Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Agricultural Education


Singapore farmers inspire with innovation and commitment to community

In California, I have the opportunity to meet with farmers almost everyday, and it’s a point of pride that they are widely admired for their innovation and support of local communities. What was inspiring about my trip to Singapore, a nation with less than two percent of land dedicated to farming, is that the “California spirit” of farming is strongly …

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Earth Day and Farming

As the daughter of a farmer, I grew up with a love of the land and a deep respect for nature – you might say a native understanding that every day was Earth Day. My father worked the land. He took care of it and it took care of us, as well as many other people consuming what our farm …

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Alternative Fuels, Cannella Panel, Climate Change, Environment, State Board of Food and Agriculture, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross – We must work together to help prevent invasive species

The USDA has announced that it’s dedicating the month of April to sharing information about the threat that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America’s fruits, vegetables, trees, and other plants—and how the public can help prevent their spread. It’s great that we’re spending a month focusing on this enormously critical issue. I hope we ultimately reach …

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Community-based Food System, Farmers' Markets, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Invasive Species, Specialty Crops, Trade | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

State Vet Dr. Annette Whiteford Named Chair of National Institute of Animal Agriculture

One of the best things about the California Department of Food and Agriculture is the talented group of people who work here. We have dedicated public servants with deep expertise in their chosen fields and a passion for making our state a better place. We are fortunate that many of our senior employees are placed in positions of national leadership. …

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Animal Welfare, Community-based Food System, Dairy, Food Access, Food Safety, Trade | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A look back at last week’s Ag Day festivities

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Community-based Food System, Food Access, Specialty Crops, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Merced County youth wins ag story writing contest (MercedSunStar.com)

Friday, Mar. 23, 2012 Sun-Star staff http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/03/23/2280526/merced-county-youth-wins-ag-story.html Grace Reyes, a Merced County student, was recognized March 21 by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom’s “Imagine this … Story Writing Contest.” Reyes, her teacher and parents were recognized at a ceremony at the California State Capitol in the Governor’s Council Room. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen …

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Ag Day – A Celebration of the Future

I am blessed to be in my 15th month as California’s secretary of agriculture. In my travels around the state, I have gained a new appreciation for the miracles that farmers and ranchers create every day, against considerable odds. As we look to the future and its anticipated demand that world food production double over the next 40 years, we …

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News Advisory – Ag Day on March 21

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-007 WHAT: Ag Day 2012 is the California agricultural community’s annual opportunity to give legislators, Capitol staffers and the public a chance to see what’s new down on the farm. California’s farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, flowers and more for all of the Golden State’s citizens and many more around the world. Award-winning farmers will be honored, as will …

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Looking Ahead – Ag Day on March 21

California’s annual celebration of farming, Ag Day, is right around the corner. Next Wednesday, March 21, will see thousands of people on the west lawn of the State Capitol, viewing exhibits staffed by Ag groups. It’s a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to meet the Capitol community. The origin of Ag Day was to connect farmers to state lawmakers, …

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CDFA Launches Biosecurity Toolkit For Equine Events

Six different outbreaks of Equine Herpes Virus-1 among show horses in California over the past year have increased awareness of the need for stronger biosecurity measures at equine events. In response, CDFA’s Animal Health Branch developed the Biosecurity Toolkit for Equine Events, which recommends enhanced biosecurity in an attempt to minimize future disease outbreaks. The keys to implementing this plan …

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