Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Climate-smart, energy efficient refrigeration units funded by CDFA’s Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program are expected to provide emissions savings equivalent to the electricity use of 605 homes per year, or 2,815 tons of carbon dioxide. This impact is outlined in a new Emissions Impact Study by Effecterra, one of program’s technical assistance providers. Program Impact The main goal of Healthy Refrigeration Grants …

On Wednesday, March 19, California’s agricultural community will gather on the west steps of the State Capitol in celebration of California Agriculture Day. CDFA and its partners for the event, California Women for Agriculture and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, are proud to host Ag Day with the 2025 theme, “Ag at Work: Cultivating Careers and Communities.” …

CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined a number of California businesses, agricultural organizations and government officials this week at the 30th edition of the Gulfood Trade Show in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates is the 9th largest export destination for California agricultural products, valued at more than $548 million. While in Dubai, Undersecretary Birdsong was able to connect with key buyers, participate in …

CDFA staff members will participate at next week’s California Small Farm Conference — taking place both online and in person at various locations around the state. The conference will take place from Feb 23-28 and feature over 40 online workshops and more than a dozen in-person gatherings around the state. On Feb. 25, CDFA staff members Logan Dreher and Lauren …

CDFA is joining in the celebration of National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week, from February 15-22. During the weeklong celebration, FFA students across California and the nation will host various events, including farmer and teacher appreciation breakfasts, community service projects, and skills contests, all aimed at advancing agricultural literacy in their communities. In recognition of National FFA Week, Reps. …

CDFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights hosted a Black History Month panel discussion this week. Moderated by CDFA Deputy Secretary of Administration and Finance Arima Kozina, the event highlighted the stories, experiences, and reflections of staff as well as insight from members of California’s State Board of Food and Agriculture. The panelists …

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hosts the annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Achievement Awards to recognize IPM leaders for their achievements in the adoption and promotion of safer, more sustainable IPM practices in agricultural, urban, and wildland settings throughout California. IPM—any approach that uses the least toxic, effective method to solve pest problems—is a foundational concept in sustainable …

In working to “Drive the Next Generation of Talent and Tools”, CDFA is  launching an agricultural workforce survey to help determine employer needs within the specialty crop sector. Jobs and careers within agriculture are changing – adopting greater use of technology, evolving its practices, and requiring new skills from the agricultural workforce of today and tomorrow. To meet these evolving workforce needs, the …

CDFA is hosting public listening sessions February 6th and 7th to gather input on the development of a Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture. CDFA’s vision document, California Ag Vision for 2030, establishes five key priorities for California agriculture to achieve success over the next decade. This Resilience Strategy has been created in response to priority #1, to “foster climate-smart, …

The wildfires this month in Southern California have resulted in an activation of emergency shelter resources to house displaced people and animals, and the state’s network of fairgrounds has stepped forward to assist.  The Antelope Valley Fairgrounds opened its RV park to people forced to flee the Eaton fire. More than 50 RVs and their occupants spent a number of …