California Ag Network

Tag: CDFA

  • CDFA Certifies That Lyft, Uber Measurement Systems Accurately Establish Consumer Fares

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 18, 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.

    Uber and Lyft connect drivers and riders via smartphone apps that provide a cost to the consumer based on time and distance traveled. The companies’ digital networks utilize GPS and other data transmitted by drivers’ smartphones to calculate fares. After two years of testing in real-world conditions across the state, CDFA certified the accuracy of the two systems. California is the first state to accept a measurement system for transportation network companies, also known as TNCs, which connect passengers with drivers through mobile apps.

    “Our evaluation of Lyft and Uber’s measurement systems should give consumers a high degree of assurance that they get what they pay for,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As technologies and marketing practices advance, we want to ensure the state continues to meet or exceed the standards of consumer protection expected in California.”

    CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of commercial weighing and measuring devices in California. All new types of devices, such as the Uber and Lyft applications, must first be evaluated and approved by CDFA before use in California. This process of “type evaluation” certifies that the design and performance complies with all applicable weights and measures requirements for accuracy and reliability. Once certified for use, weights and measures inspectors in the 58 counties throughout California routinely check to ensure continued accuracy. In addition to Lyft and Uber, CDFA is also working with other TNCs that are in the process of being certified.

    Since 2015, Uber and Lyft have been operating under temporary use permits, allowing the companies to legally conduct business in California while CDFA did the work to provide final verification of the technologies in use. These systems measure times down to the second and distances in increments of one hundredth of a mile, and they add charges such as tolls, surcharges and booking fees when determining a total fare.

    CDFA’s Division of Measurement Standards protects both businesses and consumers by ensuring fair competition for industry and accurate value comparison for consumers. The state works closely with county sealers of weights and measures who carry out the vast majority of weights and measures inspection activities at the local level.

     

     

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

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 14, 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. The program addresses food insecurity by expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables among low-income Californians while also supporting and expanding markets for California farmers.

    “CDFA is thrilled to be selected for this award,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The nutrition program is a triple win for California – it supports the health of our low-income shoppers, farmers, and the local economy.”

    CNIP will offer nutrition incentives to encourage CalFresh shoppers to purchase healthy food and empower them to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables. For every benefit dollar they spend at 339 certified farmers’ markets and mobile markets throughout California, CalFresh shoppers will receive an additional dollar to spend on fruits and vegetables at the market, within set parameters. All CalFresh shoppers can benefit from the program simply by spending their benefits at participating certified farmers’ markets.

    CNIP, administered by CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork, builds on the successful California Market Match program in Berkeley, which received a two-year FINI grant in 2015. CNIP emphasizes innovative marketing and outreach to attract more CalFresh shoppers to farmers’ markets, facilitates expansion to new markets, and provides a foundation for testing technologies to make it easier for farmers’ markets to continue offering incentives. The program is made possible through a robust public-private funding structure.

    CNIP was created by Assembly Bill 1321, authored by Assembly member Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2015. The program was provisionally funded when the Legislature appropriated $5 million for the program in 2016, contingent on receiving matching federal funds. This state funding enabled CDFA to apply for the FINI grant.  The Department is exploring a second phase of the program next year and will apply for additional matching funds.

    “Access to nutritious food is the foundation for good health.  The healthiest choice should be the easiest choice,” said Assemblymember Ting.  “It will be exciting to see how these funds expand access to our state’s bounty by enlisting farmers’ markets in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.”

    More information about CNIP can be found at http://cafarmtofork.com/CA_NutritionIncentiveProgram.htm

  • CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available For Healthy Soils Program In 2017

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 14, 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 while providing a variety of additional benefits to California communities.

    The HSP has two components: (i) the HSP Incentives Program, and (ii) the HSP Demonstration Projects.

    For the HSP Incentives Program, an estimated $3.75 million in competitive grant funding will be awarded to provide financial assistance for implementation of agricultural management practices that sequester soil carbon and reduce GHG emissions. California farmers and ranchers, as well as Federal and California recognized Native American Indian Tribes, are eligible to apply for the HSP Incentives Program.

