California Department of Food and Agriculture

CDFA News

Virulent Newcastle Disease Confirmed in a Backyard Chicken Flock in Los Angeles County

SACRAMENTO, May 18, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has detected virulent Newcastle disease in a small flock of backyard exhibition chickens in Los Angeles County. The detection has been confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)....

CDFA Announces Award for 2018 Small Dairy Climate Change Research

SACRAMENTO, May 8, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded a $213,349 research grant to the California Dairy Research Foundation in collaboration with University of California scientists to study methane emissions at California dairies. The project is titled, “Small Dairy Climate Change Research: An economic evaluation of strategies for methane emission reduction effectiveness and appropriateness in small and large California dairies.”...

California Awarded More Than $1.5 Million to Support Specialty Crop Industry Through Multistate Initiatives

SACRAMENTO, May 2, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is pleased to announce that three projects submitted by California were selected for funding for the 2017 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP). The SCMP is a federal grant program offered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service....

State Organic Program Announces New Vacancies on Adviosry Committee

SACRAMENTO, May 2, 2018 — The California State Organic Program's (SOP) advisory board, the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC), has announced it is looking to fill nine vacancies on the 30-person committee. COPAC advises the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the SOP on organic issues, and provides guidance on enforcement, education, outreach, and technical assistance for organic producers...

California Nutrition Incentiver Program – New Grantees Announced

SACRAMENTO, April 30, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $825,543 in grant funding to four organizations as part of the California Nutrition Incentive Program. The funds will be used to help address food insecurity and access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts among low-income Californians while simultaneously supporting and expanding markets for California farmers....

Produce Safety Program Launches Website

SACRAMENTO, April 18, 2018 — A new website has been launched by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help California farmers understand how to comply with new food safety regulations known as the Produce Safety Rule, which went into effect nationwide in January....

Request for Proposals for the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) – Supporting Export Growth for California Small Business

SACRAMENTO, April 5, 2018 — The State of California is currently accepting proposals for the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) – a federally funded grant program of the U.S. Small Business Administration to increase exports activities among small businesses....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Hear Updates on Current Water Conditions

SACRAMENTO, March 27, 2018 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates by federal and state officials on current water conditions and the outlook for this summer at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814....

CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available for the 2018 Alternative Manure Management Program

SACRAMENTO, March 27, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the 2018 Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). The AMMP is one of two programs designed by CDFA to reduce dairy and livestock greenhouse gas emissions....

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

SACRAMENTO, March 22, 2018 — 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 Public Licensing Workshops For Cannabis Cultivators in March and April

SACRAMENTO, March 15, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division will host seven public workshops throughout California starting on March 27. CDFA will provide guidance on how to complete the annual cannabis cultivation license application....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Announces Vacancy on Industrial Hemp Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, March 15, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing one mid-term vacancy on the Industrial Hemp Advisory Board (IHAB)....

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

SACRAMENTO, March 12, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture will host a public listening session on March 19, 2018 to hear stakeholder input on the Alternative Manure Management Program, or AMMP....

CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available for Healthy Soils Program

SACRAMENTO, March 6, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP). The program provides funding for incentivizing and demonstrating soil health practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve soil health....

CDFA Accepting Proposals For Small Dairy Research

SACRAMENTO, March 6, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals to address small dairy climate change research.

Supported by a $250,000 allocation from the Budget Act of 2017, these grants will fund research proposals that evaluate how small dairies differ from large dairies in adapting and mitigating to climate change....

CDFA Now Accepting Applications for Alternative Manure Management Program Technical Assistance Grants.

SACRAMENTO, March 5, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting grant applications from non-profits, universities, and California Resource Conservation Districts that will offer technical assistance to farmers and ranchers interested in applying to the state’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP)....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss Plant Pests and Diseases at March 6th Meeting

SACRAMENTO, March 5, 2018 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss pests and diseases that threaten agricultural crops at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Avocado Inspection Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, March 1, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing two vacancies on the Avocado Inspection Advisory Committee (AIC). This committee makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the California Avocado Inspection Program....

CDFA Now Accepting Applications for Healthy Soils Program Technical Assistance Grants

SACRAMENTO, February 26, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting grant applications from non-profits, universities and California Resource Conservation Districts (RCD) offering technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who are interested in applying to the state’s Healthy Soils Program (HSP)....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, February 16, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing 17 vacancies on the Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee. This committee makes recommendations to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Shipping Point Inspection Program....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Awards $9.64 Million for Alternative Manure Management Projects

SACRAMENTO, January 31, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has awarded $9.64 million in grant funding to 17 alternative manure management projects across the state. These projects, part of the Alternative Manure Management Program, or AMMP, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions on California dairy farms and livestock operations....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Announces Vacancies on Nursery Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, January 30, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing two, mid-term 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. No two members shall represent the same organization....

