California Ag Network

Tag: CDFA

  • California Walnut & Ag Industry Leader Jonathan Field Passes

    California’s agriculture industry is mourning the loss of Jonathan W. Field who served as Manager of the California Tree Fruit Agreement for over a decade, led the Walnut Bargaining Association and served as the Compliance Officer for the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements and the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board.

    Field, 77, of Lincoln, California, passed away peacefully August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

    Field’s passion for agriculture began at age six when he received his first sheep on Christmas morning. A lifelong 4-H member, he spent nine months in Kenya, Africa with the 4-H and Peace Corps, teaching crop rotation and agricultural best practices. He always maintained his own sheep and cattle, fulfilling his lifelong dream of farming.

    He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he earned an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business and then a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from University of California, Davis.

    Field’s professional journey as part of California’s agricultural industry was as expansive as it was impactful. He began his career with California Agricultural Statistics Service and then as an economist for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) where he worked on programs for iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, cling peaches and processing pears. While at CDFA, Field wrote the first Marketing Agreement program and was the economist assigned to the first Commission laws created in California.

    In 1981, Field became Assistant Manager for the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA), a conglomerate of marketing order programs representing California-grown peaches, plums, nectarines and pears. He became Manager in 1987, serving until 2000 where he championed growers, strengthened industry standards and left a lasting mark on California’s tree fruit sector. Importantly, he was integrally involved in the litigation which went successfully to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the legality of mandatory commodity programs.

    “During the 1990s, the California Tree Fruit Agreement was extremely fortunate to have Jonathan Field as its Manager,” said Melvin Enns, a tree fruit grower-shipper who served on the CTFA Board for many years.  “Jon was well-versed in the intricacies of government regulations. He formed a diverse team of experts in the areas of merchandising, export development, communications and grower relations to create programs that complied with these directives. And, together with the 1500+ growers of California peaches, pears, plums, and nectarines, Jonathan and his team built a federal and state marketing order that was the envy of tree fruit growers in every other state.”

    Not only did Field leave a lasting impression on the California fruit industry, but he championed several causes impacting California agriculture in general. Working with a group of marketing order and commission managers (who are now retired) including:  Bruce Obbink, California Table Grape Commission; Dennis Balant, California Walnut Board; Rich Peterson, California Prune Board; Terry Stark, California Raisin Advisory Board, and Dave Riggs, California Strawberry Commission, Field was instrumental in founding the Alliance for Food and Farming, the Agricultural Issues Forum, the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, the California Specialty Crop Council and the Buy California Marketing Agreement, or “California Grown”.

    After leaving CTFA, Field formed Paradigm Consulting Company where he worked for several organizations including as Executive Director of the Walnut Bargaining Association, a cooperative of California walnut growers.

    “Jon Field was a true representative for our industry,” said Donald Norene, Chairman of the Walnut Bargaining Association (now known as the Walnut Alliance of California.). “He was committed to empowering walnut growers with the financial information necessary to successfully negotiate a fair return for their walnut crop and his analysis was highly regarded by bankers, growers and handlers.”

    In 2007, Field began working as the first Compliance Officer for the newly formed California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and its sister organization the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement to help ensure leafy greens growers are following stringent food safety practices. In 2012, he began performing these same functions as the Compliance Officer for the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board. Field finally retired in 2023.

    “I had known Jon for many years prior to bringing him on at the LGMA as our very first Compliance Officer,” said Scott Horsfall, former president and CEO of the California LGMA. “He was the perfect person for this role with his strong background in working with CDFA, his knowledge of marketing orders and agreements and his strong desire to help the agricultural industry through challenges. He will be missed.”

    Jon is survived by his wife, Christine, of 52 years; and children Erin, Jonathan and Heather; seven grandchildren, sister, Shirley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  The family will provide more information about a Celebration of Life at a later date.

