Author Archives: Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Support Ag Education – Reserve a Plate Today!

October 25, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Californians have great opportunity to support agricultural education and leadership programs by reserving a California special interest license plate. This initiative creates a continuous funding stream, through annual license plate renewals, for programs dedicated to enriching the agricultural education of school children and the next generation of California farmers and ranchers – from FFA and 4-H to Ag in the …

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Posted in Agricultural Education | Tagged | 1 Comment

Food Day is for everyone

October 24, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

The inaugural Food Day celebration occurring today is an idea whose time has come.  While, in fact, every day is “food day” for the nearly seven-billion people on Earth, the topic of local food production is hotter than ever in the U.S.  We want to encourage this.  Any discussion of our food supply is welcome. In the decades ahead, there …

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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Talking food in Northern California

October 21, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

A great part of my job is the opportunity to meet Californians and talk to them about food and agriculture. We have quite a story to tell as the leading farming state in the country. Our best opportunities to spread the word are among people outside the direct Ag culture. This week, I met with two groups working in that …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Food Access | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Farm Bill Framing Document for California Ready for Review

September 23, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Here in California and across the nation, discussion is well underway about development of the 2012 Farm Bill.  The legislation is renewed every five years and is the essential component in our country’s farm and food policy.  The Farm Bill is much more than just farm policy – 67 percent funds nutrition programs to improve the health of our citizens; approximately …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Animal Welfare, Environment, Farm Bill, Food Access, Food Safety, Specialty Crops, Trade | Leave a comment

Celebrating Excellence: Citrus Research Board honors CDFA’s Tina Galindo

September 14, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

In my time at CDFA, and in the years before that when I worked cooperatively with the agency as a member of the agricultural industry, I’ve come across many accomplished, truly outstanding public servants.  So many people quietly dedicate their careers to serving California’s farmers, ranchers and consumers.  That’s why, whenever I see an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our …

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Governor Brown joins Secretary Ross at Yolo County Land Trust “Day in the Country” event

September 12, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Governor Brown with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross at the Yolo Land Trust’s “Day in the Country” event.   Yesterday I participated as a “celebrity chef” at The Yolo Land Trust’s “Day in the Country” annual fundraiser. It was their largest and most successful one ever. I had a chance to offer some remarks where I thanked attendees for their support. …

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50th Annual Harvest Luncheon in Modesto

September 9, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Today, I had the opportunity to speak at the 50th annual Harvest Luncheon in Modesto. This is a great cause. The money raised goes to fund scholarships for Ag students – the next generation of agricultural leaders in California. I wish to congratulate the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and the people of Stanislaus County for their commitment to education, to …

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First Asian Crop Harvest Festival Opportunity to Celebrate Heritage

September 7, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

  One of the most remarkable things about our state and nation remains the opportunities available to immigrants. Even now, in the midst of recession, there are new Americans pursuing their dreams, just like many millions before them. In agriculture, many of them are farmers, and some are seeking their niche by growing the crops of their homelands. I recently …

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Secretary Ross and California Ag Leaders talk trade with Ambassador Ron Kirk, United States Trade Representative

August 18, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Today, I had the great opportunity to meet with Ambassador Ron Kirk and California agricultural leaders to discuss trade and greater market access for agricultural products worldwide. California is the largest agricultural producer and exporter in the nation – with more than $12 billion in exports. Our farmers and ranchers, on average, export approximately 23 percent of products grown and …

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Posted in Trade | Tagged | 1 Comment

Farm Bill Discussion Begins in California

August 15, 2011   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Every five years we have the ability to help shape national food policy through the farm bill. This legislation funds critical programs such as nutrition assistance (food stamps), technical assistance for farmers and ranchers, and initiatives that support food production and environmental conservation. In representing California’s 81,500 farms, I have the pleasure to work directly with the men and women …

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