Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

CDFA’s report “Progress for California” highlights a variety of ways that agency programs benefit the state. The Farm to School initiative is a great example — a vital approach to improve the health and well-being of California schoolchildren through food-based education and healthy food access. California schools serve hundreds of millions of meals each year, and expanding opportunities for local …

Ten CDFA staff members graduated last week from the agency’s Coaching for Personal and Professional Effectiveness Program, a course that provides improved communication skills for work and life and prepares employees to take on leadership positions. With 24 percent of agency employees at retirement age, and another 12 percent within five years of retirement eligibility, CDFA is prioritizing succession planning …

You’re invited to watch a special message from California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross as she honors the dedication and impact of our public service employees. To our CDFA employees, our stakeholders, and the public—this message is for you. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the commitment that drives our mission every day.

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross I was pleased to visit the Central Valley for two days last week and honored to be asked to attend a ribbon cutting for a new milk processing plant, appear at a farewell for a friend and widely respected leader in agriculture, and participate in a roundtable discussion on immigration with stakeholders and representatives of …

Milk and dairy products form a vital part of the daily diet for many Californians. Ensuring these products are safe and wholesome is a top priority, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture plays a central role in upholding those standards every single day.  Recent news regarding federal proficiency testing programs may have raised questions, but it’s important to …

April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month in the US, and CDFA is aligning by spotlighting its efforts to eradicate Japanese Beetle infestations in California.

CDFA hosted more than 20 buyers from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Korea and Taiwan last week to meet with California businesses and expand market opportunities for CA GROWN products. “With approximately 24 percent, on average, of California’s farm production exported – trade is critical for California farmers and ranchers,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “California’s diversity as an …

By Dr. Tawny Mata, Director of Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability In March, the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) unveiled a new name and logo—marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the office. This update is more than a visual refresh; it reflects a broader shift in the approach of the office’s mission. The new name …

In recognition of Earth Week, CDFA is spotlighting its Food Recovery webpage, dedicated to reducing food waste. The USDA reports that 30-40 percent of the U.S. food supply turns to food waste. CalRecycle reports that Californians discards 5-6 million tons of food every year. The Food Recovery Hierarchy (right) and CDFA programs help consumers as well as farmers and ranchers …

On Earth Day yesterday, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom at CSU Chico’s University Farm to celebrate the progress being made across California’s agricultural education system and its importance to sustainability and other vital measures highlighted on Earth Day In this video, Secretary Ross recaps the energy, vision, and commitment showcased at …