Planting Seeds - Food & Farming News from CDFA

Category Archives: Uncategorized


CDFA joins USDA trade mission to Mexico

CDFA Deputy Secretary Rachel O’Brien is participating in the U.S. – Mexico Agribusiness Trade Mission occurring this week in Mexico City. The trade mission is highlighting trade opportunities and business connections with the United States’ largest bilateral trading partner. The USDA Delegation includes more than 150 participants representing businesses, industry associations and state departments of agriculture. Mexico is California fourth largest …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CDFA kicks off California State Employees Food Drive – Early!

Every year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) leads the State Employees Food Drive, raising food, funds and awareness regarding hunger issues in our state. California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet more than 1 in 5 Californians — about 8.8 million — currently struggle with food insecurity. Last year, state employees donated over …

Posted in Food Access, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Agritourism – How Pumpkins are Grown in California

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Farm to School Month Grantee Spotlight: Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

As CDFA continues the celebration of October as National Farm to School Month, we’re highlighting two-time California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program grantee Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Union School District (YCJUSD), in San Bernardino County. YCJUSD started purchasing oranges and kiwi from local farm Old Grove Orange nearly 20 years ago. Since then, farm to school has blossomed into a cornerstone …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Agritourism – The Best Places to Go Apple Picking This Fall

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CDFA’s Leslie Fernandez Wins ‘Women Making a Difference’ award

CDFA congratulates State Organic Program Special Investigator Leslie Fernandez for recently being recognized with a Women Making a Difference Award from Orange County. This award is given to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact and commitment in their fields, as well as meaningful contributions to their communities. The Certificate of Recognition reads, in part, “Your leadership and unwavering commitment …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Secretary Ross joins UC ANR to introduce California AgTech Alliance; funded by California Jobs First

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross today joined University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and other partners to introduce the California AgTech Alliance, a statewide initiative intended to transform how agricultural technology moves from lab to field as well as coordinate nine regional innovation hubs designed to deploy cutting-edge technology, train the next generation of agricultural workers, and attract …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture is out for public review

Now Extended!Review Period: October 7, 2025 – November 21, 2025 CDFA encourages stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, technical assistance providers, and the public, to review the draft guidelines and submit feedback during the open comment period. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has just released the draft Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture (RSA) for public comment. As California farmers and …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Agritourism – California’s Pumpkin Patches: Hunter Farms

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong counts down California CRUNCH!

On October 16, CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined the Community Alliance with Family Farmers California CRUNCH event at Charles Mack Elementary School in Sacramento. The “CRUNCH!” heard across the state is an annual event where California students all at once take a bite of locally grown fruits and vegetables to celebrate local farms and healthy eating! Learn more about CDFA’s …

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment