Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

California is proud of its agricultural bounty as the Fourth of July approaches! Our state plays a significant role in providing delicious food for all to enjoy during the holiday weekend! • In 2023, California sweet corn growers produced 364 million pounds, valued at $172 million. • In 2023, California Watermelon growers produced 645 million pounds of watermelons, with a …

From a USDA News Release On July Fourth, the aroma of barbecue will fill the air as family and friends come together to celebrate with quintessential American cooking pastimes: grilling and smoking. Food is the biggest staple when it comes to celebrating Independence Day, aside from the fireworks. Whether you’re sizzling burgers on the grill or slow-cooking ribs in the …

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2024-25 state budget, which closes a General Fund shortfall of $46.8 billion through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion that maintain investments in core programs As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, the legislation signed by Governor Newsom balances the budget in both 2024-25 and 2025-26, and it preserves budget resilience by …

As Pride Month nears an end, CDFA presents Q&A with Siobhan Reid, a five-year employee with the agency’s IT service desk. Siobhan discusses some of the dynamics of gender transition in the workplace as well as personally.  How long has your journey been? Where are you in your transition? I am four years into the rest of my life! Like …

The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and the USDA hosted an event today in Washington DC to promote the announcement. CDFA is excited to celebrate the announcement and highlight the pioneering roles that both Secretary Ann Veneman and Secretary Karen Ross have had in leading the agency. Both women have also served at the …

A cohort of current and future leaders selected from CDFA’s nine divisions recently completed the agency’s Executive Leadership Academy training course. The course, offered in partnership with UC Davis, consists of six seminars over a six-month period which support our employees’ development both personally and professionally. Topics covered include high-priority leadership competencies and include assessments to support self-awareness and growth.   CDFA’s objectives in …

This week a delegation of California organic companies traveled to Guadalajara and Mexico City to meet with foreign buyers and learn about market opportunities for organic products. California is the nation’s largest agricultural producer of organic products, and Mexico imported more than $234 million in U.S. organic products in 2023. CDFA partnered with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) to help …

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and this week, CDFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights commemorated the month with a panel discussion featuring CDFA employees who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Moderated by CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the conversation included the panelists’ personal journeys, their experiences at CDFA, and their reflections on …

Today, CDFA joins in the commemoration of Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the history and achievements of Black Americans throughout our country, including California agriculture. CDFA strives to support Black farmers and ranchers through grant programs, and the agency provides opportunities for leadership and voices to be heard through …