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CDFA Awards $1.69M for Research, Outreach and Education Projects to Improve Irrigation and Nutrient Management Practices

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) announces $1.69 million in grant funding for six projects to advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nitrogen and irrigation management practices. Benefits of the awarded projects include increased water quality, reducing nitrate leaching into groundwater, optimizing nitrogen management in organic cropping systems and more.

This funding is being awarded through the annual FREP Grant Program, which funds research and outreach projects related to the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizing materials in many of California’s important and environmentally sensitive cropping systems. Since 1991, FREP has awarded $32 million to over 280 projects, available to view and convenient for growers to implement via the FREP Research & Project Database.

Summary of Funded Projects Starting in 2026:

Reducing Orchard Nitrate Leaching to Groundwater with HFLC and AgMAR: Ground-Truthing and Guiding the ILRP Assessment Tool
Project Leader: Thomas Harter, UC Davis
FREP Grant funding: $299,629
This project funds several focused investigations while continuing to monitor the impact of high frequency, low concentration fertilizer applications (HFLC), or applying fertilizer incrementally through fertigation, on water quality in an almond orchard. Research objectives include providing valuable data to better understand the potential risks and benefits of Agricultural Managed Aquifer Recharge (AgMAR) on water quality and assessing irrigation and fertigation uniformity within the orchard. The project will also evaluate soil nutrient dynamics of a young orchard planted after grinding and reincorporating the wood from the previous orchard (Whole Orchard Recycling) and measure on-site evapotranspiration (ET). Project results will be communicated to growers and consultants to guide irrigation and nutrient management practices through extension events. Data generated from field monitoring will also be used to calibrate modeling tools used by the Central Valley Regional Waterboard to comply with the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP).

Nitrogen Runoff and Leaching Loss from Nursery Production
Project Leader: Christopher Shogren, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Los Angeles County
FREP Grant funding: $300,969
This project seeks to quantify nitrogen runoff and leaching from common combinations of irrigation method (drip vs. overhead), fertilizer type (controlled release vs. water-soluble) and soilless substrates with varying carbon to nitrogen ratios. The research will measure and compare nitrogen losses for plants grown with a single fertilizer and irrigation method from soilless substrates of different carbon to nitrogen ratios, measuring the percentage of nitrogen lost through leaching and runoff for both controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizer applications throughout the production cycle. In addition, the researchers will measure and compare nitrogen losses for overhead and drip irrigation methods when controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers are applied. Findings will be used to develop best management practices that are protective of water quality that will be shared with nursery producers through outreach events and resources.

Development of Diagnostic Tools to Support Site-Specific N Management Decisions in Organic Cropping Systems
Project Leader: Paul Zerbe, Soil Health Lab LLC
FREP Grant funding: $301,589
This project will provide growers with decision-support tools to optimize nitrogen management in organic cropping systems at the field level. Data will be collected on the management history, grower perception of nitrogen management challenges and a suite of soil properties on 120 organic vegetable fields in the Salinas Valley. Through statistical data analysis, researchers will establish relationships between these factors and incorporate their findings into a diagnostic tool and interpretive guide that can identify which fields can perform well with lower-cost inputs and which require more intensive investment. Using field testing and validation, the project aims to provide practical tools that improve both nitrogen efficiency and profitability. Beyond this project, the approach offers a scalable model for developing field diagnostics that support informed decision-making in complex farming systems.

Advancing Irrigation and Nitrogen Management of Cantaloupe in Southern California using Field Experiments and Remote Sensing
Project Leader: Amir Verdi, UC Riverside
FREP Grant funding: $301,222
The overall goal of this project is to enhance the sustainability of cantaloupe production in Southern California by developing science-based irrigation and nitrogen application recommendations for the major soil types in the region. Objectives include evaluating the response of cantaloupe to different irrigation and nitrogen amounts for heavy and coarse soil types in Riverside and Imperial counties and developing recommendations for irrigation and nitrogen management region-specific recommendations. Findings will be used to develop and evaluate a statistical yield predicting remote sensing-based models using drone and satellite data and update the California Fertilization Guidelines.

