California Department of Food and Agriculture

CDFA News

CDFA Reopens Application Submission Period for Grants to Provide Technical Assistance for the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP)

SACRAMENTO, August 21, 2017 — CDFA has reopened the acceptance period for technical assistance providers to submit applications for financial grants that can be used to provide technical assistance to dairy and livestock operators applying for the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP)....

Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Declared in a Portion of Los Angeles County

SACRAMENTO, August 18, 2017 — A portion of Los Angeles County has been placed under quarantine for the Oriental fruit fly following the detection of nine flies in the Hollywood area. The quarantine zone measures 75 square miles. A link to the quarantine map may be found here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/off/regulation.html....

CDFA Announces Request for Proposals for Phase 2 of the California Nutrition Incentive Grant Program

SACRAMENTO, August 16, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Farm to Fork is currently accepting proposals for the 2018 California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which was established to encourage the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables by CalFresh recipients....

CDFA Utilizes California Climate Investment Funds to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions on California Dairies

SACRAMENTO, August 15, 2017 — Representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week at Philip Verwey Farms in Madera to celebrate the installation of an on-farm anaerobic dairy digester. It was made possible by a $2.3 million grant from CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP)....

CDFA Certifies that Lyft, Uber Measurement Systems Accurately Establish Consumer Fares

SACRAMENTO, August 14, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued California Type Evaluation Program Certificates of Approval to Lyft, Inc. and Uber USA, LLC. after determining that the companies’ digital systems accurately measure distance and time in establishing costs to consumers....

CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available for Healthy Soils Program in 2017

SACRAMENTO, August 8, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP). The program, authorized by the Budget Act of 2016, receives funding from California Climate Investments, with proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions targeted to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions....

CDFA Receives $3.9 Million to Help Low-Income Families Buy Fruits, Vegetables

SACRAMENTO, August 8, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has received a $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help low-income Californians purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at certified farmers’ markets. The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant will fund the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which begins this summer....

CDFA Accepting Applications for Grants to Provide Technical Assistance for Dairy and Livestock Operators Participating in the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP)

SACRAMENTO, August 7, 2017 — CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts that provide technical assistance to applicants....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Shell Egg Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, July 26, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Egg Safety and Quality Management (ESQM) program is announcing two vacancies on the Shell Egg Advisory Committee (SEAC). SEAC makes recommendations to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to quality standards for shell eggs, uniformity of inspection, adjustment of fees for administration, and enforcement, and the annual budget....

Citrus Growers Reaffirm Support for State’s Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program

SACRAMENTO, July 24, 2017 — California growers have affirmed the extension of a cooperative effort in response to the most serious threat to the state’s citrus crops. Years before the discovery of the citrus pest the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) in California in 2008 and the subsequent detection in 2012 of Huanglongbing (HLB), the disease spread by the ACP....

CDFA Seeks Public Comment on Cap-and-Trade Funded Alternative Manure Management Program

SACRAMENTO, July 20, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting public comments on Requests for Grant Applications (RGA) for the new Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). CDFA was appropriated $50 million dollars from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, authorized by the Budget Act of 2016....

Announcement of Vacancy on the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, July 12, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing one vacancy on the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS) Advisory Board. The Board makes recommendations to CDFA and the University of California on matters pertaining to the operations of the CAHFS laboratory system....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, July 11, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. The board advises the secretary of food and agriculture on the department’s Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, which ensures fertilizing materials are safe, effective and meet quality guarantees....

CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork the New Lead of the California Farm to School Network

SACRAMENTO, July 10, 2017 — This summer the California Farm to School Network (CFSN) transitions to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Office of Farm to Fork, making the Office the new Network lead as well as a core partner for the National Farm to School Network....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Now Accepting Proposals for 2017 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

SACRAMENTO, July 10, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals for the 2017 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP)....

CDFA Accepting Applications for Grants to Provide Workshops and Technical Assistance for Farmers Participating in the Cap-and-Trade-Funded Healthy Soils Incentives Program

SACRAMENTO, July 7, 2017 — CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions, and California Resource Conservation Districts for grant funds to provide technical assistance to....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Hear Updates on Regional Collaboration Initiatives, California Fairs and the CalCannabis Program on July 11

SACRAMENTO, July 6, 2017 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates on a variety of programs impacting agricultural communities across the state at its upcoming meeting on July 11th in Sacramento....

CDFA Announces $5.1 Million in Cap-And-Trade Funded Grants for 2017 State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

SACRAMENTO, July 3, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce the projects selected for the 2017 State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)....

CDFA Seeks Public Comment on $6.75 Million Cap-And-Trade-Funded Healthy Soils Program

SACRAMENTO, June 28, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting public comments on Requests for Grant Applications (RGA) for the $6.75 million Healthy Soils Program (HSP), authorized by the Budget Act of 2016, and funded through California’s cap-and-trade program....

“Don’t Pack a Pest” Traveler Education Outreach Program Expands to California at San Franciso Airport

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 27, 2017 — People traveling to and from San Francisco International Airport are now advised, “Don’t Pack a Pest,” on signs placed at various locations in the terminal. A news conference today announced the expansion of this successful awareness campaign into California....

CDFA Announces Public Review and Comment Period for the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for Cannabis Cultivation

SACRAMENTO, June 15, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has prepared a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) outlining potential environmental effects associated with the adoption and implementation of statewide cannabis cultivation regulations....

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Eradicated from Los Angeles County

SACRAMENTO, June 9, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner’s office have eradicated a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) infestation centered near the Panorama City area of Los Angeles County, ending a 127-square-mile quarantine that began November 29, 2016. A total of 18 flies and eight larval sites were detected....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Announces Vacancy on the Nursery Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, June 6, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing one, mid-term vacancy on the Nursery Advisory Board. The Board is composed of twelve voting members, each representing an establishment with a valid California License to Sell Nursery Stock. No two members shall represent the same organization....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

SACRAMENTO, May 31, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing one vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus specific pest and disease work plan that includes, but is not limited to outreach and education program and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing,...

Citrus Disease Huanglongbing Detection and Quarantine in Orange County

SACRAMENTO, May 26, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have confirmed the detections of the citrus disease known as huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening in Orange County. The disease was detected in plant material taken from a lemon tree in a residential neighborhood in La Habra and from three trees in a residential neighborhood in Anaheim....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on the Cattle Health Advisory Task Force

SACRAMENTO, May 22, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Animal Health and Food Safety Services division is announcing two vacancies on the Cattle Health Advisory Task Force (CHATF), which advises the CDFA Secretary on the control and management of cattle diseases and evaluates the effectiveness of cattle health programs....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on the Livestock Identification Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, May 11, 2017 — CDFA’s Bureau of Livestock Identification is announcing a vacancy on the Livestock Identification Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the secretary of agriculture about the curbing of livestock theft; legislation and procedures to improve the function of the Bureau; and the Bureau’s annual budget....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee

SACRAMENTO, May 8, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing four vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee. The subcommittee reviews and recommends research and education proposals for funding and implementation....

CDFA Announces Funding for Dairy Digester Development Program

SACRAMENTO, May 3, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for project funding from the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), authorized by the Budget Act of 2016. This program receives funding from California Climate Investments Program, with proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a variety of additional benefits....

Settlement Reached Between CDFA and Animal Feed Manufacturer

SACRAMENTO, May 2, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture Feed and Livestock Drugs Inspection Program has reached a settlement with animal feed manufacturer Western Milling LLC involving their manufacturing facility in Goshen, Tulare County. In September 2015, the facility produced horse feed that was adulterated with Monensin, a livestock drug that when fed to horses is known to be fatal....

CDFA Releases Draft Regulations on California’s Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program

SACRAMENTO, April 28, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today released proposed regulations for the state medical cannabis cultivation and licensing program....

CA Grown and 'California Thursdays' on the Agenda for Upcoming State BOARD of Food and Agriculture Meeting on May 2

SACRAMENTO, April 26, 2017 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be discussing value-based marketing opportunities for California's farmers and ranchers at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, May 2nd....

Public Listening Sessions Scheduled to Discuss CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program

SACRAMENTO, April 10, 2017 — Three public stakeholder listening sessions and one webinar are scheduled from April 17 through April 28, 2017 to obtain feedback and comments on CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) framework. The listening sessions are designed to obtain input from a wide group of stakeholders....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss Farm Labor, Rural Job Development and Workforce Training at April 4th Meeting

SACRAMENTO, March 29, 2017 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss agricultural labor issues, rural job development and opportunities for career technical education at its upcoming meeting on April 4th in Sacramento. Over the next 5-10 years on-farm automation and research will impact the agricultural sector – ....

Ag Education, Healthy Eating, and CA Grown Products to be Featured at California Ag Day at the State Capitol on March 22

SACRAMENTO, March 20, 2017 — On Wednesday, March 22, The California Department of Food and Agriculture will partner with the California Women for Agriculture and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom to host the state’s annual celebration of agriculture, California Ag Day at the Capitol....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

SACRAMENTO, March 8, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing one vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with statewide citrus-specific pests and a work plan that includes programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating citrus pests and diseases; as well as outreach and education programs....

