Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Funding to expand capacity for processing, aggregation and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EfxQW3xVQxONCQgcq6z_Jg#/registration

As part of CDFA’s work to facilitate stewardship of water and natural resources, the agency is pleased to discuss recent developments in the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative. A three-year, collaborative effort between CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, and UC Davis, the initiative is supporting research at seven UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) county offices. The …

July has been declared Smart Irrigation Month, and CDFA is profiling water-saving approaches at a strawberry farm in Santa Maria. CDFA facilitates water-efficiency improvements through its State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, or SWEEP.

Two recently released reports detail how CDFA’s California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) improves opportunities for healthy diets and food security by helping more people purchase fruits and vegetables. “CDFA is a proud partner in helping California’s underserved populations afford healthy produce grown by our farmers,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross “These reports from our state and national partners further demonstrate …

Today (July 11) has been declared the inaugural National State Fair Food Day, and while that conjures-up images of corn dogs, deep-fried veggies, BBQ and ice cream, the California State Fair and Food Festival–starting this Friday the 14th and continuing through the 30th–expands those offerings to include fresh fruit, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken wings, Greek and Fijian cuisine, and several …

From a USDA News Release The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP)Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.   ERP and PARP offer a holistic approach …

Did you know that CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection (SPI) Program inspected 3.81 billion pounds of fresh product in fiscal year 2021-22? SPI inspects fresh fruits and vegetables in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and in voluntary inspections to make sure that produce meets industry-developed standards like US grade standards or other written government or private specifications for …

From a USDA news release Whether you’re a grill master or a first-time barbecue cook, food safety should always be part of your routine to ensure a healthy and happy Fourth of July. “Recent USDA consumer behavior studies have shown that individuals don’t always properly wash their hands or use a food thermometer,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “Show your family and friends that you’re a true grill …

Application window opens June 30 Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) funds from the USDA can be used to help those impacted by California’s drought.  Projects to assist with irrigation, such as energy efficient pumps, may be eligible for funding.  Here’s more information: What does this program do? The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers …

In response to the series of storms across our state from December 2022 through April 2023, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing state-funded storm recovery services to provide disaster relief case management and direct assistance to eligible individuals who experienced hardship from the storms and cannot access federal assistance due to immigration status. Direct assistance payments will …