Inspection Services Blog
  1. CDFA Home
  2. Inspection Services Division
  3. Inspection Services Blog

Farm to School connects local food system and community for Hoopa Valley High School students

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Hoopa Valley High School students participate in the annual Salmon Project, co-sponsored by the Klamath-Trinity Resource Conservation District receiving CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to help connect students to the local food system and community.

The Klamath-Trinity Resource Conservation District (KTRCD) invests CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding to support local producers, local food procurement and hands-on education to help connect the classroom, cafeteria, local food system and community.

KTRCD is an Indigenous nonprofit working to connect local food, schools, producers and culturally relevant food education throughout the Klamath-Trinity region of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties in Northern California. An important part of this work is the KTRCD Food Hub, which purchases food from local farmers and producers and helps connect locally produced foods back to schools and the community. The KRTCD Food Hub recently purchased food from 26 local producers and provided food safety education.

KTRCD’s Farm to School work also creates opportunities for Hoopa Valley students to learn about traditional foods and food practices through direct experience and community mentorship. In partnership with schools, Tribal programs, local organizations, producers and community knowledge holders, students participate in hands-on activities involving salmon, Pacific lamprey, deer, acorns, locally gathered plants, gardening, food preparation, preservation and other traditional foods.

“Our workshops offer an opportunity for students to engage with school and culture simultaneously,” said Hoopa Valley High School Cultural Connections, Cultural Studies and Natural Resources teacher Natalie M. Scott. “And it turn, that improves our attendance and behavior outcomes. Students that sometimes struggle to engage with school are given another avenue of engagement.”

Recently, KTRCD was a partner in the annual Salmon Project where more than 30 Hoopa Valley High School students learned about salmon species, fisheries management, selection harvest, traditional processing, smoking, kippering and preservation. Students visited the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s weir at Tish Tang and worked directly with harvested salmon, learning how to gut, filet, strip, hang, smoke and preserve the fish alongside community instructors and partners.

“It’s a learning experience for all of us and it’s meaningful that we’re coming together to practice our culture,” Hoopa Valley High School student Marion “Buckeroo” McCovey said about the Salmon Project experience. “The more we are together, the more we build.”

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

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

Farm to school fosters life skills and pride in seeing work grow for El Dorado County students

Posted on October 13, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Students in El Dorado Union High School District participate in hands-on agricultural learning through hydroponics and traditional gardens made possible by the CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant.

El Dorado Union High School District is utilizing CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to bring hands-on agriculture into special education programs at five high schools in southern El Dorado County.

“This grant has given our special education students the opportunity to learn by doing,” said Adult Transition Program Teacher Trish Hardy. “They are growing food, comparing different growing methods, harvesting, cooking and developing real-life skills along the way. Most importantly, we have been able to create opportunities for students of all abilities to participate and experience the pride that comes from growing something themselves.”

Through $200,000 in grant funding, El Dorado, Union Mine, Ponderosa, Oak Ridge and Independence high schools have developed programs that fit each campus and its students. At one campus, garden beds and gravel pathways were added so students who use wheelchairs can more fully participate. Students use hydroponic systems, outdoor gardens and grow lights. Some schools are comparing hydroponic and traditionally grown plants, while others are using what they grow in cooking activities.

Students across El Dorado Union High School District are now planting, maintaining, harvesting and using what they grow. Along the way, they’re learning responsibility, teamwork, problem solving, cooking and workplace skills. District officials see the farm to school investments as a great starting point to continue expanding gardens and hydroponic programs, grow more food and eventually see food grown by students used in school cafeterias.

“Most of all, we want to keep creating opportunities where every student can participate, contribute and see the results of their work grow,” Hardy added.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

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

Alyssa Burkart Gonzales values representing family farms on Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.

Alyssa Burkart Gonzales
Burkart Organics

What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Agriculture has always been a part of my life. I grew up on my family’s farm, started in 1965 by my grandmother, surrounded by orchards, harvest seasons, farmers’ markets and the hard work that goes into producing tree fruit. I watched my dad dedicate his life to farming and it has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the industry and the people who make it possible. Today, I have the privilege of helping carry on a family legacy while finding new ways to connect consumers with the people and stories behind their food.

