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Category Archives: Agricultural Education

Maddy Institute summer interns benefit from exposure to CDFA public service

August 28, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA hosted five Maddy Institute Agricultural Policy interns this summer, who each received an in-depth look at the policies shaping agriculture while preparing them for a career in agricultural policy and public service. “We’re pleased to work with the Maddy Institute each summer to introduce our next generation of agricultural leaders to the scope of work at the California Department …

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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Succession Planning | Tagged | Leave a comment

Secretary Karen Ross on Leadership, Innovation, and the Future

August 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Secretary Karen Ross is featured in the July edition of the ONOR Journal in a conversation about leadership, innovation and preparing the next generation for the future. In the feature, Secretary Ross shares insights drawn from her career in agriculture and public service, emphasizing that while technology and innovation are transforming agriculture, people remain at the heart of progress. “Today’s …

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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, CDFA Public Affairs, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Climate Smart Agriculture, Community-based Food System | Leave a comment

California explores how farm byproducts, forest materials and food waste can be repurposed

July 27, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

A new academic study explores how California’s emerging bioeconomy could create new value from the state’s biological resources while strengthening rural economics and preparing the workforce for new industries. This study is in a special issue of the Agricultural and Resource Economics (ARE) Update from the University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics. It highlights Californians discovering how agricultural …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Conservation, Environment, Food Waste | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Executive Fellow Sarah Ansell Leaves Lasting Impact at CDFA

July 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA is proud to recognize Executive Fellow Sarah Ansell as she concludes a year of public service marked by leadership and a commitment to advancing California agriculture. From supporting the department’s climate initiatives and preparing Secretary Karen Ross for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) to helping manage complex legislative issues during a transition and playing a key role …

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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environment | Leave a comment

CDFA intern inspired by agriculture’s potential to be part of solution to climate crisis 

July 20, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

By Alanna Laverty, CDFA Intern As I prepare for my final year of undergraduate education, I am spending the summer interning for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). I am a Global Studies major at UC Santa Barbara and I am interested in global climate change, environment, and sustainability. I chose to intern at CDFA because of the …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Change, Climate Smart Agriculture, Conservation, Environment | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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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Posted in Agricultural Education | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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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Posted in Agricultural Education, Climate Smart Agriculture, Community-based Food System, Farm to School, Food Access | Tagged | Leave a comment

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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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Biodiversity, Border stations, Environment | Tagged | Leave a comment

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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Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Animal Welfare, Biodiversity, Conservation, Drought, Environment, Farm Labor, Trade, Water | Tagged | Leave a comment

What’s in Season at U-Pick Farms Across the State? 

June 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

California is a beautiful patchwork of mountains, beaches, valleys, and deserts. This remarkable diversity not only draws visitors from around the world but also makes California the most productive agricultural state in the nation. It’s the reason there’s always something fresh and delicious in season. Seasonal produce is always spectacular, but you can’t beat a just-picked berry, still warm from …

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Posted in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Food Access, Growing California, Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Leave a comment