CDFA Introduces Produce Safety Program

SACRAMENTO, January 26, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing the creation of a new unit within its Inspection Services Division called the Produce Safety Program. This unit has been created to assist California produce farms in understanding the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act....

Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted in Los Angeles County

SACRAMENTO, January 26, 2018 — 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 an Oriental fruit fly (OFF) infestation centered near the Hollywood area of Los Angeles County, ending a 75-square-mile quarantine that began August 18, 2017. A total of 9 flies were detected....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Visit Delta and Sonoma County

SACRAMENTO, January 24, 2018 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be holding a two-day meeting to discuss a variety of local agricultural issues impacting the Delta and Sonoma County. As an advisory board to the governor and the CDFA secretary, the Board addresses issues of importance to California's farmers, ranchers and community stakeholders....

CDFA Announces Extension of Grant Application Deadline for the 2018 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program

SACRAMENTO, January 19, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has extended the grant application deadline for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), from January 26, 2018 to February 23, at 5 P.M. PST....

Request for Proposals for the California Nutrition Incentive Program – 2018 CNIP Expansion

SACRAMENTO, January 18, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Farm to Fork is currently accepting proposals for the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), 2018 CNIP Expansion. CNIP encourages the purchase and consumption of healthy, California grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, January 11, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing two vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board. 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, meat, and eggs....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, January 11, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing nine vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee. This committee makes recommendations to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Standardization Program....

CDFA, Bureau of Cannabis Control and Department of Public Health Offer Workshops on California's Cannabis Track-and-Trace System

SACRAMENTO, January 8, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture's CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division, along with the Bureau of Cannabis Control and the California Department of Public Health, are offering 14 workshops in January and February on California's Cannabis Track-and-Trace system....

Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in Portion of San Diego County

SACRAMENTO, January 5, 2018 — A portion of San Diego County has been placed under quarantine for the Mexican fruit fly following the detection of seven flies within the City of Encinitas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on this project....

CDFA Awards More Than $260,000 to Support Agricultural Education Through the California Agricultural License Plate Program

SACRAMENTO, January 4, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $260,000 for six projects that enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities for students, teachers and youth under the 2017 California Special Interest Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program....

CDFA Now Accepting Applications for Annual Cannabis Cultivation Licences

SACRAMENTO, January 2, 2018 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture's CalCannabis program has begun accepting applications for annual commercial licenses for cultivators, nurseries and processors.

“After many months of preparation, California's licensing system for cannabis cultivators is open,” said CDFA's CalCannabis Director Richard Parrott....

Medfly Quarantine in Portion of San Mateo County

SACRAMENTO, December 19, 2017 — A portion of San Mateo County has been placed under quarantine for the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) following the detection of two Medflies within the City of Half Moon Bay. CDFA is working collaboratively with the USDA and the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner's office on this project....

CDFA Now Accepting Temporary Cannabis Licensing Applications

SACRAMENTO, December 18, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture's CalCannabis program has officially launched its online licensing system and is now accepting applications for temporary commercial cannabis licenses for cultivators, nurseries and processors. The link to the online licensing system can be accessed at: https://aca6.accela.com/calcannabis/Welcome.aspx...

CDFA Announces Funding for Dairy Digester Development Program

SACRAMENTO, December 15, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP). The program, which is funded through California Climate Investment dollars, provides financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters in California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions....

CDFA Accepting Concept Proposals for 2018 Fertiler Research and Education Program Grants

SACRAMENTO, December 15, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is currently accepting concept proposals for the 2018 grant cycle. FREP's competitive grant program funds research that advances the agronomic and environmental performance of fertilizing materials....

CDFA Healthy Soils Program Awards $5.23 Million in Grants

SACRAMENTO, December 5, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has awarded $5.23 million in grant funding to 86 projects as part of its Healthy Soils Program. The program is the first of its kind in the nation, and encourages farmers and ranchers to implement practices that reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases and improve soil health....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Certified Farmers' Market Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, December 1, 2017 — CDFA is announcing 18 vacancies on the California Certified Farmers' Market Advisory Committee (CFMAC). The CFMAC advises the secretary of agriculture on issues related to the direct marketing of agriculture products at certified farmers' markets....

CDFA Awards Nearly $800,000 to Improve Agricultural Fertilizer Management and Water Quality

SACRAMENTO, December 1, 2017 — CDFA's Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is pleased to announce the award of $800,000 in grant funds to agricultural organizations and universities this year. The grants will fund four projects designed to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce the nitrogen footprint of fertilizer use....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Shell Egg Advisory Committee

SACRAMENTO, November 30, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Egg Safety and Quality Management (ESQM) program is announcing a vacancy on the Shell Egg Advisory Committee (SEAC). The 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....

First Annual California Soils Week to Highlight Connection Between Healthy Soils and Healthy Lives

SACRAMENTO, November 30, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is joining with government partners, NGOs and private industry to celebrate the inaugural California Soils Week, scheduled to correspond with World Soils Day on December 5, 2017 but also including events in northern and southern California from December 4 to December 7....

CDFA Schedules Training Workshops for Cannabis Cultivators Seeking Information on Applications for Licensing

IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the training workshops are now full. Please see the new APPLICATION TRAINING VIDEOS, which cover the same steps reviewed at the in-person training workshops.

CDFA Releases Final Environmental Impact Report For CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Program

SACRAMENTO, November 13, 2017 — The final program environmental impact report (EIR) for the CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Program has been certified and is available for viewing at cdfa.ca.gov/calcannabis/PEIR.html....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Now Accepting New Proposals on Management Practices for Healthy Soils Program

SACRAMENTO, November 6, 2017 — CDFA's Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI), in coordination with the agency's Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel, is now accepting new proposals for soil carbon sequestration management practices for inclusion in its Healthy Soils Program (HSP)....

California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss Wildfire Disaster Assistance and Waterfix at November 7th Meeting

SACRAMENTO, November 2, 2017 — The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear about federal and state resources available to communities impacted by the October wildfires in Northern California at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 7th....

CDFA Announcies Vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

SACRAMENTO, October 31, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing two vacancies 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 programs....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Awards $35.2 Million for Dairy Digester Projects

SACRAMENTO, October 25, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has awarded $35.2 million in grant funding to 18 dairy digester projects across the state. These projects, part of the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manure on California dairy farms....

CDFA Announces Vacancies on the Rendering Industry Advisory Board

SACRAMENTO, October 20, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Branch (MPES) is announcing two vacancies on the Rendering Industry Advisory Board (RIAB). The RIAB makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the MPES Rendering Program....

CDFA and DWR Award $4.6 Million to Improve Water Efficiency

SACRAMENTO, October 19, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) have announced the recipients of a joint water efficiency grant. The North San Joaquin Water Conservation District and 19 farm operations within the district will receive $4.6 million to improve water delivery and on-farm water efficiency....

CDFA Extends Proposal Deadline for Specialty Crop Grants

SACRAMENTO, October 11, 2017 — In consideration of those affected by wildfires burning through many parts of California, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has extended the application deadline for the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Concept proposals must be submitted electronically using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST) https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov by Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at 5 PM PST....

California Agriculture Leads Nation in Specialty Crop Funding

State receives more than $19 million in federal grant program

SACRAMENTO, October 5, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced funding for the 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received $19.2 million out of approximately $60.6 million awarded nationwide....

Medfly Infestation Triggers Quarantine in Portion of Solano County

SACRAMENTO, October 4, 2017 — A quarantine has been declared due to a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) infestation n Solano County. A total of four adult males and one unmated female have been detected. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on this project....

California Department of Food and Agriculture Seeks Bids for Grower Food Safety Training

SACRAMENTO, October 2, 2017 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking a contractor to provide food safety training for California produce growers. Interested parties can learn more and submit proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) that has been posted by the Department on the Cal eProcure website. Proposals are due October 16, 2017....

Plant Health & Pest Prevention
Animal Health & Food Safety
CalCannabis Licensing
Environmental Farming
Inspection Services
Marketing Services
Dairy Programs
Fairs & Expositions
Measurement Standards
Pierce’s Disease Control Program
County/State Relations
Resources

Plant Health & Pest Prevention

PEIR: FINAL Statewide Pest Prevention Environmental Impact Report
Move Plants/Fruits/Vegetables
European Grapevine Moth
Pest Rating Proposals
Japanese Beetle
California Border Protection Stations
Report a Pest
Nursery License Renewal & Directory
Permits: Plants & Pests

21st Century Invasive Pest Management Symposia
Weeds & Invasive Plants
Exotic Fruit Flies
Bees: Pollinator Protection
Asian Citrus Psyllid/Huanglongbing
CA Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Cmte
Plant Division Manuals
CA Firewood Task Force
California Industrial Hemp Program

Animal Health & Food Safety

NEW: Virulent Newcastle Disease Updates
New: Livestock Antibiotic Use Law
Avian Influenza Information -Updated
Commercial Poultry Biosecurity Resources
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) Alert
Animal Disease Traceability
Emergency Animal Diseases Management Program

License/Permit/Register
Report Grease Theft
Inedible Kitchen Grease Program
Milk Consumed Raw Standards
Livestock Entry Requirements
Pet Travel (Dogs & Cats)
Small Animal Health Certificate
Find Your County Brand Inspector

CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing

APPLY NOW: Applications for Temporary and Annual Cannabis Cultivation Licenses
NEW VIDEOS: How to Fill Out an Application for a Temporary and an Annual Cannabis Cultivation License
FAQ on the Cannabis Track-and-Trace System
Emergency California Cannabis Cultivation Licensing Regulations
Fact Sheet: Emergency Regulations Summary for Cannabis Cultivators