  • Ag Council Testifies, shares Critical Concerns with SB 54 Impacting Ag Packaging

    Photo L-R: Rick Tomlinson w/the CA Strawberry Commission, Melissa Koshlaychuk w/Western Growers Assoc., & Emily Rooney w/Ag Council.

    Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney recently testified at a meeting of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) State Board of Food and Agriculture regarding SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. Panel speakers included Melissa Koshlaychuk with Western Growers Association and Rick Tomlinson with the California Strawberry Commission. Representatives from the California Grocers Association and California Chamber of Commerce also spoke on a subsequent panel during the meeting, which was held earlier this summer.

    SB 54 requires that 100 percent of single use plastics be compostable or recyclable by 2032, along with other provisions. Reliable packaging is vital to our industry, and this regulation creates potential challenges for the food and agriculture community when it comes to protecting products for food safety purposes and preventing the spread of pests and diseases in some of our agricultural commodities. Ag Council staff has remained heavily engaged in the legislative and regulatory process since the bill’s inception.

    “Maintaining food safety and protecting the public and our environment from the potential spread of pests and disease are paramount when considering what type of package is utilized for various food and agricultural products,” Rooney stated. “It is imperative that the current language in the draft regulation highlighting certain exclusions is maintained and that we build more flexibility within the system so that the industry can continue to provide the safest quality products while conducting R&D in an effort to find alternatives.”

    Rooney noted that replacing packaging comes at significant cost, as well. Changing machinery can cost from $30 million to $100 million. Additionally, it takes several years to research and create packaging that is functional and safe for consumers.

    “Some businesses cook or pasteurize their products within the package to ensure the product does not get contaminated in the process. This method keeps the product and the inside of the package completely pristine.”

    “If this type of package is changed, millions of dollars in commodities will be bought, pasteurized, tested, validated and then destroyed. Many products that are in the experimental process for testing validation cannot be sold for human or animal consumption; therefore, resulting in excessive food waste. Changing packaging for this process would result in millions of dollars of lost capital and substantial food waste,” Rooney said.

    Melissa Koshlaychuk highlighted the benefits of plastic bags which bring shelf stability to leafy greens. Rick Tomlinson discussed the extensive efforts the Strawberry Commission has taken to ensure the plastic clamshell is recyclable. Several state board members asked questions of the panelists and explored potential workable solutions.

    Ag Council appreciates the invitation to speak to the state board about this important issue and thanks the board and Secretary Karen Ross for the opportunity.

    CalRecycle is in the process of drafting the final regulation, and CDFA has worked with the ag sector to highlight concerns with their sister agency. Ag Council will continue to be actively engaged on this issue on behalf of our members.

  • California Dairies Still Struggling with Bird Flu – Why Isn’t it Going Away?

    CDFA’s most recent data show that of the roughly 770 California dairies that have been infected with Avian Influenza. Some 630, more than 80%, have been released from quarantine. Of the approximately 140 infected herds remaining, most are making steady progress towards quarantine release.

    For a small number of producers, however, the pathway back to normal has remained prolonged and frustrating. CDFA estimates some 10 to 15 herds have experienced unusually long quarantines, in one case over 10 months. These farms might achieve one or two negative weekly bulk tank tests, only to have a weak positive again, resetting the quarantine release clock. There are reports from dairies in other states experiencing similar problems.

    Just as frustrating for several California producers is to have been actually released from quarantine only to have a positive bulk tank some weeks or months later. These cases have been reported as typically involving a limited number of clinical cows, most often springing heifers.

    What’s causing persistent or reoccurring positive bulk tanks?

    CDFA’s Dr. Natalie Ward says it’s useful to remember that the PCR assay used for HPAI detection is extraordinarily sensitive. “Just one cow actively shedding virus can trip a bulk tank positive,” Ward says. What might be allowing the virus to remain circulating on some farms is an area of intense research. In California alone, some $2 million of state and federal research is currently being conducted. Investigations into potential causes of persistent or reoccurring positive bulk tanks include:

    Chronic Shedders?