Could you please describe your farming operation?
I am part of Burkart Organics, a family-owned and operated organic fruit farm located in California’s Central Valley. Our family has been farming for six decades, and we specialize in a wide variety of organic stone fruit, citrus, dried fruit and other tree fruits. I manage our marketing, social media, website, customer communications, sales initiatives and farmers’ market operations. I work closely with our customers, helping bridge the gap between the farm and the communities we serve. We sell directly to consumers through Certified Farmers’ Markets throughout California, allowing us to build relationships with our customers and share firsthand knowledge about our farming practices and products. We also sell wholesale to Earl’s Organic Produce in San Francisco and have for several decades, as well as direct wholesale in the Central Valley and Los Angeles areas.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our operation is being able to connect people directly to the source of their food. Whether it’s explaining how a particular variety was grown, sharing the story behind a harvest, or helping customers discover a new favorite fruit, those interactions are what make direct-to-consumer agriculture so special.

What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means honoring the generations of women who have contributed to farming, often without receiving the recognition they deserved, while helping pave the way for future generations. Agriculture today is incredibly diverse and women are leading in every aspect of the industry – from production and research to marketing, advocacy and business management.

For me, personally, being a woman in agriculture means proving that leadership comes in many forms. While I may not spend every day driving tractors or managing irrigation systems, I play an important role in helping our farm thrive and grow. It means bringing a unique perspective, building relationships, advocating for farmers and helping ensure that agriculture remains strong and sustainable for future generations.

Why did you become a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, and what do your duties entail?
I became involved with the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee because I am passionate about preserving and strengthening California’s direct marketing system. Certified Farmers’ Markets provide farmers with an opportunity to connect directly with consumers, educate the public about agriculture and receive fair value for their products.

As a committee member, I help provide input and recommendations on issues affecting Certified Farmers’ Markets, producers and consumers. The role involves reviewing policies, discussing industry challenges, and helping ensure that the integrity and effectiveness of California’s Certified Farmers’ Market program are maintained. I value the opportunity to represent the perspective of family farmers and contribute to conversations that impact the future of direct agricultural marketing.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
Don’t be afraid to pursue a career in agriculture and make your voice heard. Agriculture needs passionate, innovative and dedicated leaders, and there is room for women in every corner of this industry.

Be willing to learn, ask questions and take on challenges even when you don’t feel completely ready. Some of the greatest opportunities come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Build relationships, find mentors and remember that your perspective is valuable.

Most importantly, stay connected to your purpose. Agriculture can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re growing crops, conducting research, advocating for farmers or connecting consumers to food, your work matters. The future of agriculture depends on the next generation bringing fresh ideas while honoring the traditions and values that have sustained our industry for generations.

CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on all matters pertaining to direct marketing of agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets, with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The committee comprises 14 members and their alternates who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, Certified Farmers’ Market operators or representatives of the operator, one public member and one county agricultural commissioner.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Direct Marketing Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, Certified Farmers Market, Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Healing Harvest: Growing wellness, connection, opportunity through farm to school

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Farm to school activities at San Marcos Unified in San Diego County include (clockwise from left) students receiving a bag of fresh fruit and veggies from farmers’ markets provided by Food 4 Thought; planting of El Huerto de los Sueños / Orchard of Dreams at Twin Oaks Elementary, a dual language immersion program school; and students cooking with chef Lety Gonzales during a farm field trip to Fox Point Farm.

At San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) in San Diego County, farm to school is about more than what is served on the lunch tray. Through the district’s 2023-24 CA Farm to School Incubator Grant project called “Healing Harvest,” all 17,912 Transitional Kindergarten –12th grade students in the district have access to intentional food, agriculture and wellness experiences designed to help young minds connect, learn and thrive.

These experiences include: eating California-grown foods, visiting Stehly Farms and the Ecology Center, exploring Indigenous grains and milpa agriculture with university biology partners, and participating in culinary therapy. The three wellness-focused agricultural spaces that anchor this work across the district are Grizzly Grove at Mission Hills High School, El Huerto de los Sueños / Orchard of Dreams at Twin Oaks Elementary, and the Love and Kindness Garden at Double Peak School, with additional spaces in development.

What makes SMUSD’s farm to school project unique is its intentional connection between food, farms and social-emotional wellness. Grant funding supports a school social worker who helps facilitate these experiences, ensuring that food- and farm-based wellness activities are guided by trained mental health staff.

