Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Celebrating National Cherry Day: Honoring California’s Cherry Growers

July 16, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

National Cherry Day – July 16 Sweet, vibrant and a favorite summertime treat, cherries are a delicious reminder of the dedication and hard work behind California’s diverse agricultural landscape. This National Cherry Day, we’re celebrating the growers, farmers, farmworkers and everyone across the supply chain who helps bring this beloved stone fruit from California orchards to tables across the state …

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Secretary Ross lauds innovations in agriculture via new AI Supercomputing Center at Fresno State

July 14, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

A new F3i Supercomputing Center at Fresno State is now offering Central Valley stakeholders access to advanced computing and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to accelerate innovation across California’s food and agriculture supply chain. A partnership between Fresno State, the UC San Diego Supercomputer Center and F3 Initiative, this new resource brings advantages directly to the Central Valley. Instead of requiring …

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Governor Newsom signs legislation securing permanent funding for nation-leading Farm to School Program championed by First Partner

July 13, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed SB 172, which permanently funds California’s nation-leading Farm to School Program, ensuring schools can continue serving students healthy meals made with California-grown ingredients. Championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the program supports local farmers, strengthens regional food systems, and expands nutrition education in classrooms. SACRAMENTO …

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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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