Inspection Services Blog

California Agricultural Organics Report details organic sales, acreage, commodities by county

California accounts for 36 percent of organic sales in the United States, and newly released figures show our state’s organic sales are continuing to grow.

According to the California Agricultural Organics Report 2021-2022, California organic sales increased 16.4 percent from $11,991,337,954 in 2020 to $13,957,173,072 in 2021. This growth occurred during the same period when California organic production site acreage decreased by 2.58 percent and organic harvested acreage decreased by 13.1 percent.

The reported top 10 counties with the most organic harvested acreage, including pasture and rangeland:

  • Modoc County (198,026.69 acres)
  • Lassen County (173,894.58 acres)
  • Humboldt County (152,243.95 acres)
  • Tehama County (143,099.86 acres)
  • Kern County (124,427.52 acres)
  • San Luis Obispo County (104,989.04 acres)
  • Siskiyou County (98,777.06 acres)
  • Inyo County (91,454.50 acres)
  • San Benito County (82,475.55 acres)
  • Fresno County (81,700.42 acres)

The California State Organic Program, which assumes the USDA’s National Organic Program oversight and enforcement authority in California, helped create this report.

Click here to view the California Agricultural Organic Report 2021-2022.

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

CDFA leadership attends ribbon cutting for renewable energy project at organic waste recycling center

Over an aerial photo of Denali’s Imperial Western Products facility in Coachella that shows part of a new solar energy system, the inset is of officials at the solar energy system’s activation ceremony, including (L-R) Denali Vice President of Advocacy David Isen, California Energy Commission Energy Analyst Claire Sweeny, Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, Denali Vice President of Operations Jason Cabanyog, CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program Manager Jenna Leal, CDFA Deputy Secretary for Climate and Working Lands Virginia Jameson and CDFA Inspection Services Division Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg.

CDFA leadership attended a ribbon cutting this month to mark the activation of a large solar energy system at the Denali Imperial Western Products (IWP) facility in Coachella. Partly funded by a grant from the California Energy Commission, this new system will provide enough power to cover one-third of the electricity used at the facility. It is estimated to reduce energy usage by 35% and reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to taking 140,000 cars off the road each year.

Denali is a nationwide organic waste management company, and the Coachella facility models its processes after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Hierarchy. Each year, Denali IWP handles hundreds of thousands of tons of bakery waste, salvaged and distressed pet food, recalled and off-spec human grade food, and used cooking oil. This landfill diversion avoids landfill emissions of 672,840 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, based on the CalRecycle Waste Diversion Greenhouse Gas Calculator.

The facility transforms agricultural organic waste into cattle feed and the used cooking oil (UCO) is refined into biodiesel. In 2022, Denali IWP converted UCO into more than 10 million gallons of biodiesel and produced more than 33,000 tons of bakery and cottonseed animal feeds, mostly supplied to California dairy farms.

Denali IWP’s work contributes to fulfilling the mandates of California Assembly Bill (AB) 32 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as legislation requiring businesses to recycle organic waste and reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills.

“CDFA is proud to celebrate our partners in animal food production reducing energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy projects like these,” said Virginia Jameson, CDFA Deputy Secretary for Climate and Working Lands, who attended the ceremony. “We congratulate Denali’s Imperial Western Products for their innovative thinking and encourage other partners to do the same.”

View this original post on the CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

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

Apply by June 6 for Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program

This produce case was funded through the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) announces that the request for applications (RFA) is open for the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program. Applications must be submitted via CDFA’s new grant management system, AmpliFund, no later than 5 p.m. (PT), June 6, 2023.

The purpose of the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program is to improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities while promoting California-grown agriculture by funding energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration and freezer equipment in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-food access areas throughout the state. The equipment is funded to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, eggs, meat, and dairy products, as well as minimally processed and culturally appropriate foods.

The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program is funded through the 2021 and 2022 state budgets. Up to $9 million in funding is available for equipment grants during the current RFA. This is a competitive process.

Eligible entities for this program include corner stores, small businesses, food donation programs, and nonprofits working with eligible sites and/or selling or donating food in low-income or low-access areas. Cities, counties, nonprofits or Tribal governments may also apply for equipment on behalf of eligible sites and may apply for up to 20% of total grant awards to provide technical assistance.

Access the RFA and learn how to apply on the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage. Email cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov with any questions.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in California Nutrition Incentive Program, CDFA Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Check out the California Farm to School Network’s March newsletter!

Click here to view the newsletter.

The California Farm to School Network includes farm to school practitioners and enthusiasts statewide. Visit the CDFA Farm to School Program webpage to subscribe to these monthly updates that include information about grants, resources, research, webinars, events and news from the National Farm to School Network. The California Farm to School Program is part of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) in the Division of Inspection Services.

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

Apply by April 10 to fill vacancy on Feed Inspection Advisory Board

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces one vacancy 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. 

There is one board position available. The term of office for board members is up to three years. This vacancy will fill an unfinished board term of service until April 30, 2025. 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. Board member applicants must hold a current California Commercial Feed License. 

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 April 10, 2023.  

