California Ag Network

Tag: CDFA

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy On The California Cotton Pest Control Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 28, 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.

    The term of office for a board member is unlimited. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration. Members are considered public officials and must be willing to comply with necessary disclosure requirements.

    The three vacancies are for cotton growing representatives in Tulare County, Kern County and a representative from either Madera, Merced, or Tulare County. Individuals interested in being considered for the board appointment should send a brief resume by March 2, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Pest Control Branch, 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California 95832, Attention: Sara Banchero.

    For additional information, visit the branch’s web page at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/ipc/pinkbollworm/pbw_hp.htm ; or contact: Victoria Hornbaker, Chief of the Integrated Pest Control Branch at (916) 262-1102, by fax (916) 262-2020, or e-mail IPCInfo@cdfa.ca.gov

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy On The Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program Advisory Board

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 27, 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.

    The term of office for a board member is unlimited. The members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration. Members are considered public officials and must be willing to comply with necessary disclosure requirements.

    The vacancy is for a Southern California District member, District I; representing beans, peppers, spinach, sugar beets, and/or tomatoes. Individuals interested in being considered for the board appointment should send a brief resume by March 2, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Pest Control Branch, 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California 95832, Attention: Branch Chief.

    For additional information, visit the branch’s web page at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/ipc/curlytopvirus/ctv_hp.htm; or contact: Victoria Hornbaker, Chief of the Integrated Pest Control Branch at (916) 262-1102, by fax (916) 262-2020, or e-mail IPCInfo@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy On The Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (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.

    The term of office for a committee member is unlimited. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration. Members are considered public officials and must be willing to comply with necessary disclosure requirements.

    The vacancy is for an agricultural industry representative. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and vertebrate pest control. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by April 2, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Pest Control Branch, 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California 95832, Attention: Sara Banchero.

    For additional information, visit the committee web page at: http://www.vpcrac.org/; or contact: David Kratville, Senior Environmental Scientist with the Integrated Pest Control Branch at (916) 262-1102, by fax (916) 262-2020, or e-mail David.Kratville@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • CDFA Selects Organizations To Provide Technical Assistance To Sweep Applicants

    Sacramento, Calif., ((February 20, 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.

    The organizations are:

    1) Cachuma Resource Conservation District, Santa Maria

    2) Ventura County Resource Conservation District

    3) Butte County Resource Conservation District

    4) University of California Cooperative Extension, Fresno County

    5) Resource Conservation District of Monterey County

    6) Mission Resource Conservation District, Fallbrook

    7) Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County

    8) Northwest California Resource Conservation and Development Council, Weaverville

    9) Resource Conservation District of Tehama County

    10)  Imperial Valley Water

    These organizations met several requirements, including having an irrigation system expert available for questions and technical assistance, providing computers and internet access to allow growers to complete SWEEP applications, and reporting on workshop outcomes and attendance to CDFA.

    Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of SWEEP and the implementation of efficient irrigation systems to save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    For a schedule of technical assistance workshops and locations, please visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/

  • California’s Commitment To Reducing Food Waste

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 8, 2017) – This month the Planting Seeds blog is featuring stories on food security, nutrition, and efforts to reduce food waste. CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork is committed to helping all Californians access healthy and nutritious California-grown food by connecting consumers, school districts, and others directly with California’s farmers and ranchers. This story is about CalRecycle’s program to enlist Californians in limiting food waste.

    Californians throw away nearly 6 million tons of food scraps or food waste each year. This represents about 18 percent of all the material that goes to landfills. In order for California to reach its goal of 75% source reduction, recycling and composting, food waste must be addressed.

    California’s Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling law requires businesses to recycle their organic waste. The links below provide more information on food waste management as well as examples of how various business groups and public entities are managing food waste.

    Everyone has a role in saving resources and wasting less food. Creative food rescue projects like the UglyFruitAndVeg Campaign work to save healthy fruits and vegetables from becoming waste. Rather than throwing away excess food, find ways to manage it more thoughtfully, such as working with groups to ensure that it goes to disadvantaged people, and composting for soil restoration. To further educate the public about food waste, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Ad Council have initiated a food waste reduction campaign known as Savethefood.com. Their web site offers a complete media kit with posters, videos, social media postings, and more.

    CalRecycle conducted two workshops in support of a proposed Food Waste Prevention and Rescue grant program; follow the progress of that program.

    CalRecycle has been working to reduce food waste since at least 2002, when its predecessor agency conducted a Food Diversion Summit.

    Hotels/Restaurants

    Information for restaurants on managing food scraps.

     

    Households

    Information for households on managing food scraps.

     

    Schools

    Information for colleges/universities and K-12 on managing food scraps.

     

    US EPA’s Food Recovery Hierarchy

    Ranks food donations to feed hungry people as a top priority to help reduce wasted food.

     

    Stadiums/Special Events

    Information for stadiums, fairs, festivals, and catered events on managing food scraps.

     

    Health Care Industry

    Information for the health care industry on managing food scraps.

     

    Grocery Stores

    Information for grocery stores on donating edible food to disadvantaged communities.

     

  • CDFA Seeking Public Comments On The Next Dairy Digester Research And Development Program Grant Solicitation

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 7, 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.

    An estimated $29-36 million in competitive grant funding will be awarded to provide financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters that result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions from California dairy operations. DDRDP receives funding from the California Climate Investments Program, which use proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a variety of additional benefits to California communities.

    The DRAFT Request for Grant Applications is accessible on the CDFA Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) webpage: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD.

    CDFA will hold a webinar on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. to provide information on how to comment on the DRAFT Request for Grant Applications and field questions. To register for the webinar, please visit the program webpage at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD.

    Those interested must submit their comments via email to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov by 5:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.

    The DDRDP 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.

  • CDFA Accepting Applications For The 2017 State Water Efficiency And Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 3, 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 to provide financial assistance to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water at California agricultural operations. This program receives funding from California Climate Investments, the proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a variety of additional benefits to California communities.

    Agricultural operations can apply for funding of up to $100,000 per project for irrigation projects that provide quantifiable water savings and greenhouse gas reductions.

    Prospective applicants must access the “Request for Applications” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/SWEEP for detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. 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 Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

    CDFA will hold three workshops and one webinar to provide information on program requirements and the FAAST 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.gov with his or her contact information, number of seats required and the workshop location.

    SWEEP Informational Application Workshops:

    • Fresno County: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am –

    American Pistachio Growers
Conference Room
9 River Park Place East, Suite 410
Fresno, CA 93720

    • San Diego County: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am

    San Diego County Farm Bureau 
1670 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027

    • Tehama County: Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am

    Department of Water Resources – Northern Region Office
2440 Main Street 
Red Bluff, CA

    • Webinar: February 10, 2017 (Friday) from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

    To register for the webinar, please send an email to grants@cdfa.ca.gov requesting the registration link.

    Prospective applicants should refer to the SWEEP webpage (www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep) for information regarding comprehensive technical assistance workshops provided by non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts. These technical assistance workshops are intended to provide hands-on application assistance and are also free of charge.

    SWEEP 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.

  • Hydroponic agriculture showcases diversity of California Ag production

    San Diego, Calif., (January 30, 2017) – Hydroponic agriculture, the growing of plants without soil and adding nutrients in water, is a relatively new method of production in California, but it shows promise as a growth sector for farmers seeking to produce more efficiently while utilizing fewer natural resources, a challenge and opportunity recognized by all of agriculture as it moves through the 21st Century.

    CDFA staff recently had an opportunity to visit a hydroponic operation at Archi’s Acres, a diverse farming operation in San Diego County. Archi’s Acres is already well known for its commitment to retrain returning members of the military for careers in agriculture, and it’s now also developing a strong reputation for its work in hydroponics.

    Archi’s Acres is a certified organic greenhouse operation, growing fresh basil, kale, and other herbs and produce using highly efficient crop production methods to maximize use of natural resources while focusing on local sales distribution channels.

    The farm’s proprietary nutrient cycling system, which is verified through the annual organic inspection to meet required standards, employs nutrient cycling practices that provide ecosystem services through conservation of scarce water resources.

    Using Archi’s Acres’ unique hydro-organic methods, a plant only takes what water it needs and the rest is recycled for use again and again – an important benefit in a state still dealing with drought. The farm’s entire basil greenhouse, with 6,000 plants growing at a time, uses only about 100 gallons of water a day due to recycling.

    The system at the farm is actually known as hydro-organics, a hydroponics system that includes the use of organic fertilizer as the key nutrient.

    At CDFA we strive to continually gain a greater understanding and appreciation for all models of farming in California. Our scientists, responsible for review and analysis of both conventional and organic fertilizer materials, benefit greatly from opportunities to broaden their understanding of farming systems and inputs. When coupled with their scientific background, these ongoing educational experiences help our staff at CDFA make sound, informed decisions for the fertilizer products they oversee.

    Hydroponic facilities at Archi’s Acres, a diverse farming operation in San Diego County.

  • Update on Organic Certification Cost Share Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 26, 2017) – CDFA’s State Organic Program (SOP) is pleased to announce a federal funding opportunity of $12.5 Million for eligible applicants under the Organic Cost Share Program (OCCSP).  The SOP has applied to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) under the United States Department of Agriculture to assist in distribution of these funds.  This money assists organic producers and handlers by offsetting costs related to SOP registration, certification, and transitional fees paid to certifiers as producers transition to organic.The cost-share payments May not exceed 75 percent of costs up to a maximum of $750 per producer/handler for each scope (registration, certification, transitional).

    The FSA, in addition to administering the program, will also be directly accepting applications for reimbursement of funds. Operations will be subject to the same eligibility criteria and calculation of cost share payments regardless of whether they apply though the SOP or FSA local office.

    For producer or handler Applications, FSA county offices will accept applications producers and handlers for FY 2017 starting on March 20, 2017 and ending October 31, 2017.

    In fiscal year 2015/16 CDFA processed and distributed a total amount of $1,543,929 to 1,917 producers and handlers.

    For eligibility requirements and further details please visit the following website https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/organic.html or you may contact the SOP at (916) 900-5030.

  • CDFA Secretary Karen Ross To Host Farm Bill Listening Sessions – Seeking Public Comments On California’s Agricultural Priorities

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 24, 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.

    “The farm bill is as important to San Francisco and Los Angeles as it is to the Central Valley,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This legislation ensures a robust farm safety net, promotes farming and ranching practices that are environmentally sound and provides important nutritional funding for our citizens. How our California Congressional delegation helps to shape the federal farm bill will result in positive investments to our communities, our health and agricultural economy.”

    The current farm bill, the Agricultural Act of 2014 will expire next year necessitating action by Congress. The farm bill provides an estimated $489 billion in federal funding nationwide to support a variety of food and agricultural programs including crop insurance, conservation, nutrition and trade.

    California Farm Bill Listening Sessions:

    • Modesto – Tuesday, February 7th (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

    DoubleTree Hotel (Napa Room)

    1150 Ninth Street   
Modesto, CA 95354

     

    • Chico – Wednesday, February 8th (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

    Silver Dollar Fair (Harvest Hall)

    2357 Fair Street
Chico, CA 95928

     

    • Tulare (World Ag Expo) – Thursday, February 16th (Noon – 3:00p.m.)

    International Agri-Center Heritage Complex (Theater)

    4500 S. Laspina Street
Tulare, CA 93274

     

    • Salinas – Wednesday, February 22nd (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

    Monterey County Farm Bureau

    1140 Abbott Street, Suite C.
Salinas, CA 93901

     

    • Los Angeles – Thursday, February 23rd (1:00 – 3:00 p.m.)

    Los Angeles Trade Technical College (Meeting Room: TBD)

    400 West Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015

     

    The 2018 Farm Bill Listening Sessions are a public forum allowing individuals input on California’s priorities for the upcoming farm bill. Provided comments will be used to help develop recommendations on the farm bill that will be shared with California’s Congressional delegation and the leadership of the Senate and House agricultural committees.

    Public comments can also be emailed to FarmBill@cdfa.ca.gov