Author Archives: Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

By Karen Ross, CDFA Secretary “Thanks for everything you do.” I’ve said those words to my CDFA colleagues and coworkers so many times over the past 16 years, in meeting rooms and at Ag Day and at holiday parties, in personal conversations and public venues. And I’ve meant it every single time. Public Service Recognition Week is May 3-9. To …

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. …

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Whenever I’m asked to describe or summarize California agriculture, especially for an audience that isn’t Californian, it’s an opportunity to start a conversation and learn what our more global audience thinks and knows about what we do here. The scale of farming and ranching here is fairly well known – but what often isn’t so …

“On average, groundwater provides roughly half the water we use as Californians, so implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is crucial to achieving future water resilience. The Groundwater Sustainability Plan determinations released today demonstrate the extremely complex issues within critically overdrafted basins and the importance of collaboration to secure a future of reliable groundwater supplies. Though more work is needed …

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture Everywhere you look during this holiday season, you see the work of our California agricultural community.From the Christmas trees and poinsettias, to the resplendent holiday tables full of California-grown specialties, to the office breakroom table brimming with goodies handmade by friends and colleagues – all of it is made tastier, more …

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture The dictionary defines gratitude as the state of being grateful:  THANKFULNESS. It is important to express appreciation to people every day, but especially at this time of year – a time to celebrate the harvest by gathering around the table with family and friends. Our farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and others who make …

This morning, the USDA announced a framework designed to create “new, more and better markets for small and midsized producers” across our nation and here in California. Recognizing the supply-chain interruptions and disruptions brought on by both the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, our federal partners are taking concrete steps to strengthen our food systems. This framework builds toward …

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture The most visible elements of what we do at CDFA are about today: inspecting today’s harvest, stopping today’s invasive pest or animal disease, or responding to the latest emergency. And all of that is important, even urgent. Has to be done now; has to be done well. But the other side …

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture As I walked the (enormous) grounds of the World Ag Expo in Tulare earlier this week, I was impressed by how well this event truly shows how big – and yet how intricately connected – agriculture is. It is a SYSTEM that starts with farmers and ranchers and employees, and then …