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

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

For further information, please contact Brittnie Williams at (916) 862-4014 or Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news 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

Staff Spotlight: Valerie White helps ensure CA livestock industry is getting safe and nutritional feed

NAME: Valerie White

YEARS AT CDFA: 5

PROGRAM: Commercial Feed Regulatory Program

TITLE: Environmental Scientist, Feed Lab Coordinator

USUAL ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB: My job consists of being the middle woman for all of our livestock feed samples that are taken by our field inspectors and sent to our lab for testing. I ensure that all the information provided to our lab is accurate, results we receive from the lab are entered, and issue lab reports to all the firms and purchasers associated with each sample.

HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY: I work for the California food supply by providing data to show that the livestock industry is getting safe and nutritional feed for its animals. The feed that we sample and regulate is for the livestock in California that provides us with milk, meat and eggs, so it is important that these animals get proper nutrition to be able to provide us with quality food.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? There are a few things I love about my job. One is that I get to help the agricultural industry all while learning new things about it every day. I grew up in an area that wasn’t huge on agriculture, so it is fascinating to see all the components that go into providing food for Californians. Another thing I enjoy and I think is the top one is the team that I get to work with. We are a team that works well together, gets along and communicates well.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE? My philosophy has always been you get what you give. If you are positive every day, positivity will come your way.

This staff spotlight first ran in CDFA’s Winter 2023 Quarterly Feed Update newsletter. Click here to view the newsletter. The Commercial Feed Regulatory Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Regulatory Services Branch of CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services.

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

Inspection Services Division annual report highlights accomplishments of 2022

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces the release of its Inspection Services Division Annual Report 2022.

The annual report offers an overview of Inspection Services Division’s (ISD) programs, boards and committees, fiscal year expenditures, mission, vision, goals and strategic direction. Photos, graphics and brief descriptions highlights how each ISD branch throughout the year helped to promote and protect resilient food systems, ensure environmentally sound agricultural practices and build equity for all in California.

Highlights include:

  • Helping Salinas Valley agricultural neighbors join resources for food safety efforts that aim to stay on the cutting edge of innovation
  • Working with stakeholders to develop a California farm to school roadmap that reimagines and advances nutrition opportunities
  • Improving efficiency and customer satisfaction by upgrading Center for Analytical Chemistry processes, technology and equipment

“We have an amazing team of thinkers and innovators whose work I encourage you to explore,” Division Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg states in the report’s opening pages. “As we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future, we make an ongoing commitment to do right by one another and to do right by the future generations to come.”

Click here to view the CDFA Division of Inspection Services Annual Report 2022 (FY 2021-22).

Posted in California Avocado Inspection Committee, California Nutrition Incentive Program, California Organic Products Advisory Committee, CDFA Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Program, CDFA Avocado Inspection Program, CDFA California Citrus Program, CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Direct Marketing Program, CDFA Environmental Safety Laboratory, CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, CDFA Food Recovery, CDFA Food Safety Laboratory, CDFA Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Inspection Services: Did You Know?, CDFA Livestock Drug Program, CDFA OCal Cannabis Certification Program, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork, CDFA Organic Input Material Program, CDFA Organic Input Material Program, CDFA Produce Safety Program, CDFA Quality Assurance Program, CDFA Regulatory Analysis Laboratory, CDFA Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE), CDFA Shipping Point Inspection Program, CDFA Standardization Advisory Committee, CDFA Standardization Program, CDFA Technical Assistance Program, Certified Farmers Market, Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee, Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee, Inspection Services Division Administration Unit, Urban Agriculture Grant Program | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Apply now for active handler of avocados vacancy on Avocado Inspection Committee

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing a vacancy on the Avocado Inspection Committee (AIC).

The AIC advises the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the California Avocado Inspection Program. This program protects the consumer and industry by providing uniform inspections of avocados, ensuring that the product meets size requirements, contains minimal defects and has an appropriate package count. The program also ensures that avocados purchased by consumers have met standards established by the industry to provide a quality product in the marketplace.

There is one active handler of avocados vacancy. The term of office for committee members is two 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 being considered for an appointment should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/pdfs/CAIC-PMAQ.pdf, and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applications should be sent to Sarah Cardoni, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via email to Sarah.Cardoni@cdfa.ca.gov.

For further information on the AIC and vacancies, please contact Sam Santander at (760) 743-4712 or Samuel.Santander@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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

CDFA announces vacancies on California Organic Products Advisory Committee

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

COPAC advises 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, as well as administration of the organic program in the state. There are currently more than 4,700 organic operations registered with CDFA.

Current COPAC vacancies include producer representative; wholesale distributor representative; processor representative; environmental representative; technical representative; consumer representative; producer representative alternate; wholesale distributor representative alternate; processor representative alternate; retail representative alternate; environmental representative alternate; technical representative alternate; consumer representative alternate; and 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 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 Sarah Cardoni, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via email to Sarah.Cardoni@cdfa.ca.gov.

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

Click here to view this original CDFA news 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

FREP blog welcomes new FIAB Technical Advisory Subcommittee members

New FIAB TASC members include Charlotte Decock (left) and Mike Almasri.

The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) blog welcomes two new members of the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC).

TASC members advise on FREP activities and assist with the FREP Grant Program through helping set project priorities and reviewing grant applications to recommend to the FIAB which research and outreach proposals should receive funding.

FIAB TASC’s new members include Charlotte Decock, Ph.D., and Mike Almasri, Ph.D. Click here to read the FREP blog and learn more about them!

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch of the Inspection Services Division.

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 | Leave a comment