Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

Video Series on Roof Rat Damage in Orchards: What Growers Need to Know

February 26, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Focusing on solutions for growers for Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 23-27 Orchard systems across California—particularly nut orchards in the southern San Joaquin Valley—have seen a significant rise in roof rat activity in recent years. While roof rats are a long-established invasive species in the state, both their populations and the extent of damage they cause have increased substantially, creating …

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IPM Achievement Award from DPR recognizes success of Medfly Preventive Release Program

February 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

“For preventing the establishment of an invasive species through safer, more sustainable practices that reduce pesticide use and demonstrate significant economic benefit in California” Medfly Preventive Release Program Director Ian Walters with CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division accepted an award today from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) Integrated Pest Management Achievement Awards program. CDFA Plant …

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USDA announces aid for specialty crop farmers

February 17, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline is March 13 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar – commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and …

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CDFA Supports Spay and Neuter Awareness Month 

February 13, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month! Whether you’re a proud pet parent or just a fan of four-legged friends, this is a great time of year to  focus on the wellbeing of these beloved animals.  This month, CDFA is highlighting the Pet Lovers Spay and Neuter Grant Program, which helps keep California’s pet population healthy and manageable.  How does the program work?  Funding for these grants doesn’t come from regular taxes. Instead, the program is powered …

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World Ag Expo February 10-12: It’s Show Time!

February 10, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined industry and community leaders for the official opening of the 2026 World Ag Expo in Tulare today, followed by an on-site meeting of the State Board of Food and Agriculture on Ag Tech and workforce issues and opportunities. She previewed the event yesterday on local TV station ABC 30, speaking about the generational challenges …

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New Report: “CDFA’s Contributions to California’s Agricultural Excellence”

February 9, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

By Karen Ross, SecretaryCalifornia Department of Food and Agriculture We work hard to make California a better place to live because of what we grow and how we grow it. At the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), we work to build and safeguard resilient food systems – including programs that improve nutrition for students and extend additional benefits …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Food Access, Food Safety, Invasive Species, Nutrition | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Farewell and Thank You” to CDFA Deputy Secretary Rachael O’Brien

February 6, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

February 6 marks the last day of state service for CDFA Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs Rachael O’Brien, after eight years with the department. As deputy secretary, O’Brien provided crucial leadership across two gubernatorial administrations, giving expert consultation to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, the Department of Finance and other key colleagues and stakeholders. From pandemic …

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CDFA Celebrates National Citrus Month

January 27, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Meet One of California’s Citrus Growers Behind California’s citrus industry are dedicated farmers who care for the land and produce exceptional fruit. CDFA recognizes National Citrus Month and in collaboration with California Grown, we’re spotlighting one of the many growers helping shape the future of California agriculture. In the video below, Greg Lewis, owner of Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits in …

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USDA to Host Free Biosecurity Webinars for Dairy and Poultry Producers

January 23, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer two free webinars focused on biosecurity best practices to help prevent the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These sessions are designed for: Each webinar will cover practical steps producers can take to strengthen biosecurity controls and protect animal health. USDA experts will also highlight free resources available to …

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CDFA State Organic Program collaborates with county agricultural inspectors across California

January 22, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA’s State Organic Program’s (SOP) mission is to protect the organic label through education, outreach, and, when necessary, enforcement in California, under the authority of the USDA’s National Organic Program. California is the only state in the nation with a USDA-approved State Organic Program. The SOP upholds state laws and USDA organic regulations by overseeing requirements for the production and …

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