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Certified Farmers’ Markets show benefits of buying local produce and developing relationships with farmers

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA encourages all Californians to shop at Certified Farmers’ Markets to experience the healthy benefits of purchasing local produce and developing relationships with area farmers.

This video is of a recent Saturday morning at the Davis Farmers Market in Davis, CA, with participating farmers describing its rewarding sense of community.

We also encourage you to click here to vote for your favorite farmers’ market in the 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration, which is awarding more than $15,000 to winning farmers’ markets, in a contest sponsored by American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition.

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

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

Safe Animal Feed Education Program survey helps guide outreach and education for 2023

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
Participants of the SAFE Program survey included a majority of livestock feed manufacturers located in California.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) Program recently conducted a survey of Commercial Feed Licensees and those who subscribed to receive information about SAFE via the CDFA Email Subscriptions webpage. The survey was conducted to identify industry-preferred areas of focus for 2023 SAFE outreach and education.

Out of 100 survey participants, 51% were livestock feed manufacturers, 16% were brokers/resellers, 14% were human food processing facilities selling by-products to animal feed and 19% included out-of-state manufacturers, ingredient manufacturers, retailers and nutritionist (see Figure 1).

The most popular options for preferred areas of SAFE education included 58% for commercial feed label requirements, 57% for knowledge of feed safety hazards and 46% for feed ingredients – what is safe and approved for use in feed? The majority of survey participants (36%) voted operations would benefit from this education and the majority (65%) voted that a webinar is the most preferred educational format (see Figure 2).

For further details of the SAFE survey, its results and SAFE’s planned actions, read more in the Commercial Feed Regulatory Program’s Spring 2023 Quarterly Feed Update.

Shown are responses to the primary question of the SAFE Program survey, “I and/or employees at my company would benefit from education in which of the following areas? Select all that apply.”
Posted in CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Urban Agriculture Grant Program info session recording now online – submit comments by 5 p.m. today

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
Click here to view the info session.

Did you know that CDFA’s Urban Agriculture Grant Program will offer funding for the creation of non-profit community gardens? This and more can be learned by clicking here to watch the recording of a 2023 California Urban Agriculture Grant Program Info Session.

The info session was held to inform interested parties how the grant program’s request for applications (RFP) is currently proposed, and allow the opportunity to submit questions or comments that may change the RFP.

Info session highlights include:

  • An overview of the proposed grant program and its two funding tracks
  • Who would qualify for a grant based on how CDFA defines urban agriculture
  • How grant applications will be graded – with tips on how to submit winning proposals

The 2023 Urban Agriculture Grant Program funds competitive grants to programs and projects that enhance the viability of agriculture in urban areas across California. Track 1: Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) with grassroots involvement in urban and regional food systems planning. Track 2: Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant directly funds urban agriculture projects for Native American Tribes, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations that are led by or serve underserved communities located in urban areas. Click here to view a press release with more information.

Public comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. PT today, June 15, by emailing caurbanag@cdfa.ca.gov. Please include “Urban Agriculture Stakeholder Comments” in the email subject line and please specify which funding track each comment is regarding in the email body.

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

ISD Staff Spotlight: Amber Hayter enjoys sampling livestock feed at dairies on CA backroads

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

NAME: Amber Hayter

TIME AT CDFA: About a year and a half

PROGRAM: Commercial Feed Regulatory Program

POSITION TITLE: Environmental Scientist

USUAL DAILY ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB? I am an environmental scientist for the Feed and Livestock Drugs Inspection Program. Most of my time is spent in the field conducting routine sampling and inspections at feed manufacturing facilities on behalf of the Commercial Feed Regulatory Program. There are state laws and regulations that the feed manufacturing industry must comply with, and my duty is to ensure these laws and regulations are being followed. I also visit retailers and distributors of livestock drugs to verify compliance with our Livestock Drug Program.

HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY? I work for the California food supply by inspecting and regulating the feed that is manufactured and processed for livestock. Our program ensures that the feed manufacturing industry in California is supplying safe feed for animals, which, in turn, supplies safe meat, milk and eggs for human consumption.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? There are many things I enjoy about this job, but most of all I love being out in the field. Almost every day is different. Being in the field allows me to see all aspects of the manufacturing process, from start to finish. My favorite days are spent sampling feed at dairies because I get to drive around all the country backroads, hopping from one dairy to the next.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? One thing I am most proud of is my job. I am very happy that I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue a career in agriculture. I do not have an agricultural background, so this has all been very new to me. I have learned so much and my supervisors are always telling me to keep up the great work, which must mean I’m doing something right!

Click here to view this staff spotlight as it originally ran in the Commercial Feed Regulatory Program’s Spring 2023 Quarterly Feed Update.

The Commercial Feed Regulatory Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs 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, ISD Staff Spotlight | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA inspector discusses Produce Safety Rule on podcast

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
Sarah Standiford

CDFA environmental scientist Sarah Standiford–of the agency’s Produce Safety Program–recently appeared on a podcast for MyAgLife about Produce Safety Rule inspections and what farmers can expect. Topics included why CDFA conducts food safety inspections, the steps of an inspection, how a grower can prepare, and how CDFA inspectors take an educate-then-regulate approach.

California farms with more than $25,000 in average annual sales of produce (averaged over the previous three years) are now subject to Produce Safety Program inspections to verify compliance with the Produce Safety Rule.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Click here for information and resources about CDFA’s Produce Safety Program.

