Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Representatives from across CDFA divisions and programs participated in the 10th annual Latino Farmer Conference, held this week at California State University, Monterey Bay. The two-day event, hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, brought together Spanish-speaking farmers and ranchers to discuss sustainable agriculture, equity, and resources for underserved communities. This year’s conference …

CDFA and the Monterey County Farm Bureau are announcing the joint release of the report “California Agricultural Neighbors: Building a Proactive Food Safety Culture.” California Agricultural Neighbors (CAN) was formed in January 2021 to bring together members of the Salinas Valley agriculture community to review what could be done to help reduce outbreaks of pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 associated with …

In recognition of the cultural tradition of Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), November 1 and 2, Pixca Farm is proud of celebrating through its sustainable agricultural practices. Erik Rodriguez’s journey into farming began in Rosarito, where he grew up at his family’s bookstore on the main boulevard. His mother, however, wanted him to experience life away from …

October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food service employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information. Did you know CDFA’s Farm to School Program has regional staff throughout California available to foster farm to school participation and connect producers with local school districts? Farm to School …

State and federal government agencies signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday at California Natural Resources Agency headquarters, advancing long-term watershed health through floodplain restoration in the Sacramento River Basin. The agreement brings together partners from agriculture, water, flood control, and wildlife management to implement large-scale, multi-benefit projects that protect communities, restore habitats, and support sustainable farming. Among the …

Note: The FIRA USA event taking place in Woodland from October 22-24, is free and open to all growers. The third annual FIRA USA event in Woodland, California, held at the Yolo County Fairgrounds (October 22 to 24), is a showcase for agricultural robotics and automation. Focused on innovation in the agriculture industry, the event draws key stakeholders from across …

October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food serviceemployees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join inthe celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information. The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) received CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding appropriations in 2021 and 2022. Their project goals have included strengthening contractual relationships with local …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross met with New Zealand Ambassador Rosemary Banks and Consul-General Katja Ackerley during a recent visit to Sacramento. CDFA and New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industry signed on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sustainable Agricultural Cooperation in October 2022. The State of California also welcomed the New Zealand Prime Minister earlier this year fostering a partnership on …

As Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) draws to a close, CDFA would like to profile Brisa Ranch of Pescadero (San Mateo County) and its co-owner, Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou. Growing up with roots in Guatemala and Venezuela, Veronica’s journey into agriculture began during her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, where she developed a deep respect for subsistence …