    Dr. Jason Lombard of Colorado State’s vet school has directed some of the largest H5N1 dairy surveys in the country. He explains that one possible explanation could be non-clinical cows shedding for prolonged periods. “We’ve detected cows that were continuing to shed virus out to at least 90 days, long after they recovered clinically.” Dr. Lombard says. The role of persistent shedders remains speculative for now, however, at least until whole-herd surveys can be performed to identify potential chronically infected cows.

    Carried by Birds?

    Certainly, migratory waterfowl were determined to be the original source of Texas spillover event in 2024. Federal testing of birds in the vicinity of dairies however, has revealed that local, non-migratory birds, such as blackbirds, starlings, doves and pigeons have been positive for H5N1 genetic material. This raises the worrisome scenario that HPAI is circulating within local bird populations potentially shedding the virus into cows’ feed and water sources. Whether the virus is reproducing within these nuisance birds and being shed in numbers sufficient to infect cows remains unknown.

    Carried by Flies?

    Researchers with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are collaborating with industry partners in California to survey both biting flies, such as Stable Flies, and non-biting flies, such as House Flies. The goal is to determine if these insects can carry the disease-causing virus and understand their potential role in transmitting the disease from cow-to-cow or from herd-to-herd.

    Carried by Dust?

    In yet another industry-academic collaboration, researchers from Emory University are collecting aerosol samples on quarantined California dairies from a variety of sites including in the parlor, pens and over lagoons. Air from these sites is run through filters to collect particulate matter which is assayed for the presence of both HPAI genetic material and intact, infectious virus.

    New Herd Additions?

    One more potential cause of persistent or reoccurring positive bulk tanks is newly purchased or returning cattle. Infected but non-clinical cattle, or youngstock returning from calf ranches, could be harboring the virus, serving as a new nidus of herd infection. Because much of the herd might be immune due to previous infection, the amount of clinical disease in the herd could remain limited. Alternatively, new or returning animals who have never experienced HPAI infection might be introduced to the virus which is persisting in low levels in the dairy environment. Such “immunologically naïve” animals, having no protective antibodies, could develop full-blown clinical disease and shed sufficient virus to trip a positive bulk tank test.

    Decaying Cow Immunity?

    Complicating producers’ biosecurity efforts is a lack of data on how long immunity persists following natural infection. This is true regardless of whether the virus is being re-introduced by outside sources (i.e. local birds, asymptomatic cattle) or is simply circulating at low levels within the herd. Following experimental infection protective antibodies have persisted for at least one month, but unpublished bulk tank studies suggest such protection might wane after 3 to 6 months.

    Guidance for producers?

    The research described above as well as other investigations will eventually describe how HPAI circulates among domestic animals and wildlife. Producers however understandably want to know what then can do now. State and federal animal health officials advise producers not become complacent about biosecurity once released from quarantine. CDQAP’s Bird Flu homepage contains a biosecurity section where the best references to help protect your herd have been collected. Ultimately HPAI cattle vaccines, which are in the final stages of approval, should provide producers permanent relief. — By Dr. Michael Payne, UC Davis, School of Vet. Medicine, Director, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program

  • Strong Endorsement from Growers and Processors Results in Continuation of California Prune Board

    Following a successful public hearing and comment period, the California Prune Board (CPB) has been authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to continue for another five years through July 31, 2030, reaffirming the industry’s collective commitment to market leadership, innovation, and long-term success. The decision follows a review conducted by CDFA to evaluate whether the Marketing Order should remain in effect. Testimony and evidence from prune growers and handlers overwhelmingly supported the continuation, highlighting CPB’s critical role in delivering impact to the industry.

    The Marketing Order guides strategic promotion, research, and issue management initiatives designed to strengthen the position of California Prunes in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The program is funded by mandatory assessments from California prune growers and handlers, with activities directed by an industry-elected board under CDFA oversight.

    “This outcome is a reflection of our industry’s shared belief in the future of California Prunes,” said George Sousa, Jr., Chairman of the California Prune Board. “We remain united in our pursuit to promote, protect and grow the value of California Prunes by supporting a stable industry to drive long-term success.”

    The continuation — without requiring a referendum — reflects not only confidence in the board and staff but also trust in the strategic direction it provides. It reinforces the industry’s ability to invest exponentially more in market development, brand value, and consumer demand than any other prune-producing region of the world, setting California Prunes apart through quality, innovation, and sustained consumer demand.

    This renewal ensures that:

    • Promotional programs will continue to be tailored to consumer preferences in key markets around the world, helping to drive consideration and purchase intent for California-origin prunes.
    • California Prunes remains a premium offering to retailers, importers, and food professionals, with a clear value proposition: unmatched quality, consistency, and brand support.
    • Marketing efforts will continue to strengthen the category, by highlighting health, taste, and versatility—inviting new audiences while deepening engagement with loyal consumers.
    • Trade partners benefit from the strength of a fully aligned industry, with growers, handlers, and a dedicated Board actively investing in innovation, nutrition research, and marketing to ensure long-term supply, quality, and market relevance.

    California’s Difference, Backed by Action

    This continuation affirms California’s unique position: no other origin matches its combination of scientific investment, consumer-driven promotion, and strategic trade support. It also underscores the industry’s resolve to lead, not just compete, in an evolving global food landscape.

    “We stand with our trade partners in delivering a product and a program that adds value to their business,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director for the California Prune Board. “This renewal reinforces our commitment to growing the category, protecting premium positioning, and staying responsive to consumer trends—now and into the future.”

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    The California Prune Board was established in 1980 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of premium prunes with orchards across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

  • CDFA No Longer Recommending Suspension of Routine Inspections on Non-Quarantined Farms

    On March 17th, CDFA Animal Health & Food Safety Services Director and State Veterinarian, Annette Jones, shared the following with poultry and dairy producers — California is beginning to recover from the worst outbreak of Avian Influenza in the State’s history. Over the past eight months, almost all dairy and poultry farms throughout the Central Valley and Southern California were impacted. To address this threat, many actions were taken to reduce the amount of virus accidentally moved from farm to farm. One such action was the collective agreement to defer routine on-site regulatory inspections on dairy and poultry farms in affected regions. Today, while there still are hundreds of farms under California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Quarantine due to the presence of virus, the majority have been released.

    Recognizing that Avian Influenza, particularly H5N1, continues to be a disease threat to both dairy cows and poultry in the State, but also noting that the State has passed the peak risk period in many areas, CDFA is no longer recommending that all routine inspections on non-quarantined farms be suspended. We ask regulatory officials conducting routine inspections to first determine whether the premises is under CDFA Quarantine or if the animals housed on site are exhibiting any signs consistent with H5N1. We continue to recommend the deferral of all inspections possible on farms that are still under CDFA State Veterinarian Quarantine Order, acknowledging that a CDFA Quarantine does not supersede other inspection authority, and the criticality of an inspection is made by the inspecting agency.

    In addition to the above, we recommend the following biosecurity best practices on all dairy and poultry farms (H5N1 affected and unaffected) for State, County, City, and private inspectors and auditors:

    1) Observe and follow all biosecurity practices being implemented by the premises

    2) Park in designated areas away from the processing area and/or animal housing areas.

    3) Avoid animal housing areas and, if you must enter, wear appropriate respiratory protection. The recommendation for all poultry is fitted N95 or better. For dairies that are not under Quarantine, defer to your agency internal policy or the dairy’s instruction. If the farm is under Quarantine and the inspection cannot be postponed, follow CalOSHA requirements (Reference 5199.1 (d)(4) Respiratory Protection).

    4) Use disposable gloves (best practice) or wash hands thoroughly and apply hand sanitizer when available after sampling/inspection activities.

