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CDFA congratulates staff for completing coaching program — an important step in developing leadership skills

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA coaching program graduates receiving their certificates last week in person and via Zoom, along with instructor Barzin Moradi (far left), Inspection Services Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg (third from left), Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina (fourth from left), and Inspections Services Assistant Director Carla Sanchez (fifth from right).

Ten CDFA staff members graduated last week from the agency’s Coaching for Personal and Professional Effectiveness Program, a course that provides improved communication skills for work and life and prepares employees to take on leadership positions.

With 24 percent of agency employees at retirement age, and another 12 percent within five years of retirement eligibility, CDFA is prioritizing succession planning programs like this.

The course curriculum included group and individual learning, various personality and behavioral assessment tools, and customized one-on-one professional coaching sessions. Graduates commented the course provided practical skills for talking through difficult conversations, learning the power of saying less through thinking before responding, public speaking, and setting up the framework for leading staff.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates!

Deborah Ayala, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division

Andrea Cano, State Organic Program

Sarah Cardoni, Inspections Services Division

Carmen Carrasco, Farm Equity Office

Lizzy Elliott, Farm to School Program

Leslie Fernandez, State Organic Program

Jennifer Harmon, Fertilizer Research and Education Program

David Ko, Division of Marketing Services

Pamela Lee, Farm to School Program

Samantha Moran-Defty, Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Earth Week spotlight — CDFA Food Recovery webpage offers resources for reducing food waste

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

In recognition of Earth Week, CDFA is spotlighting its Food Recovery webpage, dedicated to reducing food waste.

The USDA reports that 30-40 percent of the U.S. food supply turns to food waste. CalRecycle reports that Californians discards 5-6 million tons of food every year.

The Food Recovery Hierarchy (right) and CDFA programs help consumers as well as farmers and ranchers reduce food waste through recycling and reuse, resulting in more food for people, feed for animals, and a series of additional uses beneficial to the environment.

There are several examples of agency programs that reflect the values of the hierarchy.

The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS), through its Healthy Soils Program, offers grants for activities like the mulching of almond shells to help reduce the evaporation of surface water while building highly-coveted organic matter in soil.

CDFA’s Rendering Program oversees the re-use of inedible kitchen grease for an array of products, including biofuel, soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, and feed for the livestock, poultry and pets.

And the agency’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program offers an incentivized tax rate for commercial feed producers that upcycle human food byproducts to animal feed within California’s livestock feed industry.

The reduction of food waste is a serious worldwide concern, and CDFA is committed to contributing to the effort.

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 Food Recovery, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Produce Safety Program offers tips for FSMA Produce Safety Rule pre-harvest agricultural water requirements

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

Are you prepared for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements?

The compliance date for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) has begun for Large Farms starting on April 7, 2025. Compliance dates for Small Farms and Very Small Farms will follow in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Click here to view a CDFA Produce Safety Program blog for resources, including educational materials, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Trainings, On-Farm Readiness Reviews and the CDFA Technical Assistance Program available to assist with preparing for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements.

Posted in CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Produce Safety Program | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Check out Fertilizer Research and Education Program newsletter

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

Click here to view and subscribe to our Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) newsletter.

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

CDFA IT department honored for work on Produce Safety Program webpage

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
(Top) CDFA Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) Technology Governance Section Chief Sherri Winfree holds an award received for proactive leadership. (Middle) Members of CDFA ITSD staff (standing, L-R) Amar Hariharan, Trey White, Fredrick Gomez, Rudy Martinez and Peter Betschart and (sitting, L-R) Celeste Payne, Becky Moore and Sherri Winfree show all awards given to CDFA from the California Public Sector Chief Information Officer Academy. (Bottom) PSP team members (L-R) Geetika Joshi, Ben Reische, Briana Russell, Angela Terrazas and Peiman Amin Abadi hold the award for implementation of CDFA’s Produce Safety Program (PSP) Portal, which they initiated and helped developed.

CDFA’s Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) – working with the Inspection Services Division’s Produce Safety Program (PSP) – was recognized with five awards from the California Public Sector Chief Information Officer Academy for stellar work in government technology.

Three ITSD staff members received individual awards. Senior Project Manager Ed Lee was awarded for outstanding leadership and project management expertise as well as the ability to motivate and inspire those around him. Senior Project Manager Robin Root was awarded for exceptional leadership and organization acumen while fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Technology Governance Section Chief Sherri Winfree was awarded for a proactive leadership style that sets a high standard and inspires her colleagues to excel.

A Project Implementation Team Award was given for CDFA’s launch of the PSP Portal, a groundbreaking farm and inspections data repository launched in August 2024. Completed on time, in scope and within budget, this transformational project positions California as a leader in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety, ensuring safer food production through technology-driven oversight. ITSD team members named in the photo, as well as Daniel Godinez and former CDFA employees Cyndi Reimer and Marc Grijalva, helped the project launch. Produce Safety Program members named in the photo, as well as Sarah Standiford and Benjamin Taylor, helped develop the project before ITSD made it live.

A Contracts and Procurement Team Award was given to CDFA’s Technology Governance Section (TGS) for playing a critical role in financial management, strategic planning, and project execution. Through strategic leadership and dedication, the TGS team has strengthened CDFA’s ability to implement innovative solutions, ensuring that technology, fiscal responsibility and sustainability align with California’s long-term conservation and development goals.

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

Posted in CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Produce Safety Program | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA announces vacancies on Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications to fill two vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee. 

The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. Members assist in setting research priorities for the annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) Grant Program, and they review and recommend research and outreach proposals to the Fertilizer Inspection Board.