    For the HSP Demonstration Projects, an estimated $3 million in competitive grant funding will be awarded to projects that demonstrate and monitor specific management practices in agriculture that sequester carbon, improve soil health and reduce atmospheric GHGs. Not-for-profit entities, University Cooperative Extensions, Federal and University Experiment Stations, Resource Conservation Districts, Federal and California recognized Native American Indian Tribes, and farmers and ranchers in collaboration with any of the aforementioned entities, are eligible to apply for the HSP Demonstration Projects.

    Both the HSP Incentives Program and Demonstration Projects require that incentivized practices be implemented for a total of three years, with the third year of project costs required as matching funds.

    For detailed information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the CDFA Healthy Soils Program website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/. To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application tool, Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by September 19, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. PT.

    CDFA will hold four workshops and one webinar to provide information on program requirements and the application process (see below). CDFA staff will provide guidance on the application process, provide several examples and answer any questions. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email grants@cdfa.ca.govwith his or her contact information, number of seats required and the workshop location.

    Sacramento – Tuesday, August 15, 2017
    9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: HSP Demonstration Projects
    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Auditorium
    1220 N Street
    Sacramento, CA 95816
    This meeting will also be available as a webinar for remote attendees. To register for the webinar, please visit the program webpage at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/.

    Orland – Wednesday, August 16, 2017
    9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: HSP Demonstration Projects
    Glenn County Farm Bureau
    Board Room
    831 5th St, Orland, CA 95963

    Fresno – Thursday, August 24, 2017
    1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: HSP Incentives Program
    2.30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: HSP Demonstration Projects
    American Pistachio Growers
    Conference Room, First Floor
    9 River Park Place East, Suite 410
    Fresno, CA 93720

    Ventura – Friday, August 25, 2017
    9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: HSP Demonstration Projects
    University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Ventura County
    California Room
    669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
    Ventura CA 93003-9028

    Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov with general program questions.

    Prospective applicants should refer to the HSP webpage (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/) for information regarding technical assistance workshops by non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) and California academic institutions. These workshops are intended to provide technical assistance with the application process and are also free of charge. Technical assistance is made available through a $25,000 partnership grant between CDFA and the Strategic Growth Council to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to HSP Incentives Program applicants.

     

  • CDFA Accepting Applications For Grants To Provide Technical Assistance For Dairy And Livestock Operators Participating In The Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP)

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 10, 2017) – CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts that provide technical assistance to grant applicants in the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP).

    Applicants may apply for funding ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. They must meet several minimum requirements, including holding at least one technical assistance workshop, reporting on workshop attendance to CDFA, and providing computers and internet access to allow dairy and livestock operators to complete AMMP applications.

    Technical assistance will be made available through a partnership between CDFA and the Strategic Growth Council to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to AMMP applicants. Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of AMMP and the reduction of methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations.

    Organizations that wish to receive funding to provide technical assistance must access the “Technical Assistance: Request for Applications” at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/. The Request for Applications contains detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. Applications must be submitted by email no later than August 16, 2017, 5:00 p.m. PDT. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis beginning today.

    AMMP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments. This effort is in partnership with the Strategic Growth Council which provides technical and community outreach assistance funds from the California Climate Investments.

  • HLB Detected on Residential Property in Riverside

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have confirmed the detection of the citrus disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in Riverside County. The disease was detected in plant material taken from a grapefruit tree in a residential neighborhood in the city of Riverside near I-215.

    The infected tree has been removed and agriculture officials are moving swiftly on mandatory surveying in an 800-meter area. Mandatory treatments will soon follow. CDFA staff will visit all regulated entities in the quarantine area, including retail and production nurseries and packinghouses. Additionally, local, state and federal agriculture authorities are working together to determine potential implications to the University of California, Riverside, which will fall within the 5-mile quarantine area.

    Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Ruben Arroyo plans to take an aggressive stance on any abandoned groves in the area, and the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program outreach team is already working with the City of Riverside to inform residents of the actions needed to stop HLB’s spread.

    Learn more in the press release shared by Riverside County.

  • CDFA Seeks Comments on Cap-and-Trade-Funded Alternative Manure Management Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 1, 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, to provide financial assistance for early and extra methane emissions reductions from dairy and livestock operations. The AMMP offers grants to California dairy and livestock operations to implement non-digester manure management practices that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. AMMP is one of two programs designed by CDFA to reduced early and extra methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations.

    The RGA for AMMP can be found on the CDFA Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) webpage: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/AMMP/.

    CDFA will hold a webinar on July 25, 2017 at 10:00 am to provide information on how to comment on the DRAFT RGA and answer questions. To register for the webinar, please visit the program webpage at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/AMMP/ .

    Comments regarding the DRAFT RGA can be submitted to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, August 2, 2017.

    The AMMP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments.

     

  • Announcement Of Vacancy On The California Animal Health And Food Safety Laboratory Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (July 13, 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.

    The Board consists of representatives of the livestock and poultry industries and practicing veterinarians who utilize laboratory services.

    Members serve for two-year terms and receive no compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses incurred while attending board meetings.

    Individuals interested in being considered for the CAHFS Advisory Board appointment should send a resume by July 25, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, 1220 N Street, Sacramento,  California  95814, Attention:  Elizabeth  Moreno.

    For additional information, visit the CAHFS web page at: http://cahfs.ucdavis.edu/  or contact: Dr. Annette Jones, Director, Animal Health and Food Safety Services at (916) 900-5000.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (July 12, 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.

    As part of the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conduct routine sampling and inspections; respond to consumer complaints; and enforce laws and regulations that governing the manufacturing and distribution of fertilizing materials. The program is funded by fertilizer license fees and assessments.

    The term of office for board members is three years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to necessary travel expenses. Applicants must hold a current fertilizing materials license or be a representative of a licensed firm.

    Individuals interested in a board appointment must submit a resume and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ), available on the CDFA website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs by August 31, 2017.

    Send resume and PMAQ via email to Brittnie.Sabalbro@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to:
    California Department of Food and Agriculture
    Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Service Branch
    Attn: Brittnie Sabalbro
    1220 N Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814

  • 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, Calif., (July 11, 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 applicants for grants from the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program, funded by California’s cap-and-trade program.

    HSP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities.

    The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. This effort is in partnership with the Strategic Growth Council which provides technical and community outreach assistance funds from the California Climate Investments.

    Applicants may apply for funding between $2,500 and $5,000. Applications must meet several minimum requirements including holding at least one technical assistance workshop within a disadvantaged community, reporting on workshop attendance to CDFA, and providing computers and internet access to allow growers to complete HSP Incentives Program applications.

    Technical assistance will be made available through a $25,000 partnership grant between CDFA and the Strategic Growth Council to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to HSP Incentives Program applicants. Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of HSP Incentives Program and the implementation of conservation management practices to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil health.

    Organizations that wish to receive funding to provide technical assistance must access the “Technical Assistance: Request for Applications” at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/. The Request for Applications contains detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. Applications must be submitted by email no later than July 20, 2017, 5:00 p.m. PST. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

    For more information on how cap-and-trade auction proceeds are improving California, visit California Climate Investments.

  • CDFA Announces $5.1 Million In Cap-And-Trade Funded Grants For 2017 State Water Efficiency And Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

    Sacramento, Calif., (July 6, 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). Fifty-eight agricultural operations throughout the state will receive grant funding to improve crop irrigation systems that result in water savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2017 SWEEP list of selected projects is available online at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep.

    The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, a competitive grant program, was initiated in 2014 in response to California’s historic five-year drought. The program has attracted a lot of attention as agricultural operations look for opportunities to improve water and energy efficiencies in agricultural practices.

    The program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.

    More than 230 agricultural operations applied to receive funding through the 2017 SWEEP solicitation process. Applications and quantifications of water and GHG benefits were thoroughly reviewed by a team of irrigation specialists from the University of California and California State University systems.

    The awarded projects can combine multiple strategies to achieve the required water savings and emissions reductions. Project components often include drip systems, variable frequency pumps, solar energy, and sensors or weather stations to effectively time irrigation with crop water needs. The 2017 SWEEP awards leverage $7 million in matching funds from the program participants, thereby furthering the positive impacts and buy-in of the program.

    Since SWEEP was launched in 2014 the program has extended funding to 587 projects, totaling more than $62 million. Cumulative benefits are estimated at 958,000 acre-feet of water savings — enough to fill more than two-million swimming pools – and 741,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent of greenhouse gas emission reductions over10 years, the equivalent of the removal of more than 20 thousand vehicles from our roads.