    5) Wear disposable booties or reusable rubber boots that are cleaned and disinfected before leaving the site.

    6) Cover clothing with clean smock or coveralls. For dairies, should you experience milk splatter or get your outer clothes dirty, have an extra set of clothes, Tyvek, smock, or coveralls. DO NOT inspect other farms using dirty/contaminated clothing. For poultry, use new Tyvek or protective clothing provided by the producer.

    7) On dairies if in a milking area, wear goggles (indirectly vented) or a face shield to protect from milk splatter.

    8) Leave disposable PPE on the premises in a lined trash can near where vehicles are parked. Do not enter a farm unless trained to don and doff (apply and remove) biosecurity clothing without spreading disease.

    9) ALWAYS follow all the biosecurity instructions of the premises that may include registering in a logbook, using company supplied protective clothing and footwear, footbaths, hand cleaning stations, tire/truck wash stations, and all other biosecurity measures. If asked about previously visited premises, do not provide any identifying information but can state when a visit was last made and if the farm was under quarantine or not.

    People, equipment, and vehicles can easily spread devastating diseases such as H5N1 from one infected farm to a healthy farm. CDFA appreciates your efforts to protect the health of our herds, flocks, and other Californians.

    For more information about the ongoing outbreak in California, visit: www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/HPAI.html.

  • Final 2024 California Grape Crush, Not Quite as Small as Projected

    CDFA recently released their Final 2024 California Grape Crush Report, totaling 2,961,433 tons, down 24.1% from the 2023 crush of 3,899,631 tons. The final report reflects a 43,275 ton increase from the preliminary report released last month, which still represents a historic, significant decline compared with the last 20 years of harvests in California. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 1,466,346 tons, down 25.7% from 2023. White wine varieties crushed totaled 1,417,993 tons, down 17.2% from 2023. Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 23,630, down 51.7% from 2023, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 53,463, down 67.8% from 2023. For a full analysis of the report, view a recording of American Vineyard Live webcast featuring Turrentine Brokerage HERE.

    The Grape Crush Report includes the total number of tons crushed for concentrate production. In determining grape tonnage crushed for concentrate production, each processor was required to report the estimated equivalent tons of grapes crushed for grape concentrate. For the 2024 season, this total was 270,519 tons, 9.1% of the 2024 grape crush total. This report provides only the aggregate figure for grapes crushed for concentrate production and does not include information by district, type, or variety.

    The 2024 average price of all varieties was $1,009.60, down 2.9% from 2023. Average prices for the 2024 crop by type were as follows: red wine grapes, $1,335.93, down 0.7% from 2023; white wine grapes, $706.84, down 3.6% from 2023; raisin grapes, $296.41, up 2.9% from 2023; and table grapes, $150.65, down 22.5% from 2023.

    LEADING GRAPE VARIETIES AND DISTRICTS

    In 2024, Chardonnay continued to account for the largest percentage of the total tonnage crushed at 17.8%. Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for the second largest percentage of the total crush at 15.4%. Raisin grape varieties crushed for wine accounted for 0.8% of the total crush and table varieties crushed for wine were 1.8% of the total crush.

    District 13 (Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties; and Kings and Tulare Counties north of Nevada Avenue (Avenue 192)), had the largest share of the State’s crush at 907,220 tons. The average price per ton in District 13 was $338.64.

    Grapes produced in District 4 (Napa County) received the highest average price at $6,938.96 per ton, down 1.3% from 2023. District 3 (Sonoma and Marin counties) received the second highest average price at $2,927.18 per ton, down 1.8% from 2023.

    The 2024 Chardonnay average price of $1,056.63 was down 1.4% from 2023 and the Cabernet Sauvignon average price of $2,181.93 was up 2.7% from 2023. The 2024 average price for French Colombard was $306.60, down 3.7% from 2023, while the Pinot Noir average price was up 1.6% from 2023, at $1,728.36 per ton.

    The Final Grape Crush Report includes all grape tonnage crushed during the 2024 season. It also includes purchased tonnage and pricing information for grapes with final prices prior to January 10, 2025. View the full crush report HERE.

  • CAWG Distributes 168 Owl Boxes to Grape Growers Across California

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) proudly announces the successful distribution of 168 owl boxes to winegrape growers throughout the state. This achievement was made possible through a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) CalAgPlate program.

    North Salinas High School FFA

    Built by FFA students from seven chapters across California, the owl boxes were created as part of CAWG’s “Creating a Sustainable Future: Owl Box Construction for Hands-On Agricultural Learning” initiative. This innovative program offered students hands-on experience in woodworking, project management, and sustainable farming practices while deepening their understanding of biodiversity and natural pest management in viticulture.

    These owl boxes, now installed along vineyards across the state, provide growers with an eco-friendly solution for pest control while fostering meaningful collaboration between FFA students and agricultural professionals. CAWG extends its sincere gratitude to the following FFA chapters and their advisor leadership for their contributions to advancing sustainability in the wine grape industry.

    • Elk Grove High School
    • Laton High School
    • Modesto High School
    • Ranch San Juan High School
    • Round Valley High School
    • Salinas High School
    • Tokay High School

    “CAWG is deeply committed to creating opportunities that enhance sustainability in viticulture and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “This collaboration between CAWG and FFA students demonstrates how hands-on education can drive meaningful progress in sustainability and leadership.”

    The CalAgPlate program, funded through the sale of specialized agricultural-themed license plates by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, has awarded more than $2 million to initiatives promoting agricultural education and leadership development statewide.

    For more information about the Owl Box Initiative and CAWG’s ongoing efforts to advance sustainability and education in the wine grape industry, please visit cawg.org.

    Tokay High School FFA

  • Santa’s Reindeer Cleared for Visit to California

    California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones has granted a 24-hour permit for nine reindeer scheduled to visit California on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25.

    The application was filed with CDFA Animal Health Branch staff by a rotund, jolly man with a red suit, white beard, and a pocketful of candy canes. The signature on the application reads, “K. Kringle.”

    “Although Santa’s reindeer are special and very magical, we are grateful that every year he ensures they meet and exceed our animal health requirements to enter the state — he really cares about protecting the health of our farm animals and wildlife,” said Dr. Jones.

    The permit was granted with two conditions: the nine reindeer listed,  Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, may not fraternize with other reindeer in the State of California, and the sleigh must be checked before entering the state to ensure no agricultural pests are hitching a ride. “Mr. Kringle’s veterinarian has assured us that the reindeer are healthy and fit again this year. They are ready for a busy night,” said Dr. Jones.  “We are excited to welcome them into our state, where they are sure to find plenty of yummy fresh vegetables to renew their energy,”

    CDFA Secretary Karen Ross thanked Department staff for their hard work, recognizing their commitment to maintaining animal health and safe and abundant California-grown food to share with all our visitors this holiday season. “We are delighted to issue this permit to Mr. Kringle,” said Secretary Ross. “We wish him safe travels and plenty of California milk and cookies as he and his reindeer deliver presents to the children of our state.”

  • Four Vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

    CDFA is announcing four vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus pest and disease work plan that includes outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The Committee member vacancies are for two grower representatives in Fresno County (one term expiring September 30, 2027 and the other term expiring September 30, 2028); one grower representative in Tulare County with a term expiring September 30, 2028; and one nursery representative with a term expiring September 30, 2027. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention.

    Members receive no compensation but are entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

    Individuals interested in a committee appointment should submit a resume/CV by January 1, 2025 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, Attention: David Gutierrez.

    For more information contact: David Gutierrez, Interim Director, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at 916-274-6300 or email (David.Gutierrez@cdfa.ca.gov).

