Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Celebrates National Learn About Compost Day: Coming up May 29

National Learn About Compost Day is May 29, 2023 (which is also Memorial Day, so we’re sharing this in advance of the holiday weekend) and CDFA is celebrating with this video about the department’s work with Glenn County grower Mike Schager to add compost to his walnut orchard. Thanks to Mike for his cooperation, and to Dana Yount, an environmental …

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CDFA Announces $89 Million in Grants for Emergency Shelters, Infrastructure at California Fairgrounds

CDFA Deputy Secretary for Fairs Michael Flores (center) joined local Fair Board members and other community dignitaries for a press conference today, on opening day at Chico’s Silver Dollar Fair, to announce a slate of projects at Chico and eleven other fairgrounds sites around the state. The projects include new and expanded safe-shelter space, kitchen and sanitation facilities, showers and …

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USDA: $500 Million Available for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program to Better Support Partners, Producers

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the availability of $500 million in funding to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP leverages a voluntary approach to conservation that expands the reach of conservation efforts and climate-smart agriculture through public-private partnerships. Increased funding for fiscal year 2023 is made …

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CDFA Programs Promote Resilience During Water Awareness Month 

It’s May, and that means it’s Water Awareness Month. The weather whiplash Californians have experienced over the past few months underscores the importance of our water systems.  While the recent wet weather has eased drought impacts on California, CDFA remains focused on continuing to provide water-saving programs and practices to help future-proof the state’s water supply.  Since 2014, CDFA’s State …

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International Biodiversity Day — bird boxes provide big benefits to farmers

Today is International Biodiversity Day, as designated by the United Nations, and CDFA is recognizing the day with this video about bird boxes and their value in vineyards as well as other farms and ranches. Read about the commitment to biodiversity at CDFA

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May 20 is World Bee Day!

World Bee Day is Saturday, May 20, and here at CDFA, we care deeply about bees and other pollinators. They are integral to our state’s agriculture and natural systems! We invite you to learn more about the Pollinator Habitat Program, which recently awarded 10 grants for projects totaling $12.5 million to established organizations to work directly with farmers and ranchers …

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Secretary Ross celebrates Plenty indoor vertical farm – bringing agriculture back to Compton

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Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Support Ongoing Central Valley Flood Response

News Release from Governor Newsom’s office (May 17, 2023) WHAT TO KNOW: Amid ongoing flood impacts in the Central Valley, the state is extending flood diversion flexibilities implemented for the Tulare Lake Basin to the San Joaquin River Basin as the latter faces increased flood risks due to snowmelt. Today’s order finetunes flood diversion and groundwater recharge efforts based on the …

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Mental Health Awareness Month — CDFA offers resources page for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and CDFA recognizes that stressors felt by farmworkers, farmers and ranchers are real and may require outside assistance. The agency maintains a webpage with mental health resources for those in need. Suicide rates among farmers and ranchers are well above the national average, while mental health services are less available and accessible in rural areas, according …

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Secretary Ross welcomes Western Cape delegation to California

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (center in photo) today welcomed a delegation from the Western Cape of South Africa as it begins a week-long visit to California. The meeting included a discussion of a memorandum of understanding between the Western Cape and CDFA signed in March of last year. The MOU focuses on expanding exchanges of information about on-farm practices and …

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