Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that starting Sept. 2, 2014, farmers can enroll in the new dairy Margin Protection Program. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill,…
Statements from Officials on Dairy Pricing Legislation
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman and State Senator Cathleen Galgiani have made statements on Dairy Pricing Legislation. Legislation (AB 2730) that was introduced last week to…
California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss Climate Change and CDFA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
…release of ‘Safeguarding California: Reducing Climate Risks’, California is building upon our continuing efforts to prepare and adapt to a changing climate,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “How California farmers…
USDA Reopens Chinese Market Access for California Citrus
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that California citrus farmers will be able to resume exports to China this season. California citrus exports are valued at $30 million annually. “Resuming…
Vilsack Calls CA Wildfire Season ‘Intense’
Vilsack The cost of fighting wildfires is on the rise and it comes as California has what U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack calls an “intense” wildfire season. Sabrina Hill has…
FSA Administrator Juan Garcia Set to Retire
…our relay race of teamwork continues towards that next sunrise.” Garcia will remain in his position until a successor is chosen. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on Garcia’s retirement saying…
Mexico Trade Mission and Ag Labor Issues – Looking Forward
(Photo courtesy of ca.gov Planting Seeds) While in Mexico City last week, Governor Brown met with Secretary Navarrete Prida of the Mexican Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and signed…
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Provides Six-Month Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced continued progress on implementing the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), which President Obama signed into law nearly six months ago on…
New Data Reflects the Continued Demand for Farmers Markets
…outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. Secretary Vilsack has identified strengthening local food systems as one of the four pillars of USDA’s commitment to rural economic development….
As Trade Mission to Mexico Ends, Collaborative Efforts Will Continue
…CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Richard Matoian, American Pistachio Growers; Bryce Lundberg, State Food and Ag Board Member; and Jake Lewin, California Certified Organic Farmers. (Photo from ca.gov Planting Seeds) Our…
California and Mexico – a Win-Win Relationship
…can be a “win-win” relationship like no other. Secretary Ross is in Mexico City as part of the Governor Brown’s Trade Mission. During the trip, Secretary Ross is meeting with…
USDA Announces Grants to Help Veterans and Minority Farmers Get Started in Agriculture
Today, USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced the availability of over $9 million in outreach and technical assistance for minority farmers and ranchers and military veterans that are new to…
CDFA benefits from new training initiative that helps State improve efficiency, cut red tape
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (center) with the Department’s Lean 6 Sigma Training graduates. From left, Animal Health and Food Safety Services director Dr. Annette Jones, division analyst Kimberly McCarthy, Division…
Global Food Safety Agreement Signed by China and UC Davis
…president of Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University. Also present were Catherine Woteki, under secretary for research, education and economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Vice Minister Zhang Laiwu…