Tag Archives: USDA

Update: New World Screwworm detected in Texas, New Mexico; California remains clear 

June 8, 2026   Jay Van Rein, CDFA Office of Public Affairs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the New World Screwworm – an invasive, destructive parasite – has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, marking the the pest’s first incursion into the United States since it was successfully eradicated in the 1960s.  Current Status for California  There are currently NO confirmed detections of New World Screwworm in California. The California Department …

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USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers

June 1, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers in response to elevated input costs and market disruptions resulting from foreign competitors engaging in …

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IPM Achievement Award from DPR recognizes success of Medfly Preventive Release Program

February 24, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

“For preventing the establishment of an invasive species through safer, more sustainable practices that reduce pesticide use and demonstrate significant economic benefit in California” Medfly Preventive Release Program Director Ian Walters with CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division accepted an award today from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) Integrated Pest Management Achievement Awards program. CDFA Plant …

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USDA announces aid for specialty crop farmers

February 17, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline is March 13 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar – commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and …

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CDFA Celebrates National Citrus Month

January 27, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Meet One of California’s Citrus Growers Behind California’s citrus industry are dedicated farmers who care for the land and produce exceptional fruit. CDFA recognizes National Citrus Month and in collaboration with California Grown, we’re spotlighting one of the many growers helping shape the future of California agriculture. In the video below, Greg Lewis, owner of Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits in …

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USDA announcement for Commodity Container Assistance Program includes Port of Oakland

May 25, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

From a USDA news release USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP), which currently includes a partnership with the Port of Oakland and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), which is a marine cargo operating partnership between the Port of Seattle and the Port of …

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CDFA Secretary Ross in D.C.: “Great conversation with USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue about California Ag issues”

February 5, 2019   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is in Washington, D.C. this week, meeting today with USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue and other officials. Secretary Ross reported on her Twitter feed, “Great conversation with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue about CALIFORNIA ag issues. It has been a while since I worked in this office!” Prior to her appointment as CDFA Secretary, she served as Chief of Staff …

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Secretary Ross tours USDA “Food Safety Discovery Zone” mobile exhibit at the State Fair

July 21, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) sent their “Food Safety Discovery Zone” mobile interactive exhibit to the California State Fair this year, marking the first time the decked-out vehicle has made the trip to the Golden State. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross visited the exhibit this morning …

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The People’s Department: A New Era for Civil Rights at USDA

August 5, 2016   Office of Public Affairs

By USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of accepting the Federal Agency of the Year award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While it’s always encouraging to receive praise on behalf of the Department, I am exceptionally proud of this award in …

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California leads the nation with $2.88 billion in horticultural sales

December 16, 2015   Office of Public Affairs

SACRAMENTO – California leads the nation with $2.88 billion in horticulture sales, according to the 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Of the $13.8 billion total horticultural sales in the U.S., 21 percent were from California. This report contains the results of the tenth Census of Horticultural Specialties …

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