Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

From a USDA News Release USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced new programs, partnerships and grant awards to expand markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. These programs will support the development of new and better markets for domestic organic products, provide hands-on training to producers transitioning to organic production, and ease the financial burden of …

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, CDFA held a panel discussion this morning at agency headquarters and virtually via Zoom. Moderated by Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the panel featured CDFA employees with AAPI heritage, shedding light on their contributions to the agricultural and scientific fields. The panel highlighted the significance of AAPI Heritage Month, both personally …

As Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11) continues, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross offers these words of appreciation for all the ways agency employees help improve the lives of Californians.

From a News Release by Governor Newsom’s Office CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday afternoon at Sotomayor Academies in Los Angeles, to spotlight the California Farm to School initiative and efforts to ensure all children have access to healthy, nutritious meals while at school. The visit highlighted farm-to-school efforts underway …

This is Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11), and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joins the State Board of Food and Agriculture in this video thanking state employees for their commitment and their tireless service.

By CDFA Secretary Karen Ross It is always an honor to represent California and the incredible agricultural products we grow and ship across the nation and around the world. Last week I was part of the USDA – India Agribusiness Trade Mission to New Delhi, and what an eye-opening experience it was! We learned about the great history, culture, people, …

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture visited the Central Coast region this week and hosted two public meetings focusing on ag land conservation and career technical education. The Board also visited farming operations in the region to learn more about conservation practices, local farming, and training initiatives. Don Cameron, President of the State Board, discusses the week’s activities, …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is with the California State Board of Food and Agriculture this week for field visits and meetings in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. As part of today’s activities, the group visited Hartnell College in Salinas to learn about “Mechatronics,” which is part of the school’s Ag Tech Workforce Program. Hartnell works with students seeking to begin …

CDFA’s Smith River Border Inspection Station–just south of the Oregon border on Hwy 101–is critical in California’s efforts to prevent invasive pests and diseases from entering the state. As one of the state’s 16 border inspection stations, it’s a first line of defense in safeguarding California’s natural resources and agriculture.

From a news release from Governor Newsom’s office California is taking unprecedented action to strategically harness the equivalent of more than half of its land to fight the climate crisis. As called for by Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Climate Commitment, the state unveiled 81 targets for nature-based solutions today that will help California achieve its world-leading climate goals, including reaching carbon neutrality …