Monthly Archives: June 2026

🌈 California Agriculture in Full Color: Celebrating Pride Month and the Diversity That Helps Us Thrive

June 12, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Happy Pride Month! This June, the California Department of Food Agriculture (CDFA), is celebrating the colors that make California extraordinary — both in our communities and across our fields. From strawberries and mandarins to lemons, avocados, grapes, and plums, California leads the nation in producing some of the world’s most iconic fruits and specialty crops. The same diversity that strengthens …

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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Opened the 16th World Processing Tomato Congress in Monterey

June 9, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross delivered the opening keynote address at the 16th World Processing Tomato Congress, held in Monterey, California. The biennial World Processing Tomato Congress brought together more than 400 delegates from over 30 countries, including tomato growers, processors, researchers, policymakers, and allied industry representatives. The event served as a global forum for …

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During California Invasive Species Action Week 2026, CDFA and Growers Team Up Against Broomrape

June 9, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

June 6-14 is California Invasive Species Action Week! Today, we’re talking about an invasive, parasitic plant called broomrape. Like so many others, it is a threat not just to agricultural crops like tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers and beans, but also to the state’s natural biodiversity. CDFA’s Broomrape Program helps growers protect California’s processing tomato industry, in collaboration with a Broomrape Board …

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CDFA Urges the Public to Protect California’s Citrus from Invasive Pests

June 8, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

This California Invasive Species Action Week 2026, California residents are being urged to act against invasive pests that threaten our state’s natural resources. From the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) to invasive fruit fly species, there are several invasive pests that could devastate California’s citrus. One simple way residents can act is by staying informed! ✅ Stay up to date on …

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Update: New World Screwworm detected in Texas, New Mexico; California remains clear 

June 8, 2026   Jay Van Rein, CDFA Office of Public Affairs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the New World Screwworm – an invasive, destructive parasite – has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, marking the the pest’s first incursion into the United States since it was successfully eradicated in the 1960s.  Current Status for California  There are currently NO confirmed detections of New World Screwworm in California. The California Department …

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CDFA welcomes the appointment of Carney King as Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs

June 2, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Carney King has been appointed the Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. King has been CDFA’s Legislative Manager since 2025, and came to the department after a distinguished career in the US Army and service in several legislative offices. He was a Policy Consultant in the Office of Senator Richard Roth in the …

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Farm to School benefits small farms like Old Grove Orange in Redlands

June 2, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Farm to school programming provides the consistent demand needed to sustain local small farmers who take pride in benefitting student health and the local economy.  “Small farmers need to adapt to survive!” said fifth-generation farmer Anna Knight of Old Grove Orange. “We’ve done everything from farmers’ markets to community supported agriculture, but for the last 20-plus years, 100% of the …

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Happy National Olive Day – June 1! 🫒🌞🌿

June 1, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Today, we celebrate one of California’s iconic crops and the people who make it possible. California leads the nation in olive production, thanks to its favorable climate, fertile growing regions, and the hard work of dedicated growers and farmworkers. A special recognition goes to olive growers, farmworkers, processors, olive oil producers, packers, distributors, retailers, and everyone throughout the olive supply …

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USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers

June 1, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers in response to elevated input costs and market disruptions resulting from foreign competitors engaging in …

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