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

Food Day a time to look forward

October 24, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

The return of Food Day, with its second annual observance scheduled for today, is a timely reminder of the important road ahead for our food supply. The world’s population is growing at such a rapid clip – from the current seven billion to an estimated nine billion by 2050 – that its projected food production needs to double using less …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Change, Environment, Food Access | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

USDA reaching out to Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers with discrimination claims

October 9, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

  I want to make sure Californians know that the USDA has opened a discrimination claims process for Hispanic and women farmers that extends through March 25, 2013.   In California, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency has announced a series of 13 meetings from October 10 through January 23, 2013 to provide more information about the process. Civil rights are a top priority …

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Statement from Secretary Ross on dairy pricing

September 13, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Under state law, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has the responsibility of calculating the minimum price that milk producers are to receive from processors.  In order to perform this duty, the Department employs economists who monitor conditions in the dairy marketplace. When considering changes to the formulas used to calculate the minimum price, the Department is obligated to …

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Posted in Alternative Fuels, Dairy | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Farm to School Programs Teach, Nourish

September 11, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I love visiting schools. When I see all those young faces I see the future – bright-eyed children who will be leading us in 20, 30 or 40 years. Those of us in positions of responsibility have an obligation to provide our children with every opportunity to succeed in school and in life. We know a big part of that …

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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Community-based Food System, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Drought Assistance; New Farmers Programs; Guidebook on Access To Capital – Partnership With USDA Continues To Provide Outstanding Benefits For California

September 7, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

A key to success at the California Department of Food and Agriculture is great partnerships, and one of our most important ones is with the USDA. We share a mission, we share knowledge, and we share resources as we work together to protect and promote our food supply and natural resources. Several recent initiatives by the USDA are excellent examples …

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Posted in Climate Change, Environment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

California Dairy Future Task Force asked to evaluate long-term solutions

September 4, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

Despite the perfect storm of economic challenges affecting our dairy industry, cooperation and strategic reform can provide a more sustainable marketplace for our dairy farmers. Many dairies suffered steep financial losses as a result of the economic collapse in 2008 and 2009. Before equity recovery was complete, a nationwide drought struck in 2012, driving up feed prices and causing significant …

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Posted in Dairy, Uncategorized | Tagged | 49 Comments

Statement from Secretary Ross on Food Safety Efforts by California Cantaloupe Growers

August 20, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

You may have heard about recent illnesses and two deaths linked to cantaloupe grown in southwestern Indiana. I am very concerned to learn about the severity of this outbreak. My heart goes out to those affected and their loved ones. All of agriculture and the food-supply chain have a responsibility to protect people from food-borne illness, and I am determined to …

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Fairs and Farmers are Key Partners with Local Food Banks

August 16, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

The success of food banks is based on relationships in local communities with individuals, faith-based organizations, retailers and food service businesses -just to name a few.  Additional partnerships with food producers and processors assist with sourcing local, fresh foods that can be provided to needy families. Some of these relationships have innovative roots,  and fairs are an example of that. Each year, the California State …

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National Farmers Market Week a time to celebrate abundant, healthy food

August 7, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I’m one of those people who thinks every week should be Farmers Market Week, and one of the miracles of California agriculture is that it’s actually possible in our state. Fresh fruits and vegetables are growing year-round someplace in California, and that provides farmers with the opportunity to bring them to market – direct to consumers. As we recognize National …

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California State Fair brings together farming, heritage and communities

July 26, 2012   Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda

I had a chance to visit the California State Fair this week and, as the fair nears the end of another successful run at Cal Expo, I thought I would take a moment to share my thoughts about its meaning and the various ways it and other fairs connect to our everyday lives. Fairs are about communities, and that’s a …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Fairs, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment