…acres this year, the lowest since 1991, when California farmers planted 483,000 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This compares to 690,000 acres in 2013 and 750,000 acres…
USDA Seeks Public Comment on New Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is publishing a rule that outlines how it will improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), one of USDA’s largest conservation programs. The interim final…
California Among States Selected by USDA for Participation in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables
…information about the pilot, please visit the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables website. Building robust connections between farms and institutions, including schools, is a key element…
Growing California Video Series: Urban Farm Educates, Inspires
The latest segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Fairview Farms,” a profile of an urban farm near Santa Barbara – a farm with…
Farm Leader on House Bill HR5781
Congressman David Valadao Introduction of new drought-related legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives keeps the issue “front and center” in Washington, according to the president of the California Farm…
CFBF President’s Message: One Opportunity Lost; One Remains
…be able to make better predictions for storing, releasing and allocating water for farms, the environment and other needs. This winter will see a huge migration of waterfowl throughout California,…
Full Belly Farm Named 2014 California Leopold Conservation Award Recipient
…owners are dedicated to exceptional land stewardship and strive to balance the farm’s bottom line with environmentally sound practices. They are committed to fostering sustainability on all levels, from soil…
Silicon Valley Needs Farmers Too – Farm to Food Bank Month Spotlight
…fiscal year, more than any other food bank in the nation. Much of this food was donated from family farms, demonstrating the deep connection that farmers have to local community….
USDA to Survey Farmers’ Planting Intentions for 2015
As the 2015 growing season officially comes to an end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers nationwide to gather final year-end crop production…
EPA Helps California’s Redwood Valley County Water District Prepare for a Changing Climate
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is helping the Redwood Valley County Water District, in Mendocino County, Calif. assess the risks they face from climate change and to take actions that…
Farm Leader Welcomes Passage of Water Bond
…into the reality of an improved water system that helps meet the long-term needs of our cities, farms and environment,” Wenger said. “The bipartisan action by the Legislature to put…
California Cattle on Feed
…but excludes slaughter done on farms. In September 2014, the average live weight of cattle slaughtered in California was 1,312 pounds, calves 99 pounds, sheep & lambs 131 pounds, and…
USDA Releases New State-by-State “Made in Rural America” Report
…and regional food system to harness entrepreneurial innovation and help small and medium-sized family farms succeed in rural America. The report’s state by state fact sheets are available at www.usda.gov/opportunities….
World Food Day a Reminder of Everyday Challenges With Food Access
…communities with fresh, nutritious food directly from farms. The fact that many of them now accept CalFresh cards means that some of California’s neediest families are getting the access they…