Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

From a story on the Morning Ag Clips web site CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will join USDA Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor on a U.S. Department of Agriculture trade mission to New Delhi, India, April 21-25. They will be accompanied by a diverse delegation of 47 businesses and organizations as well as officials from 10 other state departments of agriculture …

Story from Ag Net West Several California agricultural leaders, including Ag Secretary Karen Ross, are back from a week-long trade mission overseas. Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor led the South Korea trade mission, which included representatives from 49 companies and organizations from around the U.S. Taylor said it was a success that offered a …

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) continues to unveil data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture, including the release of newly-developed state and county profiles. California is the leading agricultural state in the nation, with more than $59 billion in farm sales in 2022, and that accounts for 11 percent of the national total. Of the state’s 63,134 farms, …

CDFA concludes its celebration of Women’s History Month with a profile of Kathy Diaz, Director of Marketing Services. Kathy oversees the agency’s promotion of California’s agricultural products as well as agriculture statistics, dairy marketing; market enforcement, milk pooling, and local fairs.

As we recognize National Farmworkers Awareness Week (March 25 – 31), we celebrate the essential role farmworkers play in our food system. CDFA supports our essential agricultural workforce across California. By leveraging partnerships, CDFA supports initiatives that implement comprehensive strategies that uplift farmworkers at every stage of their careers, from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the agricultural sector. A …

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH In celebration of Women’s History Month, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Undersecretary Christine Birdsong (left) moderated a panel of women leaders in CDFA today at the department’s headquarters. Panelists revisited their own paths that led to agriculture and public service, recognized family and mentors who paved the way, and offered advice for those just …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is with agribusinesses, agricultural associations, the USDA, and state departments of agriculture on a trade mission to South Korea focusing on building trade relationships and expanding market opportunities. South Korea is California’s sixth largest export destination, valued at more than $1.2 billion. Top agricultural exports include almonds, dairy, oranges, rice and beef.  Secretary Ross is joined …

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross spoke at the recent California State Future Farmers of America Leadership Conference in Sacramento. The event highlighted student accomplishments and brought together approximately 7,500 FFA members.  Secretary Ross emphasized the significance of FFA in fostering a sense of belonging. She underscored the pivotal role of students in shaping the future of California’s agricultural landscape while acknowledging the …