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

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

Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program application deadline extended to July 7

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) has extended the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program (HRGP) application deadline from June 6 to 5 p.m. PT July 7, 2023.

HRGP funds energy-efficient refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, minimally processed and culturally appropriate foods. The grant program’s purpose is to improve access to healthy foods for underserved communities while promoting CA-grown agriculture.

CDFA-F2F seeks grant applications from 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. This is a competitive process with up to $9 million available grant funding.

To view the HRGP request for applications, view additional resources and learn how to apply, click here to visit the grant program webpage. Email cafarmtofork@cdfa.ca.gov with questions or if interested in joining the HRGP technical review committee.

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

CDFA accepting public comments for 2023 Urban Agriculture Grant Program’s request for applications

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) announces it is seeking public comment for the 2023 Urban Agriculture Grant Program’s request for applications (RFA). The RFA is open to public comment from 8 a.m. PT June 1, 2023, until 5 p.m. PT June 15, 2023.

The California Budget Act of 2021 included a $6.2 million, one-time General Fund allocation for CDFA-F2F to develop the Urban Agriculture Grant Program. 

The 2023 Urban Agriculture Grant Program funds competitive grants to programs and projects that enhance the viability of agriculture in urban areas across California. CDFA is setting aside up to 10% of awards for Tribal governments and Tribal-based non-profit organizations. Applicants may only apply to one track of the two tracks available.

Track 1: Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) with grassroots involvement in urban and regional food systems planning. Funding is available to increases staff capacity for organizations to provide pass-through funds to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region. Pass-through funds will be subawards ranging from $5K-$60k. Eligible CBOs will administer subawards to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region. At least one CBO within each urban region of CA will receive an award, and at least one CBO with statewide reach will receive funding. Regions include: Sacramento (Sacramento, Stockton), Bay Area (Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose),  Fresno (Fresno, Bakersfield), LA (Los Angeles), San Diego (San Diego) and Statewide.

Track 2: Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant directly funds urban agriculture projects for Native American Tribes, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations that are led by or serve underserved communities located in urban areas. Expenditures related to infrastructure, equipment, supplies, technical assistance, workforce development and community engagement are allowable.

Two live information sessions will be held to provide an overview of the RFA and allow time for questions and public comments. The live information sessions are 1-2:30 p.m. PT June 6, 2023, and 9-10:30 a.m. PT June 12, 2023. The RFA and registration for the Zoom information sessions may be viewed on the Urban Agriculture Grant Program webpage. 

Stakeholders may submit comments during the live information sessions or by email to caurbanag@cdfa.ca.gov. Please include “Urban Agriculture Stakeholder Comments” in the email subject line and please specify which funding track each comment is regarding in the email body.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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

CDFA helps inspect USDA Commodity Procurement purchases for schools, food banks across USA

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA’s Shipping Point Inspection Program inspects oranges for USDA’s Commodity Procurement Program.

Did you know that the California Department of Food and Agriculture Shipping Point Inspection Program helps inspect produce for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodity Procurement Program for schools, food banks and households across America?

Because California will be supplying most of this Commodity Procurement round’s solicitation for citrus, walnuts, table grapes and other commodities – anticipated to be more than 1,000 loads by June 2023 – Shipping Point Inspection has trained and licensed more than 40 inspectors statewide to inspect and grade the commodities. Also anticipated are increased Shipping Point Inspection food safety audits for participating growers.

The Shipping Point Inspection Program is part of the Inspection and Compliance Branch of CDFA’s Inspection Services Division.

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

Apply by July 31 to fill vacancy on Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). 

This subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members assist in setting research priorities for the FREP Grant Program, review and recommend research and outreach proposals to FIAB for funding, and advise on FREP activities. 

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. 

TASC applicants must demonstrate technical, applied and scientific expertise in the fields of agronomy, soil science, plant science, production agriculture or environmental issues related to the use of fertilizers and irrigation water in California. The term of office for subcommittee members is three years. 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 an appointment should complete the TASC Application Packet available on the FIAB TASC webpage and email it to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov with a two-page resume or curriculum vitae. The application deadline is July 31, 2023. 

For further information about FREP, please contact FREP staff at FREP@cdfa.ca.gov  or visit http://cdfa.ca.gov/go/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

Urban Agriculture Grant Program listening session held in Los Angeles County

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
(Top) CDFA’s Sara Bernal presents on the upcoming Urban Agriculture Grant Program before an interactive listening session at Hot and Cool Cafe in Los Angeles. (Below) Bernal and urban agriculture stakeholders in Los Angeles County’s State Assembly District 55 gather for a photo at urban Red Tail Farm in a residential LA neighborhood.

In collaboration with California District 55 Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s office, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program Lead Sara Bernal recently toured Los Angeles County’s hyperlocal food system. The interactive experience allowed CDFA to better understand how the new Urban Agriculture Grant Program can support the area’s urban agriculture efforts.

The visit included touring four urban farm sites, one emergency food distribution hub and community café, and a local food purveyor. The tour displayed a growing interest in urban agriculture and potential strengths in LA’s urban food landscape. It included everything from food production, distribution, consumption and disposal in the form of community composting.

Thirty community members joined the tour, including city parks and recreation staff, local residents, community organizers and urban farmers. After the tour, Bernal gave a 45-minute presentation and held and open forum. The listening session led to discussion of collaboration and positivity for the future of urban agriculture in California. The stakeholder feedback is being incorporated into the upcoming $6 million Urban Agriculture Grant Program set to open from CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork later this year.

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