Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

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Rooted in Community: Come See What Makes California Certified Farmers’ Markets Special

CDFA joins the nation in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week August 3-9 and encourages Californians to vote by September 30 for your favorite farmers’ market in American Farmland Trust’s 2025 America’s Farmers Market Celebration. Simply put, Certified Farmers’ Markets build healthy relationships with your local farmers and offer local food! Click on the video to see what makes California Certified …

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Secretary Ross in Brazil — Focus on Trade and Climate Collaboration

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is in São Paulo, Brazil this week, leading a delegation of business and agricultural organizations interested in strengthening ties with Brazil. The delegation also includes Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Karen Morrison and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Vice-President Glenda Humiston. Brazil is a leading global producer and an exporter of a variety of top agricultural …

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CDFA Insect Pavilion brings biodiversity and bugs to the 2025 California State Fair

From stick bugs to helpful pollinators, the Insect Pavilion at the California State Fair is crawling with discovery! Presented by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in partnership with the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, along with the Bohart Museum of Entomology—this exhibit invites fairgoers to explore the incredible world of insects and their vital role in …

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California State Fair Honors Generations of Agricultural Legacy with 2025 Ag Heritage Awards

From a State Fair News Release The California State Fair proudly recognizes the legacy, resilience, and contributions of multi-generational farming and ranching families as part of the 2025 Agricultural Heritage Awards. This year’s honorees include families whose operations span over a century of dedication to California’s rich agricultural landscape, with two families celebrating an extraordinary 175 years of continuous farming. …

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Lowering the boom on illegal fireworks — CDFA teamed up with San Bernardino County Fire to confiscate 13 tons prior to July 4th

CDFA teamed up with the San Bernardino County Fire Department over a series of weekends leading up to July 4th to intercept illegal fireworks at the Mountain Pass Border Station (I-15). The effort resulted in approximately 13 tons (26,000 lbs) being confiscated, with 105 citations issued by firefighters. The team was on the lookout for items not classified as “safe …

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$600 million for CDFA in new budget year

The state budget signed by Governor Newsom for 2025-2026 includes $600 million for CDFA programs, between baseline funding for core programs and new funding for the following projects: Animal and Human Health Emergency Infrastructure: The budget includes $6.1 million and 29 positions to allow CDFA to effectively respond to the current and continued threats to animal and human health due to outbreaks of various animal health …

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A Pride Month Conversation with Cody Nicholson Stratton, of Foggy Bottoms Boys Farms

On June 19, 2025, Cody Nicholson Stratton (pictured left), farmer/operator of Foggy Bottoms Boys Farm, joined virtually on Zoom for Pride Month Lunch and Learn; pictured right, Cody, his husband Thomas, and their six-year-old son. In celebration of Pride Month, CDFA’s Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee hosted a special virtual Lunch & Learn with Cody Nicholson Stratton …

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Experience California Agriculture — Secretary Ross applauds new agritourism website from California Grown

From a California Grown News Release CA GROWN has unveiled a new digital destination—Experience California Agriculture—to spotlight the state’s diverse and dynamic agritourism offerings. From u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to farm stays and farm-to-table restaurants, the website serves as a gateway to authentic California farm-fresh food and farm experiences. The newly launched platform offers interactive maps, regional guides, and …

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CDFA Celebrates Pride Month with Panel of LGBTQ+ Voices

Pictured, top (L-R) Jeff Cesca, Director of Marketing Services (Retired); Tad Naquin, Agricultural Biological Technician, Center for Analytical Chemistry; Gina Saldana, Personnel Supervisor, Human Resources Branch; Undersecretary Christine Birdsong; Siobhan Reid, Service Desk Analyst, Information Technology Services; Edward Southwick, Environmental Scientist, Plant Health & Pest Prevention Services Division. On Tuesday, June 17, CDFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and Office …

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CDFA marches with Pride in Sacramento

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, CDFA employees proudly participated in the annual Sacramento Pride March. The event, which brought together thousands of participants and supporters, celebrated LGBTQ+ pride, resilience, and community. CDFA was honored to walk in solidarity, showing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month — a time to celebrate progress, honor history, and …

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