“When we arrive at the farm, I just feel like I can breathe good there—like I am peaceful,” one Mission Hills High School student shared. “Even when we taste the food, it makes me feel healthier just tasting it. Those days at the farm are my best school days.”

That connection between personal well-being, food and the land is also central to SMUSD’s community partnerships.

“Many of the youth of today while carrying a value system for the ecology of the earth do not always carry this over to their food,” Jack Ford of Stehly Farms said. “Food is not a product or a thing, but a direct relationship with Mother Nature. It’s essential for their health and the health of the planet that we extend these values and practices to our diet.”

And the work continues to grow. The developing Agricultural Innovation Center and student-led farm stand will create new opportunities to connect agriculture, nutrition, career technical education, student enterprise and farm to school experiences.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

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

Porterville USD helps environment, supports small farmers through incorporating locally grown produce into school meals

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Porterville USD utilizes CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to (clockwise from top) host a local beekeeper to educate students on the importance of pollinators, introduce CAPS interns to local Castle Brite Farms, create educational posters for Harvest of the Month, and host free farmers’ markets. 

California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funds are hard at work in Tulare County helping Porterville Unified School District’s Student Nutrition Services strengthen farm to school connections across the district and expand its commitment to purchasing locally grown food.

In 2024, Porterville USD was awarded $200,000 to procure local food to incorporate into a Harvest of the Month program, as well as support paid internships for three district students in partnership with statewide nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS). In a true farm to school experience, two summer interns even grew pumpkins used in Porterville USD’s signature “cowboy bread” served in school meals.

Interns also analyzed greenhouse gas emissions from produce deliveries. Their data shows that sourcing locally grown produce not only provides fresher food, but also emits only a fraction of the greenhouse gases generated by shipments from outside California. Porterville USD local producers include EZM Inc., Castle Brite Farms, Shanley Farms, Fresno BIPOC, Sunlight Almonds, J&R Meat Company and Madera Queen Honey. Farmers involved in the project agree that working directly with schools has created positive impacts on their livelihoods through stable partnerships and opportunities to connect directly with the community.

By bringing locally produced foods into cafeterias and classrooms, Porterville students are learning where their food comes from and building lasting appreciation for sustainability, community and the importance of supporting local farmers for generations to come.

This work reflects the growing farm to school movement by connecting education, nutrition, sustainability and local agriculture. To learn more or get involved, visit CDFA’s CA Farm to School Program website or send a message to: cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

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

California Organic Products Advisory Committee Co-Chair Erin Raser takes pride in ensuring organic voices are heard

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of co-chair of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC).

Erin Raser
Director of Operations and Advocacy, Far West Fungi

What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
I grew up spending summers on my aunt’s dairy farm in Pennsylvania getting to experience farm life in all its glory, with ponies, puppies and, of course, a lot of baby cows. This experience and exposure to agriculture really shaped my connection to food and the land, sparking a curiosity about the intersection between food production, policy and the people who work tirelessly to make it all happen. Agriculture is one of the few professions we depend on to survive as a species and it’s a privilege to be a part of the agricultural system, especially in a thriving and exciting organization. 

Could you please describe your farming operation?
We grow certified organic exotic mushrooms, and what makes our operation truly unique is that mushroom farming looks nothing like traditional agriculture. We grow in substrate rather than soil, and every stage of our process happens indoors, which means we are farming year-round, regardless of season or weather.

Our flagship farm is located in Moss Landing, on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for the farm because of its location – the natural ocean breeze and consistently moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for fungi.

My role is director of operations and advocacy, which reflects how layered this work is. I oversee day-to-day production operations and compliance, monitor yield analysis, and manage packing and quality control. I also handle HR and employee services, which is a part of the job I genuinely love. Our employees trust me with the details of their lives, and there is something really special about being the first to hear about a wedding or a new baby. On top of that, I have had the opportunity to work on agricultural policy affecting the mushroom industry, which ties directly back to my background and is deeply meaningful to me. I am also bilingual, which allows me to connect more authentically with a large part of our team.

On the market side, we sell at Whole Foods, Safeway, Raley’s and will soon be on shelves at Nugget Foods. We participate in 15 farmers markets across the Bay Area, operate two retail stores that carry over 70 varieties of mushrooms and wild harvested products year-round, and sell to a wide range of wholesalers. 

