Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Celebrating the beginning of the International Year of the Woman Farmer at the famous Central de Abasto (Central Market) in Mexico City today, California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined a panel of experts to talk about the many roles of women in the food supply chain, and about the shared experience of California and Mexico as friends, neighbors and business …

In his final State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom praised “the farmers who work the soil, nourished by our rivers.” He highlighted First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s contributions to school food nutrition, as part of our ongoing efforts to get more locally grown food into school cafeterias. And he foreshadowed today’s announcement of …

California’s female farmers and farmworkers are at the heart of our food system, driving advances in innovation, food safety, quality, and sustainability every day. Whether behind the scenes or in the fields, women are actively shaping the future of agriculture worldwide. To celebrate their contributions, the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Let’s take …

Cal Poly’s student-built Rose Float, Jungle Jumpstart, has been named the Sweepstakes Award winner at the 137th Rose Parade – the parade’s highest honor, recognizing the most beautiful float overall. This historic win marks the first time in nearly 80 years that Cal Poly has earned the Sweepstakes Award, an achievement typically dominated by large, commercially built floats and major …

As CDFA’s primary scientist in the field of biological control, Dr. David Morgan has had a hand in many projects over the years. He came to CDFA from “across the pond,” a few years after arriving on our shores in the mid-90s as a postdoctoral researcher at UC Riverside having just completed his studies at Imperial College (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) …

As California agriculture wraps up 2025 and looks toward 2026, conversations about technology, climate, and collaboration are shaping what comes next for food and farming. In a recent episode of the Fresh Takes on Tech podcast, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined host Vonnie Estes at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim to discuss how innovation, from precision agriculture …

As we wrap up 2025, we are reflecting on another year of growth, collaboration, and dedication to California agriculture and animal health. To celebrate the season, we are sharing a festive holiday video with a little North Pole magic. State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones, who is closing out her final year of service, received an urgent request from Santa himself, …

By Secretary Karen Ross As part of a long-standing California Department of Food and Agriculture tradition, I, along with members of our executive team, spent time visiting staff across the agency during end-of-year holiday visits. We had the opportunity to connect with just a few of the many dedicated people who bring their expertise and passion to work every day …