Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

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 …

Earth Day 2025 came alive today at Chico State University, where CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with other state leaders, educators, and local champions, to spotlight the power of farm to school programs, regenerative, and organic agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture. With over $85 million invested in California’s Farm to School …

In recognition of today (April 22) as Earth Day, CDFA would like to lift-up farmers and ranchers as stewards of the land, nurturing the soil, conserving water, and protecting biodiversity to sustain our food systems. In California, where 90 percent of farms are family-owned, these growers provide a third of the nation’s vegetables and over three-quarters of its fruits and …

As part of Earth Week activities across the country and around the world, CDFA is spotlighting the rendering industry as vital to California food and agriculture waste reduction, and the agency supports those who work in rendering by recognizing National Rendering Day on April 21.   Rendering preserves the environment and lowers our carbon footprint. The process converts used cooking oil …

CDFA’s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) – working with the Inspection Services Division’s Produce Safety Program (PSP) – was recognized with five awards from the California Public Sector Chief Information Officer Academy for stellar work in government technology. Three ITSD staff members received individual awards. Senior Project Manager Ed Lee was awarded for outstanding leadership and project management expertise as …

The USDA has designated April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, and CDFA is aligning with that by highlighting its work to eradicate invasive fruit flies, especially over the last two years. Infestations reached record levels in 2023, with 1,248 square miles of California under quarantine. However, with efforts focused on the biology of the pest rather than …

At the California State Nutrition Association (CSNA) Legislative Action Conference yesterday (April 7), CDFA Farm to School Program Manager Nick Anicich discussed how the initiative is benefitting students, farmers, and school meal supply chain partners across California. From frequent Farm to School Network calls for inspiration and technical assistance to the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program offering state …

On Thursday night April 3, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross addressed California FFA students at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, delivering an inspiring message about the power of teamwork, innovation, and the role of FFA in shaping the future of agriculture. More than 7,000 students and 1,000 of their advisors are gathered in the capital this weekend for the 2025 State Future Farmers …