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Category Archives: CDFA Secretary Karen Ross

Secretary Karen Ross Recognized for More Than 15 Years of Service to Agriculture

September 16, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was recognized for more than 15 years of service to agriculture during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (NASDA) inaugural Years of Service Ceremony at its 2026 annual meeting in Portland, Maine. Secretary Ross was among five state agriculture leaders recognized in the 15+ Years of Service category. The …

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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

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Visits Australia: Queensland, a Showcase in Innovation

August 26, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

From CDFA Secretary Karen Ross Queensland is Australia’s largest agricultural state and is leaning into agtech to improve productivity and outcomes for producers. During our first few days, we have engaged with a diverse range of groups, all passionate about collaboration and advancing agtech adoption and climate resilience. During our bilateral meeting with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), …

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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 Grown Lettuce and Leafy Greens Not Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak

August 12, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

From California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) With the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, many consumers, restaurants and grocery stores are concerned about the safety of their produce and its origin. The California LGMA would like to assure the public that California lettuce and leafy greens are in full production and are not associated with the ongoing outbreak. The U.S. Food and …

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Posted in CDFA Inspection Services, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Food Safety | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and Secretary Ross thank Undersecretary Christine Birdsong for her service!

August 7, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Today marks the final day at CDFA for Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, concluding five years of dedicated service to the State of California. Throughout her tenure, Christine brought significant experience working with industry leaders in the agricultural community and provided steady, thoughtful leadership during periods of substantial change, leaving a meaningful impact on the department. Before departing, Christine took a few …

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Posted in CDFA Public Affairs, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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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