What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means learning to wear many hats, holding your ground at tables where you had to earn your seat, and finding joy and fulfillment in the simple fact that the food you help grow ends up on a family’s table, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a holiday meal. 

Why did you become a member of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC), and what do your duties entail?
I became a member of COPAC because I wanted to further my understanding of how organic products and agricultural policy function throughout the state. I have met so many inspiring people on the board and am currently serving as co-chair. The most important responsibility as a member is making sure that organic voices are heard throughout the state and giving stakeholders an opportunity to voice their concerns and interests. 

What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture? 
If you find yourself as the only woman in the room, make room for others. 

Early in my career, I had the privilege of working in international agricultural policy across Latin America and the Caribbean, and I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a few truly extraordinary women. They showed me, by example, what it looks like to speak up when it’s uncomfortable, stand firm when you’re challenged and refuse to take no for an answer. The greatest thing I can do is pass it forward by showing up, taking up space and always making sure the door stays open for the women coming up behind me.

Anything else you’d like to say? 
I am grateful to the women who showed me what it looks like to lead powerfully and unapologetically and to Toby Garrone, our co-founder, who has encouraged me through my own moments of self-doubt. 

CDFA’s California Organic Products Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on issues related to organic standards and enforcement, as well as support for organic agriculture in California through education, outreach, technical assistance and other industry activities. Appointed by the Secretary, committee members represent organic stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers, consumers and accredited certifying agents.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

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

CDFA Food Safety Series: Ensuring proper use of animal medicine for clean and wholesome supply of meat, milk and eggs

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

California is committed to keeping our food safe. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, CDFA is sharing more information about the programs that help make sure food grown and processed in California is as safe as possible.

CDFA’s Livestock Drug Program is responsible for the enforcement of California state law pertaining to retailer licensing, product registration and label compliance, and the distribution of livestock drugs. These include restricted livestock drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, veterinary feed directive drugs, as well as supplements for livestock, poultry and horses. This improves food safety through ensuring that animal medicines are used properly so that meat, milk and eggs remain safe for consumption.

Activities include:

  • Regulating sales of all over-the-counter livestock drugs in California
  • Reviewing and approving livestock drug product registrations
  • Issuing retailer licenses and conducting inspections to verify compliance

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

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

CA Citrus Advisory Committee Chair Lisa Tate is grateful to serve agriculture through various roles

Posted on September 25, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of committee chair of the California Citrus Advisory Committee.

Lisa Tate
Rancho Filoso, California Coffee Collective, J.M. Sharp Company, Ventura County

What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Agriculture is part of who I am. My family has been farming in Ventura County since 1876, and I grew up watching my mother and grandmother farm alongside the men in our family. They taught me that farming is more than growing crops – it’s caring for the land, supporting your community and building something that will outlast you.

I pursued a degree in agricultural business from Cal Poly because I wanted to combine my love of agriculture with the skills needed to help family farms remain successful. What keeps me inspired today is knowing that every day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn and a chance to contribute to an industry that feeds people and sustains communities.

Could you please describe your farming operation?
I oversee the operations of Rancho Filoso and California Coffee Collective and help guide the strategic direction of the J. M. Sharp Company, all located in Ventura County. Our farming operations include lemons, Valencia oranges, avocados, agave and one of California’s pioneering coffee plantations.

My role includes overseeing daily operations, regulatory compliance, financial management, long-term planning and sustainability initiatives. Through California Coffee Collective, we process, market and sell California-grown specialty coffee while educating the public about agriculture through farm tours and outreach programs.

Our citrus and avocado crops serve domestic and international markets, while our coffee operation is helping establish a new specialty crop industry in California.

What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means carrying forward a legacy while helping create opportunities for the next generation. I am fortunate to come from a family of strong women farmers who showed me that leadership is not defined by gender but by hard work, integrity and a willingness to serve others.

It also means being part of an incredible community of women in agriculture. Throughout my career, I have found that women farmers are some of the most generous, supportive and collaborative people I know. We share ideas, solve problems together, celebrate one another’s successes and support each other through challenges. Those relationships have been invaluable to me both professionally and personally.

While agriculture has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated industry, I have been encouraged to see more women stepping into leadership roles and bringing their voices to important conversations. The future of agriculture will be stronger because of the diverse perspectives women bring to the table.

Why did you become a member of the California Citrus Advisory Committee, and what do your duties entail?
I became involved with the California Citrus Advisory Committee because I believe growers have a responsibility to help shape the future of our industry. I also wanted to better understand the statewide issues affecting California agriculture and become more actively engaged in the decision-making process.

California citrus faces significant challenges and opportunities, and it is critical that growers have a voice in discussions that impact our farms, communities and the long-term success of the industry. As chair of the California Citrus Advisory Committee, I work alongside growers, industry representatives and CDFA staff to provide input on programs and issues affecting California citrus. The committee helps ensure that decisions are informed by the practical experiences and perspectives of those working directly in the industry.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
Don’t be afraid to take a seat at the table.

Agriculture needs people with diverse skills and perspectives. Whether your interests are in production agriculture, science, technology, communications, policy or business, there is a place for you in this industry.

Be curious. Ask questions. Seek out mentors. Most importantly, don’t wait for someone to tell you that you belong. Early in my career, I sometimes found myself being the only woman in the room, but I learned that my perspective was just as valuable as anyone else’s. The next generation of women should know that agriculture needs their ideas, leadership and passion.

Anything else you’d like to say?
One of the things I love most about agriculture is that it connects people across generations. Every farm has a story, and every farmer builds on the work of those who came before them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve agriculture not only through farming, but also through organizations such as the California Citrus Advisory Committee, California Citrus Mutual, the Ventura County Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee and the Santa Clara River Watershed Committee. These roles allow me to advocate for growers, mentor future agricultural leaders and help tell the story of California agriculture.

As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I hope we recognize the countless women whose contributions have helped shape agriculture – many of whom never received the recognition they deserved. Their dedication helped build the industry we have today, and I am honored to carry that legacy forward.

CDFA’s California Citrus Advisory Committee oversees the implementation of the California Citrus Program inspection program, crop and acreage survey work performed through the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and makes recommendations to the Secretary on matters pertaining to the citrus industry. The committee comprises 12 voting members who are handlers and producers of citrus in California.

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

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

CDFA Food Safety Series: Sampling Livestock and Poultry Feed for Clean and Wholesome Supply of Meat, Milk and Eggs

Posted on September 23, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

California is committed to keeping our food safe. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, CDFA is sharing more information about the programs that help make sure food grown and processed in California is as safe as possible.

CDFA’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program is responsible for the enforcement of California state law and regulations pertinent to the manufacturing, distribution and labeling of commercial livestock feed while preventing adulterated feed from being consumed by livestock and poultry. This improves food safety through ensuring a clean and wholesome supply of meat, milk and eggs.

Activities include:

  • Inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conducting routine sampling and inspections, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for Animal Food inspections of feed manufacturing facilities, and responding to consumer complaints
  • Providing assurance that feed products received by California consumers are the quality and quantity purported by the manufacturer and all feed safety requirements are met

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

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

CDFA Food Safety Series: Food Safety Auditing Unit verifies food safety in the field

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA Food Safety Auditing Unit Supervisor Nancy Jauregui verifies cleaning and sanitization practices for harvest tools during a leafy greens audit.

California is committed to keeping our food safe. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, CDFA is sharing more information about the programs that help make sure food grown and processed in California is as safe as possible.

CDFA’s Food Safety Auditing Unit conducts a variety of food safety audits in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and commodity-specific groups. The audits include verifying food safety practices set by the requesting agency for growing, harvesting, packing and cooling activities.

These announced and unannounced audits double-check that producers and their employees are adhering to science-based protocols for food safety, such as procedures for equipment cleaning and use. These audits also provide buyers extra reassurance that they will be providing safe food for consumers to be able to purchase in California and beyond.

Food Safety Auditing Unit activities include:

  • Approximately 1,200 food safety audits per year
  • Food safety audits of leafy greens for members of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
  • Mandatory food safety audits of California-grown cantaloupes per direction of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board
  • USDA good agricultural practice (GAP) audits reviewing facilities, agronomic practices and documentation to help determine if GAPs and good handling practices are being maintained

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

Posted in CDFA Food Safety Auditing Unit, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Shipping Point Inspection Program | Tagged , | Leave a comment