Nutrient Management: A Collaborative Approach between Agriculture and Regulatory Programs in the San Diego Region
Project Leader: Valerie Mellano, San Diego Region Irrigated Lands Group
FREP Grant funding: $190,339
In this outreach project, the San Diego Region Irrigated Lands Group (SDRILG) will lead a collaborative effort with agricultural and regulatory programs in the San Diego region to provide nutrient management outreach and education to growers who produce predominantly orchard, vine and nursery crops. This goal of the project is to establish and extend best management practices that achieve regional water quality goals, which are particularly focused on surface water contamination. This work will analyze the specific best management practice needs collaboratively with regulatory program staff and support SDRILG in providing data-driven outreach and education to its members. This will allow for implementation of the most effective practices for the unique agricultural operations in the region and provide education to growers on their effective use.

Developing Tools and Information to Enhance Water-Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Sustainability of Avocado Production Systems
Project Leader: Aliasghar Montazar, UCCE, San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties
FREP Grant funding: $301,639
Optimizing nitrogen applications along with appropriate irrigation management practices is important in all crops; however, in avocado production, managing salt buildup in the soil is an added challenge. This study will address this by conducting extensive field experiments and data collection in 15 commercial avocado sites in Southern California. The aim of the work is to develop new nitrogen and water management tools and information that enhance efficiency while increasing yield and economic return. Key objectives include assessing the impact of grower practices on avocado tree growth, fruit quality, nitrogen removal, nitrogen soil availability and leaching, and developing nitrogen-removal crop coefficient values in California avocados. A long-term impact of the study will be achieving a higher ratio of harvested nitrogen to cropland nitrogen inputs, which may contribute significantly to reduced nitrate contamination in groundwater.

Click here to view this original CDFA press release.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CA State Organic Program Reminds Producers to Submit USDA 2025 Organic Survey by Feb. 5

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA’s California State Organic Program reminds California organic producers to submit responses to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2025 Organic Survey no later than Thursday, Feb. 5.

Last conducted in 2021, the Organic Survey looks to gather new data on organic production, marketing practices, income and expenses in the United States. This effort is critical for USDA to be able to determine the economic impact of organic agriculture production on the nation. The survey results are scheduled to be made public on Oct. 30, 2026.

The 2025 Organic Survey is part of the Census of Agriculture Program and as such is required and protected by law (Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113). These federal laws require producers to respond and USDA to keep identities and answers confidential. NASS mailed the survey to all known organic farms and ranches within the 50 states, as well as those producers transitioning to certified organic production. For more information about the 2025 Organic Survey, visit www.nass.usda.gov/go/organic.

The California State Organic Program is part of the Inspection & Compliance Branch in CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services.

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

CDFA Releases 2024 Veterinary Feed Directive Summary Report

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) Program announces the release of the 2024 Veterinary Feed Directive Summary Report.

This report presents the latest illustration of Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) feed manufacturing and distribution in California. The annual VFD Summary Report has been developed to provide a transparent and thorough explanation of the AUS program’s involvement to ensure a feed manufacturer / distributor complies with state and federal VFD order mandates.

2024 report highlights include:

  • Background, including general information, scope of reporting, processes for protecting confidential information and analytical considerations for the data
  • Data tables reporting VFD information by species, drug, indication type and amounts sold, as well as aggregated, informative visuals
  • Collaborative outreach and education efforts for the public, distributors and veterinarians performed by CDFA divisions of Animal Health and Food Safety Services, and Inspection Services
  • Plans for the AUS program and future VFD collection and compliance

In conjunction with CDFA’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program under Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) Section 14092.5, AUS collects VFD information on a quarterly basis from both manufacturers and distributors listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s VFD Distributor Notification list. The information collected is held confidential in accordance with FAC Section 14407.

Click here to view the 2024 Veterinary Feed Directive Summary Report.

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

CDFA State Organic Program collaborates with county agricultural inspectors across California

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
SOP collaboration with California county agricultural inspectors included (clockwise from top left) an agave farm tour with Riverside County inspectors, a farmers’ market verification of good practices with San Luis Obispo County inspectors, an organic inspection with Santa Barbara County inspectors, and an organic inspection with Imperial County inspectors.

CDFA’s State Organic Program’s (SOP) mission is to protect the organic label through education, outreach and, when necessary, enforcement in California, under the authority of the USDA’s National Organic Program. California is the only state in the nation with a USDA-approved State Organic Program.

The SOP upholds state laws and USDA organic regulations by overseeing requirements for the production and handling of organic products within California as well as those entering the state. This includes partnering with counties to perform SOP inspections.

Following are recent examples of this important partnership:

  • Riverside County agricultural inspectors joined the SOP for an agave farm tour to deepen their understanding of organic production practices and strengthen inter­agency collaboration.
  • San Luis Obispo County agricultural inspectors joined SOP to conduct organic enforcement inspections at local farmers’ markets to verify compliance with state and federal organic standards and ensure transparency for consumers.
  • Imperial County agricultural inspectors joined SOP for an on-site organic inspection. The visit included a compre­hensive review of production and handling prac­tices to ensure full compliance with both state and federal organic regulations.
  • Santa Barbara County conducted an inspection to verify compliance with both state and federal organic standards. The visit included a thorough review of production, handling and documentation practices to ensure the opera­tion met all regulatory requirements.

Click here to visit the California State Organic Program webpage for more information.  

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 Farm to School grant fosters lifelong connections to healthy food for Orange County students

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Huntington Beach Union High School District students are encouraged to develop lifelong relationships with healthy food as they peruse and sample produce grown by the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, supported through a CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant.

The Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) is putting its CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding to good use, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food for Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) students.

“This partnership has allowed our Nutrition Services Department to offer healthier meals while strengthening students’ connections to whole foods, agriculture and gardening,” said HBUHSD Nutrition Services Administrator John Chiu.

At the center of this work is CAP OC’s 8-acre Giving Farm that grows fresh produce, including strawberries, watermelon, avocados, oranges, broccoli and butternut squash, used in school meals.

“When seasonal items are available or featured in meals, we promote them through social media and district communications so students can see the direct connection between local farming and what’s on their plate,” Chiu added.

Students, faculty and administrators also interact with the fresh produce through a bi-monthly farmers’ market hosted by HBUHSD’s Adult Transition Program.

“These markets allow our team to sample fresh produce, test new recipes with students and provide nutrition education,” Chiu explained. “It’s about meeting students where they are and making healthy food approachable and exciting.”

Through their collaborative efforts and support from CDFA’s Farm to School Regional staff, CAP OC and HBUHSD remain committed to building a sustainable, educational and nourishing food system that benefits students today and for years to come. Visit the CDFA Farm to School Program website for more information.

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

Imperial County Farm to School Gathering Showcases Locally Grown Produce in School Meals

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
Imperial County school nutrition professionals and Chef Ann Foundation chefs attend a recent Farm to School Network regional gathering at the Imperial Valley Food Bank in Imperial.

A recent Farm to School regional workshop in Imperial County was a well-attended opportunity for school nutrition professionals to see how local produce could be utilized in creative and fun ways for healthy school meals.

“We’re showing how you can dress up vegetables, making some really commonplace vegetables the stars,” Chef Ann Foundation Chef Zach Thomas told the Imperial Valley Press in an article about the event. “[We’re] giving inspiration to school food professionals on how they can make their veggies a little bit more interesting for kids and a little more approachable.”

CDFA Farm to School Engagement Specialist Jennifer Huang coordinated the event at the Imperial Valley Food Bank, along with the Chef Ann Foundation and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Desert Research and Extension Center. Part of Huang’s role is to help school nutrition professionals source meal ingredients from local food producers. The produce featured in the workshop was grown in Coachella Valley.

“The blueberries and the strawberries you see today, and also all the produce you see for the morning culinary workshop, are from Aziz Farms,” Huang told the Imperial Valley Press.

Another purpose of the workshop was to remind attendees that the next round of CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is expected to begin accepting applications in 2026. She encouraged attendees to network and build potential partnerships that would make grant applications stronger.

Learn more at CDFA’s Farm to School Program website.

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

Center for Analytical Chemistry laboratory staff join field sampling of fertilizing materials they regularly analyze

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
(Left) Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) Agricultural Biological Technician Tad Naquin collects a solid fertilizer sample while shadowing Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program staff in the field to see how samples are obtained that CAC regularly analyzes. (Right, L-R) CAC Environmental Scientist Silen Patel and CAC Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor Elsa Poon join FMIP Environmental Scientist Zach Edmonds for a fertilizer facility inspection.

Recently, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) staff had the opportunity to partake in the process of obtaining fertilizer samples they would lat­er analyze.