  • A Look at CDFA’s 2024-2025 Budget (and $29.4M in Cuts)

    California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2024-25 state budget, which closes a General Fund (GF) shortfall of $46.8 billion through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion that maintain investments in core programs. As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, the legislation signed by Governor Newsom balances the budget in both 2024-25 and 2025-26, and it preserves budget resilience by maintaining $22.2 billion in total reserves at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year.

    Budget Year Funding

    The budget includes $690 million for CDFA programs between baseline funding for core programs and new funding for the following projects:

    Blythe Border Protection Station Construction Project: The budget includes $99.5 million for the construction phase of the Blythe Border Protection Station project. This project will replace the existing station that was constructed in 1958, which is inadequate for current traffic flow. The new facility will allow CDFA to inspect additional commercial and private vehicles to better protect California from invasive species.

    Emergency Invasive Fruit Fly Response: The budget includes $25 million for CDFA’s response to a historic outbreak of invasive fruit flies. There are typically 75 detections per year in seven counties. In calendar year 2023 there were 948 detections in 15 counties, which led to 68 delimitation projects and seven active quarantines.  In the calendar year 2024, there have been 30 new detections in 4 counties, which led to 8 delimitation projects. Without CDFA’s continued response to new finds, multiple species of invasive fruit flies have a high likelihood of becoming established in California, which would significantly impact the state’s natural and working landscape and impact California agriculture’s ability to export products.

    Protected One-Time Funding

    The budget protects $183.1 million of one-time general fund appropriations for CDFA. These include:

    Relief for Small Farmers:  The budget preserves $17.9 million for this program, which provides socially disadvantaged, small-scale and medium-scale producers with financial relief from severe weather-related damages.

    Farm to School (F2S) Grant Program:  The budget preserves $60 million for this program providing grants that support innovative local and regional F2S projects.  Funded projects promote innovation in nutrition education, sustainable production and procurement, and a high-quality student experience.

    State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Grant Program: The budget preserves $20.6 by fund-shifting authority to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) in FY 2026-27.  This program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water in California agricultural operations.

    Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program:  The budget includes $15 million in funding for Food Hubs.  These incentivize public-serving entities that serve as supply chain intermediaries for local and regional farms.

    California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP):  The budget preserves $35 million for this program encouraging the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients.

    Livestock Methane Reduction: The budget preserves $24 million for this program by fund shifting from the general fund to the greenhouse gas reduction fund. The budget includes $17 million GGRF in 2024-25 and $7 million in FY 2025-26.  These funds are used for CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program and its Alternative Manure Management Program.

    Reductions

    The budget includes $29.4 million in one-time reductions for CDFA including:

    Technical Assistance Program for Underserved Farmers: This program funds non-profit organizations, resource conservation districts, Tribal Governments, and County Agricultural Commissioners to assist farmers and ranchers with applications for various drought and emergency relief programs.  The budget includes a reduction of $200,000, which is the remaining balance from the original $2.7 million appropriation.

    Fairground and Community Resilience Centers Grant Program:  This program focuses on improving both local fairground and other community facilities to enhance the state’s preparedness capabilities, particularly in response to climate change.  The Budget Act includes a reduction of $2.1 million from this program, which is the entire remaining grant award balance from an original appropriation of $150 million.

    Pollinator Habitat Grant Program:  This program provides grant funding for the establishment of pollinator habitat on agricultural land throughout California.  The budget includes a reduction of $445,000 from this program.

    Water Efficiency Technical Assistance:  This program facilitates technical assistance to agricultural operations for on-farm water use efficiency and nutrition management.  The budget includes a reduction of $6.9 million from this program, which is the remaining balance from the original $15 million appropriation.

    Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Program:  The budget includes a reduction of $23 million to the Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Program.  This program incentivizes the voluntary use of products or strategies that are scientifically proven and safe for enteric emission reductions in the state’s livestock sectors.

    Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program:  The budget includes a reduction of $8.5 million to the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, which funds energy efficient refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state.