Vacancies Announced on Industrial Hemp Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, March 7, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing the formation of an Industrial Hemp Advisory Board. This new board has been established under Section 81001 of the California Food and Agricultural Code (FAC)....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss Issues Related to Safe Drinking Water in Disadvantaged Communities at March 7th Meeting

SACRAMENTO, March 2, 2017 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be discussing issues related to safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 7th. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, February 23, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Integrated Pest Control Branch is announcing one vacancy on the Beet Curly Top Virus Control Board. This Advisory Board makes recommendations to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on the California Cotton Pest Control Board

SACRAMENTO, February 23, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Integrated Pest Control Branch is announcing three vacancies on the California Cotton Pest Control Board. This advisory Board makes recommendations to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Pink Bollworm Control Program....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on the Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, February 23, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Integrated Pest Control Branch is announcing a vacancy on the Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee. The committee makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to vertebrate pest control research....

CDFA Selects Organizations to Provide Technical Assistance to SWEEP Applicants

SACRAMENTO, February 15, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has selected 10 organizations that will provide hands-on technical assistance to prospective State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) applicants....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture Holds 2018 Farm Bill Listening Sessions at World Ag Expo

SACRAMENTO, February 14, 2017 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be hosting a 2018 Farm Bill Listening Session at the World Ag Expo in Tulare on Thursday, February 16th. The session will be held from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the International Agri-Center/Heritage Complex, 4500 S. Laspina Street (Theater) in Tulare, CA 93274....

CDFA Seeking Public Comments on the Next Dairy Digester Research and Development Program Grant Solicitation

SACRAMENTO, February 1, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting public comments on the DRAFT Request for Grant Applications for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), authorized by the Budget Act of 2016....

CDFA Accepting Applications for the 2017 State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

SACRAMENTO, February 1, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is beginning to accept applications, effective today, for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). An estimated $3.75 million will be available for competitive grant funding....

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to Host Farm Bill Listening Sessions — Seeking Public Comments on California’s Agricultural Priorities

SACRAMENTO, January 19, 2017 — California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross is holding several public forums across the state seeking input from farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders on priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill....

CDFA and Department of Water Resources Announce $6 Million Joint Agricultural Water Efficiency Program

SACRAMENTO, January 17, 2017 — The California Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Food and Agriculture have released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for joint applications involving funding for both agricultural water suppliers and agricultural operations....

CDFA Accepting Applications for Grants to Provide Workshops and Technical Assistance for Farmers Participating in the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

SACRAMENTO, January 13, 2017 — CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts for grant funds....

Soil Health Summit at CDFA Headquarters on Wednesday, January 11

SACRAMENTO, January 9, 2017 — On Wednesday, January 11, the California Department of Food and Agriculture will partner with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for a summit meeting: “Building Partnerships on Healthy Soil”....

CDFA Awards More Than $250,000 to Support Agricultural Education Through the California Agriculural License Plate Program

SACRAMENTO, January 4, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $257,000 to four organizations for projects that enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities for students, teachers and youth under the 2016 California Special Interest Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program....

CDFA and USDA to Host Joint Summit on Healthy Soils

SACRAMENTO, December 21, 2016 — The public is invited to a Soils Summit hosted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on healthy soil and climate smart agriculture. The meeting provides an opportunity to explore roles and collaborative opportunities for managing California soils while reducing greenhouse gases....

CDFA Accepting Concept Proposals for 2017 Fertilizer Research and Education Program Grants

SACRAMENTO, December 16, 2016 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is currently accepting concept proposals for the 2017 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds research that advances the agronomic and environmental performance of fertilizing materials....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Announces Vacancy on the Nursery Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, December 12, 2016 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing six vacancies on the Nursery Advisory Board. The Board is composed of twelve voting members, each representing an establishment with a valid California License to Sell Nursery Stock....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Shell Egg Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, December 12, 2016 — The Egg Safety and Quality Management (ESQM) Program monitors egg quality and food safety standards at production, wholesale, and retail levels. The goal is to provide California consumers with eggs that are wholesome, properly labeled, refrigerated, and of established quality, while maintaining fair and equitable marketing standards in the California egg industry....

Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine Near Panorama City

SACRAMENTO, December 2, 2016 — A portion of Los Angeles County has a Mediterranean fruit fly quarantine following the detection of nine flies and three larvae in the Panorama City-area. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively to address the issue....

CDFA Announces Vacancy on the Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, December 1, 2016 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Integrated Pest Control Branch is announcing one vacancy on the Beet Curly Top Virus Control Board....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, December 1, 2016 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing three vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB). The board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to the department to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk and meat....

CDFA’S State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) Awards Funding to 167 Projects Totaling Nearly $22 Million

SACRAMENTO, November 28, 2016 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has selected 167 projects, totaling $22 million, to receive grants from the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)....

Public Listening Sessions Scheduled to Discuss CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program

SACRAMENTO, November 7, 2016 — Three public stakeholder listening sessions and one webinar are scheduled during November 2016 to discuss the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP). These listening sessions are designed to obtain input from a wide group of stakeholders including but not limited to dairy farmers, project developers, environmental advocates....