s groundwater supplies from 2020 to 2024, a period marked by record-setting …

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