CDFA regulatory activities include obtaining samples of fertilizing materials and analyzing them to ensure the fertilizer is safe, effective and meets registered label claims and guarantees. In CDFA’s Inspection Services Division, fertilizer samples are obtained by Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program (FMIP) field staff and then analyzed in the CAC laboratory.

For CAC’s Regulatory Analysis team to better understand the entire process, they stepped away from the laboratory to shadow Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services (FFLDRS) Branch FMIP staff as they performed inspections, sampling and other duties in the field.

CAC scientists learned the inspection process, observed various sampling techniques and performed some of them. This opportunity provided a valuable way to con­nect field sampling, regulatory inspection and laboratory analysis into one continuous process. It also strengthened collaboration between the Fer­tilizer Field Inspection team and CAC Regulatory Analysis team.

Posted in CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Regulatory Analysis Laboratory | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA announces vacancies on Feed Inspection Advisory Board

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces three vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB). This board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to CDFA to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk, meat and eggs.

The board vacancies are for two commercial feed industry representatives and one public member. Applicants for the commercial feed industry representatives must hold a current California Commercial Feed License. The term of office for board members is up to three years. Board members do not receive compensation, but they are entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in a board appointment must submit a resume and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ). The PMAQ is available on the CDFA website at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/PMAQ_Feed_IAB.pdf. Both the resume and PMAQ are due by January 30, 2026.

Send resume and PMAQ via email to Maria.Tenorio@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to:

CDFA
Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Service Branch
Attn: Maria Tenorio
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

For further information, please contact Maria Tenorio at (916) 862-2958 or Maria.Tenorio@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA press release.

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

ISD Staff Spotlight: Karen Adler enjoys seeing fertilizer research projects evolve through reports and field trials

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

NAME: Karen Adler
TIME AT CDFA: 3 years
PROGRAM: Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP)
POSITION TITLE: Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist

USUAL DAILY ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB: Much of my time is spent working on our FREP research and outreach grants. I review all pre-proposals and full proposals and help facilitate the evaluation process to determine which will receive funding. For the projects that are approved, I review the annual reports and interpretive summaries that are submitted throughout the year and attend field visits and outreach events that the grantees hold. I also help with planning the annual FREP conference, where the grantees present their work, and assist with administration of the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative, which is a partnership FREP has with UC Davis and Cooperative Extension to provide targeted outreach to growers by farm advisors on irrigation and nitrogen management. Finally, I’m often jumping in and out of interesting rabbit holes on different topics like nitrous oxide emissions, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, agricultural recharge and other hot topics to understand how these will impact growers, our grant program and the fertilizer industry in general.

HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY? Both conventional and organic fertilizers are essential for growing the quantity and quality of food required to feed our population and sustain the profitability of California’s agricultural industry. However, it’s also important that crops are fertilized efficiently to reduce excess nutrient loading to the environment, which contributes to water quality issues, increased greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation and other issues. My work through the FREP Grant Program funds research and outreach to better understand and improve efficiencies in how operations apply fertilizers that support the needs of growers while protecting the environment.

THOUGHTS OF WORKING AT INSPECTION SERVICES? I really enjoy my job, the people I work with and the very collaborative environment of FREP. Since I started, I’ve been impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the staff and appreciate the diversity of outreach and enforcement programs within Inspection Services. I’ve learned so much in the first three years working here and look forward to many more to come.

MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE JOB? One of the most rewarding and enjoyable tasks in my work is when I have the opportunity to visit a FREP grant field site to see the research or outreach being carried out in real time. This summer I visited conventional and organic nitrogen trials in Soledad, where I observed the graduate student and his assistants taking soil samples and asked questions about the research. After following the project over the last two years through their reports, seeing the field trials and meeting the researchers involved really brought the project to life and gave me a better understanding of the research findings and challenges.

FAVORITE PASTIME? I take any opportunity I can to get out into nature with my family. I love to go hiking, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, camping and when I can swing it, surfing and snorkeling. Also high on my list are summer music festivals, where I can camp out and see music with friends and family.

SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOU? I traveled quite a bit in my 20s and early 30s, studying and/or working while living abroad for over five years in more than six different countries.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Inspection Services Division, ISD Staff Spotlight | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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