Applicants are sought with recognized technical, applied and scientific expertise in the fields of agronomy, soil science, plant science, irrigation, or production agriculture; or expertise on environmental issues. The term of office for subcommittee members is three years, beginning January 1, 2026. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to reimbursement of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources. 

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment should complete the Prospective Member Application Packet available on the program webpage and email it to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov, along with a two-page resume or curriculum vitae. The application deadline is Wednesday, July 31, 2025. 

FREP is funded through a mill assessment on the sale of fertilizing materials. FREP funds and facilitates research, education and demonstration projects to improve proper use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water in agriculture. The program serves researchers, growers, agricultural supply and service professionals, extension personnel, public agencies, consultants and the public. 

For further information about FREP, please contact FREP staff at FREP@cdfa.ca.gov  or visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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

Benefits of California Farm to School Program discussed at school nutrition conference

Posted on April 8, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

At the California State Nutrition Association (CSNA) Legislative Action Conference yesterday (April 7), CDFA Farm to School Program Manager Nick Anicich discussed how the initiative is benefitting students, farmers, and school meal supply chain partners across California.

(Clockwise from top right) CDFA Farm to School Program Manager Nick Anicich presents at the CA School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference April 7 before pausing for photos with California Department of Education and California Department of Social Services partners in attendance, as well as CA Farm to School Incubator Grantees from San Bernardino County.

From frequent Farm to School Network calls for inspiration and technical assistance to the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program offering state funding to support schools and farmers, Anicich reminded the audience that California is something to be proud of. He also encouraged all in attendance to contact their CDFA farm-to-school regional advisor, working in eight regions across the state, with any questions.

“Just reach out,” Anicich said. “Want to set up a garden tour? We know someone. Looking for funding or advice? We have ideas.”

The CSNA Legislative Action Conference encourages members to discuss the importance of preserving adequate funding for child nutrition with partners and elected officials. Visit https://calsna.org/ for more information.

To learn more about the CDFA Farm to School Program, its regional advisors and grant opportunities to advance farm to school across California, please visit https://cafarmtofork.cdfa.ca.gov/.

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

Sec. Ross joins Community Alliance with Family Farmers for announcement of 10 projects receiving CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program funding

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross speaks today at a CAFF event at Sacramento’s International Garden of Many Colors. (Inset) Secretary Ross joins CAFF officials in presenting a check to Sacramento urban farmers receiving grant funding.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross spoke about the benefits of urban agriculture at an event hosted March 18 by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) at the International Garden of Many Colors in Sacramento.

“By continuing to invest in urban agriculture and support the growth of farms and farmers across the state, California will strengthen the farmer-consumer connection while creating a more accessible and resilient food system for all,” she said.

CAFF hosted the event to announce 10 farms – including four in Sacramento – each receiving $10,000 in pass-through funding from CAFF’s award of $778,061 in the CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program.  

The farms for which CAFF announced funding are in Sacramento, Riverside and Fresno. Funding will go toward projects that enhance farm operations, including tool storage, efficiency equipment, cold storage, and electricity for expanding acreage. Visit CAFF’s CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program webpage for more information about the farms that will receive funding.

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

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

Jenna Leal named Branch Chief of Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
Jenna Leal

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces Jenna Leal has been appointed Branch Chief of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services (FFLDRS) Branch of the Division of Inspection Services.

Leal joined CDFA in 2006 as a FFLDRS field inspector in the Central Valley and worked with both the feed and fertilizer indus­tries in one of California’s most productive agriculture regions. She then led FFLDRS’ Commercial Feed Regulatory Program (CFRP) in various capacities, including serving as a program supervisor and specialist, as the program evolved and expanded its legisla­tive authority over the years. In 2018, Leal began serving as the Environmental Program Manager I of FFLDR’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, Livestock Drugs, Safe Animal Feed Education and Antimicrobial Use and Steward­ship programs.

Leal graduated with a bache­lor’s degree in Dairy Science and Agriculture Business from Califor­nia Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She was a member of the World Champion Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judg­ing Team and served as an ac­tive member of the Future Farm­ers of America prior to college.

Leal’s leadership and manage­ment of several multi-disciplinary, sensitive and complex programs within the Division of Inspection Services has offered her expe­rience in executing high-impact regulatory strategies, including focus on policy and emerging issues, science-based decision making, streamlining program ef­ficiencies, and maintaining open communication and collabora­tion with CDFA leadership, local, state and federal partners.

Leal is most proud of building and maintaining strong, moti­vated and effective teams and shares a true passion for agricul­ture and the work of CDFA.

Posted in CDFA Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Program, CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Livestock Drug Program, CDFA Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) | Tagged | Leave a comment

CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry develops scientific methods to reduce waste

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
During a routine day of work, CAC Environmental Scientist Wei Cui performs analysis with liquid waste being collected in a satellite waste container toward the bottom of the photo. Most waste containers in the laboratory were exchanged for smaller ones thanks to CAC’s Research & Development team’s efforts to reduce waste.

With a strong commitment toward continuous improvement, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) Research and Develop­ment team recently collaborated with the CAC Environmental Analysis team to optimize methods for reducing waste by reducing sample volume re­quirements for groundwater analysis.

The primary goal of the project was to reduce water waste by 75% through reducing the required sample volume from 1,000 mL to 250 mL without compromising analytical accuracy or sensitivity.

The CAC team successfully completed method validation and storage stability studies, marking a significant milestone in increasing efficiency and reducing resource consumption for groundwater.

Thanks to the CAC Research and Development team’s efforts, most of the waste containers for similar analyses in the laboratory have now been exchanged for smaller ones.

The Center for Analytical Chemistry is a branch of CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services.

Posted in CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry Research and Development Team, CDFA Environmental Safety Laboratory, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment