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Apply now to fill vacancies on Standardization Advisory Committee

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee (STDZ).

The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the Standardization Program and has an essential role in reviewing proposed regulations and making recommendations concerning assessment rates, fees to provide adequate inspection services, and the annual budget.

The Committee is composed of individuals who have a financial interest, either personal or through their employment, in a commodity represented in the program. Current vacancies include two Fresh Fruit positions representing oranges; one Other Fresh Fruit position representing any fresh fruit commodity group; four Fresh Vegetable positions representing broccoli, tomatoes or lettuce; two Other Fresh Vegetable positions representing any vegetable commodity group; and one Other Commodity position representing any commodity group subject to Standardization laws.

The term of office for committee members is two years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/pdfs/STDZ_PMAQ.pdf and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Applications should be sent to Kristi Garcia, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or via e-mail to Kristi.Garcia@cdfa.ca.gov.

For further information on the Standardization Program and Committee vacancies, contact Stacey Hughes at (559) 977-5416.

Click here to view this original CDFA press release.

Posted in CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Standardization Advisory Committee, CDFA Standardization Program | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Applications now being accepted to fill vacancies on California Organic Products Advisory Committee

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the California Organic Products Advisory Committee.

The Committee plays a vital role in the organic industry by advising the CDFA secretary on matters pertaining to the California State Organic Program (SOP). The SOP is responsible for enforcement of federal and state laws governing organic production, and for administration of the organic program in the state. There are currently more than 5,400 organic operations registered with CDFA.

The current vacancies include two producer representatives; one processor representative; one technical representative; one consumer representative; six producer representative alternates; two processor representative alternates; one retail representative alternate; one environmental representative alternate; two technical representative alternates; one consumer representative alternate; and one accredited certifier representative alternate.

The term of office for committee members is three years. While members do not receive compensation, they are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in the California organic industry and being considered for an appointment, should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/organicprogram/pdfs/copac/COPAC-PMAQ.pdf and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Applications should be sent to Kristi Garcia, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or via e-mail to Kristi.Garcia@cdfa.ca.gov.

For further information on the California State Organic Program and COPAC vacancies, contact Danny Lee via email at Danny.Lee@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA press release.

Posted in California Organic Products Advisory Committee, CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged | Leave a comment

Farm to School Month Grantee Spotlight: Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

As CDFA continues the celebration of October as National Farm to School Month, we’re highlighting two-time California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program grantee Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Union School District (YCJUSD), in San Bernardino County.

YCJUSD started purchasing oranges and kiwi from local farm Old Grove Orange nearly 20 years ago. Since then, farm to school has blossomed into a cornerstone program of the district and its partnership with Old Grove Orange has grown stronger by the year. Approximately 45 percent of YCJUSD’s fresh fruit and vegetables are now locally grown and sourced.

“Our partnership has extended from beyond the cafeteria and into the classroom, and the grants have allowed us to expand and provide funding for our programs,” said YCJUSD Nutrition Program Manager Lilyanna Montenegro.

The grant helped YCJUSD expand its local purchases and fund educational activities such as Old Grove Farm Field Trips for all 2nd-5th-grade students; Mini Farmers Markets for all TK-1st graders; and Harvest of the Month Education programs in the classroom.  

If you would like to learn more about our Farm to School Program and our 250+ grantees, please visit the Farm to School Incubator Grant webpage well as the California Farm to School Program webpage. 

This year’s National Farm to School Month theme, Growing for the Future, emphasizes the role of farm to school in creating thriving communities now and in the future. Farm to school helps young children and students eat healthy, fresh and locally grown meals in schools, and helps provide local farmers with a reliable source of income by feeding their communities.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CDFA’s Leslie Fernandez Wins ‘Women Making a Difference’ Award

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA congratulates State Organic Program Special Investigator Leslie Fernandez for recently being recognized with a Women Making a Difference Award from Orange County.

This award is given to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact and commitment in their fields, as well as meaningful contributions to their communities. The Certificate of Recognition reads, in part, “Your leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and issues of women in Orange County embodies this year’s theme: ‘Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.’ ”

The award recognizes both professional achievements and dedication to making a lasting difference beyond immediate roles. Leslie is a certified Spanish translator and heavily involved in the Latino Connection Conference, hosted annually by California State University, Long Beach, where she contributes to fostering connections, sharing resources and supporting initiatives that empower the Latino community. She also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard in court.

Leslie’s role at CDFA includes helping strengthen California’s role as the only state with a federally approved State Organic Program. She oversees collaboration with county agricultural commissioners and offers direct guidance on organic agriculture enforcement, registration, compliance, case coordination, and regional training activities. Leslie plays a pivotal role in bridging the state’s regulatory goals with local implementation, ensuring counties remain aligned with state and federal organic standards.

Congratulations, Leslie!

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged | Leave a comment

CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong counts down California CRUNCH!

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

On October 16, CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined the Community Alliance with Family Farmers California CRUNCH event at Charles Mack Elementary School in Sacramento. The “CRUNCH!” heard across the state is an annual event where California students all at once take a bite of locally grown fruits and vegetables to celebrate local farms and healthy eating!

Learn more about CDFA’s Farm to School healthy eating programs!

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Check out and subscribe to Quarterly Feed Update newsletter

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

Highlights of the Fall 2025 Quarterly Feed Update include:

  • Congratulations Mike Davidson on Retirement
  • Welcome CFRP Inspector Justin Jacobson
  • Completing and Continuing Animal Food Safety Contract
  • Awarded Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards Cooperative Agreement
  • Obtaining Laboratory Flexible Funding Model Samples
  • Attending AAFCO Annual Meeting
  • Safe Animal Feed Education Program Speaks at Chico State
  • Important Dates

Click here to view and and subscribe to the newsletter!

Posted in CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Center for Analytical Chemistry hosts Upward Mobility Program tour

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA Upward Mobility Program participants (right) tour a day in the work life of CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry environmental scientists (L-R) Ashwin Pal and Morgan Gannett.

The CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry laboratory recently hosted a tour for participants of the CDFA Upward Mobility Program (UMP), including mentees and mentors. During the tour, UMP participants learned about a day in the work life of laboratory environmental scientists supporting the abundance and safety of California’s food system, farm workers and environment.

UMP is designed to support CDFA employees by offering practical guidance for career advancement with the State Civil Service. It also is aligns with CDFA Strategic Plan Goal 3: Robust and Innovative CDFA Workforce. CDFA is committed to fostering a workplace free of barriers that promotes equal opportunity, access and growth across all areas of employment. The Center for Analytical Chemistry is proud to have multiple staff who have served in both the UMP mentor and mentee roles.

Posted in CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Farm to School Month Grantee Spotlight: Santa Ana Unified

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

As part of CDFA’s Farm to School Month celebrations, we’re highlighting an awardee in our Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) in Orange County.

The school district is a two-time grantee that has procured over 430,000 pounds of local and culturally relevant produce and has worked to develop farm to school culinary clubs, school gardens, local farm field trips, and farm to school-focused career technical education programs.

Thank you to SAUSD’s Farm to School Coordinator Moises Placencia, Food Service Director Joshua Goddard, and all of the SAUSD staff for the incredible farm to school work you do every single day modeling this important program for California and the nation!

If you would like to learn more about our Farm to School Program and our 250+ grantees, please visit the Farm to School Incubator Grant webpage well as the California Farm to School Program webpage. 

This year’s National Farm-to-School Month theme, Growing for the Future, emphasizes the role of farm to school in creating thriving communities now and in the future. Farm to school helps young children and students eat healthy, fresh and locally grown meals in schools, and helps provide local farmers with a reliable source of income by feeding their communities.

Click here to view this original CDFDA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Healthy Refrigeration Grant recipients describe benefits of increasing fresh food options to those who need it most

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
(Clockwise from top left) Refrigeration units funded through the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program are installed at Showers of Bless­ings Faith-City Worship Center in San Bernadino County, Carpinteria Children’s Project in Santa Barbara County, Temalpakh Farm / Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians in Riverside County and Rancho Market in Alameda County.

Benefits of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program are best seen and heard! Following are quotes from grantees who already are putting their new equipment to use, expanding access to fresh, healthy food in their communities:

Showers of Blessings Faith-City Worship Center, San Bernadino County:

“The most rewarding aspect of participating in the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program has been witnessing the direct impact on our community. With the improved refrigeration, we can offer a con­sistent supply of fresh, healthy food to those who need it most. It has been incredibly fulfilling to see the smiles on the faces of families who now have access to high-quality food and to know that we are contributing to food security and health in our community.”

Carpinteria Children’s Project, Santa Barabara County:

“Before receiving this grant, our food pantry relied on an aging refrigerator that frequently malfunc­tioned, leading to food spoilage and limiting our ability to provide fresh food to the community. With the new energy-efficient refrigerator, we have sig­nificantly improved our food storage capacity and reliability. The larger size allows us to store and distribute more fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and other perishable items, ensuring that our clients have consistent access to nutritious food.”

Temalpakh Farm / Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Riverside County:

“The new refrigeration display equipment has cor­related with a 40-percent increase in fresh produce sales compared to the same period last year. The usable shelf life of our product is now extended for our customers, our waste has been reduced and the professionalism of the refrigeration display is likely to increase customer confidence and repeat foot traffic to the store.”

Rancho Market, Alameda County:

“The new units provide better temperature control, ensuring that our produce, dairy and meat stay fresher for longer. This has enhanced the shopping experience for our customers and allowed us to ex­pand our selection of fresh food, making healthier options more accessible to our community.”

Visit the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage to learn more and view a map of where equipment grantees are located across California.

Posted in CDFA Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA Celebrates National Farm to School Month!

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

California is proud to celebrate National Farm to School Month this October! By combining local food purchasing, hands-on food education and climate-smart agriculture, CDFA’s Farm to School Program helps food system leaders transform school food for the better. Read on to see how we’re celebrating this October! 

$20m for the CA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program!  

  • Thank you to Governor Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the CA Legislature for investing another $20 million into the CA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program! 
  • Be on the lookout for updates on grant application information later this year.

Research shows – CA Farm to School Program is working! 

  • The University of California just released a new research report showing that the California Farm to School Incubator Grant exceeds market access and climate goals, builds economic resilience, nurtures students with hands-on food education and builds strong support networks for grantees. 
  • To read the full progress report, click here.  

Join the 10th annual California Crunch with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)! 

  • The California Crunch is the annual event where children across the state take a collective bite of locally grown fruits and vegetables to celebrate local farms and healthy eating! 
  • The 10th annual California Crunch this Farm to School Month is at noon October 16! 
  • To sign up, click here 

Visit us at the California School Nutrition Association Conference! 

  • From October 29 to November 1, you can find CDFA’s Farm to School team at the California School Nutrition Association Conference! We’ll be tabling alongside some of our favorite southern California farms, and training alongside school food professionals about the power of farm to school to transform classrooms, cafeterias and the community.  
  • Click here to learn more about the conference.

Join a local farm to school event! 

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment