Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

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 …

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 …