Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

California Celebrates National Blueberry Day with a Sweet 2025 Harvest

July 8, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

July 8 is National Blueberry Day, and California has a lot to celebrate. In 2025, the Golden State harvested 81.47 million pounds of blueberries, which is a remarkable milestone that reflects the hard work, care, and dedication of growers, harvesters, packers, shippers, and everyone who helps bring this delicious crop from the field to families across California and beyond. Blueberries …

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CDFA invites stakeholders to give input for next round of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

July 7, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) invites you to participate in listening sessions for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These sessions are designed for specialty crop stakeholders to provide feedback to the SCBGP team ahead of the 2027 Request for Concept Proposals (RFCP) on specific topics related to the program. Are you eligible for the Specialty …

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Celebrating America’s 250th birthday and agriculture’s foundational place in it this Independence Day

July 3, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

From CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Happy 250th birthday America! As we celebrate our Nation’s founding, the California Department of Food and Agriculture offers a message of gratitude for the farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and all who work so hard to produce the bounty of America’s food and steward our land. It is especially fitting to hold up all who have a …

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Secretary Ross recognizes Jay Van Rein for 25 years of service to CDFA

July 3, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross celebrated Jay Van Rein’s 30 years of state service during a recent ceremony for his retirement as acting director of the CDFA Office of Public Affairs. He worked 25 years for CDFA. “Jay’s thoughtful and artistic hand has created artwork adorning our halls, too many publications to name and sound guidance to CDFA leadership for decades,” …

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Protecting California Agriculture During Fourth of July Travel

July 2, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

As California moves into the Fourth of July travel period and into the summer — thousands of vehicles will be crossing into and through the state. That seasonal surge in travel makes one thing especially important: keeping invasive pests and diseases from entering California. A California Department of Food and Agriculture video featuring the Smith River Border Protection Station highlights …

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Montna Farms: A Multi-Generational Rice Farm Advancing Sustainability in California Agriculture

June 29, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

This video was developed by CDFA in collaboration with the California Rice Commission, highlighting the shared commitment to sustainable rice farming and agricultural stewardship in California. At Montna Farms in Sutter County, California rice farmer Nicole Montna Van Vleck shares how her family’s multi-generational farm has become a model for sustainability, wildlife habitat, and innovation in agriculture. From conserving water …

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California celebrates nearly 3.5 billion universal school meals served

June 26, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom California’s Farm to School program, championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, works in tandem with universal school meals to ensure more California students have access to two free school meals that are locally-sourced, delicious, and nutritious. – Excerpt from announcement below What you need to know: Five years ago, Governor Newsom signed into …

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Secretary Ross celebrates biological alternatives in agriculture at 2026 Salinas Biological Summit

June 26, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and CDFA staff attended the 2026 Salinas Biological Summit in Salinas June 23-24, joining attendees from around the world to discuss the transition of agriculture from traditional chemicals to biological alternatives, such as for pest management and fertilizing materials. In her opening remarks, Secretary Ross welcomed participants and highlighted the power of partnerships and shared purpose. …

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Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment, Fertilizer, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), State Board of Food and Agriculture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What’s in Season at U-Pick Farms Across the State? 

June 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

California is a beautiful patchwork of mountains, beaches, valleys, and deserts. This remarkable diversity not only draws visitors from around the world but also makes California the most productive agricultural state in the nation. It’s the reason there’s always something fresh and delicious in season. Seasonal produce is always spectacular, but you can’t beat a just-picked berry, still warm from …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Food Access, Growing California, Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

June is Dairy Month! From Cow to Cup: The Food Safety Journey of Your Glass of Milk

June 23, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Whether you’re pouring it over cereal, stirring it into coffee, or enjoying a slice of California cheese, the journey your milk and dairy food took was carefully monitored from the farm all the way to your table. For CDFA’s Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch (MDFS), that journey is a primary focus. Our mission to protect California consumers starts by …

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