Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

June 6-14 is California Invasive Species Action Week! Today, we’re talking about an invasive, parasitic plant called broomrape. Like so many others, it is a threat not just to agricultural crops like tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers and beans, but also to the state’s natural biodiversity. CDFA’s Broomrape Program helps growers protect California’s processing tomato industry, in collaboration with a Broomrape Board …

This California Invasive Species Action Week 2026, California residents are being urged to act against invasive pests that threaten our state’s natural resources. From the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) to invasive fruit fly species, there are several invasive pests that could devastate California’s citrus. One simple way residents can act is by staying informed! ✅ Stay up to date on …

Today, we celebrate one of California’s iconic crops and the people who make it possible. California leads the nation in olive production, thanks to its favorable climate, fertile growing regions, and the hard work of dedicated growers and farmworkers. A special recognition goes to olive growers, farmworkers, processors, olive oil producers, packers, distributors, retailers, and everyone throughout the olive supply …

As we recognize the International Day for Biological Diversity, we’d like to highlight how our Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability is supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators through its Pollinator Habitat Program and its participation in the California Multi-Agency Monarch and Pollinator collaborative, which recently released a new report outlining priority actions to support western monarch butterfly recovery and …

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized today by the California Association of Food Banks as a 2026 Anti-Hunger Champion during the organization’s Food ACCESS Conference luncheon in Sacramento. Secretary Ross received the Anti-Hunger Champion Award — Administrator Award at the 2026 Food ACCESS Conference, honoring her leadership and ongoing commitment to improving food access and …