Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Family farms form the backbone of California agriculture. While more than 90% of the state’s farms are considered family-owned, only around 9% of California farms are BIPOC-owned. Keng Vang established the Fresno BIPOC Produce Hub to help these underrepresented growers to survive and thrive. He explains, “I started the food hub because I saw a real need – especially around …

CDFA is proud to announce the appointment and promotion of two longstanding leaders in our Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division (AHFSS): Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Murray will begin the new year as California’s Acting State Veterinarian, and Dr. Stephen Beam will take the helm as Director of the division. Both have served Californians and the state’s livestock, poultry and …

A recent Farm to School regional workshop in Imperial County was a well-attended opportunity for school nutrition professionals to see how local produce could be utilized in creative and fun ways for healthy school meals. “We’re showing how you can dress up vegetables, making some really commonplace vegetables the stars,” Chef Ann Foundation Chef Zach Thomas told the Imperial Valley …

Today is National Poinsettia Day! As shown in the accompanying graphic, California leads the nation in poinsettia production. There’s a grower in the Central Valley that supplies tens of thousands of poinsettias each year. CDFA visited Duarte Nursery in Hughson, Stanislaus County to learn more about the operation.

A joint initiative between California and Ohio focusing on sustainable livestock health and responsible antibiotic use has earned international recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).  Developed in partnership with UC Davis and Ohio State University, the Early and Accurate Disease Detection in Dairy Cattle training program was honored with Technical Recognition by the FAO …

As we gather with friends, family, and neighbors this Thanksgiving, California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross shares a heartfelt message of gratitude for everyone who helps bring food to our tables. In this video, Secretary Ross reflects on the beauty of fall, the bounty of California agriculture, and the many hands, from farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and supply-chain …

COP30, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, brought together global leaders, scientists, advocates, and innovators to accelerate climate action. This year’s COP placed the Amazon, multilateral cooperation, and the urgent need for a just and resilient transition at the center of global climate discussions. California’s participation came at a moment when …

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) gathered this morning at CDFA’s headquarters for an in-person all-staff meeting. The morning was filled with appreciation, updates, and well-deserved recognition for some of CDFA’s longest-serving IT professionals. Honoring 25+ Years of Service A key highlight of the meeting was the 25+ Year Service Recognition, honoring ITSD employees …