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CDFA joins State Employee Food Drive effort by volunteering at food bank

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA leadership and Inspection Services Division staff join the California State Employees Food Drive effort by volunteering at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services this holiday season. In three hours, the CDFA team packed 802 boxes with more than 10,000 pounds of food items for the food bank’s No Student Left Hungry program. CDFA encourages all state agencies and members of the public to visit www.fooddrive.ca.gov/donate/ to find a food bank in your county to make a donation or volunteer your time this holiday season.
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CDFA awards $9 million to 103 projects in Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork  is pleased to announce approximately $9 million in grants for 103 projects through the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program.
 
The grants will fund energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration and freezer equipment for corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-food access areas throughout the state. Grantees will use the new equipment to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, eggs, meat and dairy products, as well as minimally processed and culturally appropriate foods.
 
“This program is funding refrigeration units across California, from Humboldt County to San Diego,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “That demonstrates the importance of these grants in increasing food access in underserved communities. We thank Governor Newsom and the California Legislature for funding this effort.” 
 
A list of awarded projects and additional information about this program can be found on the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program webpage.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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

Nutrient Management Conference recap available on Fertilizer Research and Education Program blog

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

The 31st Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH) Nutrient Management Conference was held in Modesto, CA, on November 8-9, 2023. The conference had over 120 attendees including crop consultants, growers, industry representatives, researchers and government personnel.

Click here to view a FREP blog that provides a quick recap of the event, including covering:

  • Pre-conference tour of Duarte Nursery
  • Conference day 1 presentations, workshops, discussions and a poster session about FREP-funded research projects, fertilization considerations in almond orchards and more
  • Conference day 2 updates and presentations on FREP activities, FREP-funded research and education projects and two industry-focused presentations
  • 2023 Nutrient Management Conference Proceedings
(Above) A FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference panel discussion focuses on managing water and nitrogen in a wet year. (Below) A pre-conference tour of Duarte Nursery reviewed its irrigation and nitrogen management practices.

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

Did you know CDFA’s Center for Analytical Chemistry has an R&D Team working to improve methods?

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

Did you know that the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Center for Analytical Chemistry has a Research and Development (R&D) Team always working to improve methods?

The R&D Team provides analytical and applied research and development services and leadership as a reference laboratory in method development. The team performs a variety of method development services for enforcement and monitoring activities of emerging compounds of interest for the protection of human health, food systems and the environment.

Recently, the R&D Team developed a new method for analyzing Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in air. The method uses Polytetraflu­oroethylene (PTFE) filters for simple and efficient air sampling. The QACs are then extracted from the filters in about one hour using a fast and straightforward extraction technique. This extraction approach yields high recovery rates for the QACs of interest. The extracts are ana­lyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) equipment. This streamlined sampling and analysis workflow enables rapid assessment of QAC levels in air.

Visit the R&D Team webpage to learn more CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry methods, recent publications, clients and more.

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

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

ISD Staff Spotlight: Safe Animal Feed Education Program’s KC Gutenberger helps ensure feed and food safety

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

NAME: KC Gutenberger

YEARS AT CDFA: 6

PROGRAM: Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) Program

POSITION TITLE: Environmental Scientist

USUAL DAILY ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB? The mission of the SAFE Program is to provide research and education regarding the safe manufacture, distribution and use of commercial feed in California. I work closely with the feed industry, the CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB) and the CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program (CFRP) to identify areas of needed education for the feed industry and then develop and deliver educational resources. The method of delivery varies widely and includes formal trainings, one-on-one consultation, conference presentations, brief info sheets, in-depth guidance documents and examples, webinars, videos, listserv announcements, blog posts and maintaining the website. I also serve as the point of contact for our FIAB Technical Advisory Subcommittee, as well as the researchers who are working with SAFE-funded grants.

HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY? The supply of safe and quality feed to our dairy, poultry and livestock industries is a critical aspect of food safety and nutrition of the meat, milk and eggs they produce. I work to provide educational resources specific to the California feed industry to help ensure feed and food safety.

THOUGHTS OF WORKING AT INSPECTION SERVICES? I feel lucky to have found the CFRP team.

MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE JOB? One memorable moment in SAFE was completing the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Lead Instructor Training and then hosting my first PCQI training for 15 feed industry participants in December 2022.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE? Life is too short to ride slow horses — don’t waste time.

SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOU? In my spare time I compete in an equestrian sport called Cowboy Mounted Shooting. This is a timed event in which competitors run a pattern as fast as possible while shooting at 10 balloon targets with two singe-action, .45 revolvers loaded with special blanks that will pop a balloon up to about 25 feet away. My 14-year-old paint mare “Izzy” and I travel around the country to compete in the national competitions.

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

Apply by Jan. 12 to fill vacancy on CDFA Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA is announcing one vacancy on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. The board advises the CDFA secretary on the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program (FMIP), which ensures fertilizing materials are safe, effective and meet quality guarantees.

FMIP inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conduct routine sampling and inspections, respond to consumer complaints, and enforce laws and regulations that govern the manufacturing and distribution of fertilizing materials. FMIP is funded by fertilizing materials license and product registration fees and mill assessments.

The term of office for advisory board members is up to three years. Board 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. Board applicants must hold a current fertilizing materials license or be a representative of a licensed firm.

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_Fertilizer_IAB.pdf. Both the resume and PMAQ are due by January 12, 2024. 

Send resume and PMAQ via email to Elizabeth.Moseby@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to:
CDFA
Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch 
Attn:  Elizabeth Moseby 
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

For more information, contact Elizabeth Moseby at (916) 900-5022 or Elizabeth.Moseby@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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

Apply by Jan. 19 to be on Farm to Community Food Hubs Program Advisory Committee

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork is accepting applications through January 19, 2024, for those interested in serving on the inaugural Farm to Community Food Hubs Advisory Committee. The 10-member committee will advise CDFA’s secretary on education, outreach and technical assistance for the Farm to Community Food Hubs Program, which will provide planning and implementation grants to mission-driven food hubs throughout California.

CDFA is seeking applications for 10 primary members, with three members from Northern California, three members from Central California, three members from Southern California and one member who is a farmer or rancher from any region.

  •  Four members must be executives / managers of a food supply chain business, including a producer, processor or purchaser, headquartered in California.
  • Four members must be executives / directors of a non-governmental organization or representative of an academic institution, including K-12 schools, with expertise in advancing food system improvements supportive of local food systems, equitable access to healthy food, labor in the food system, or climate-adaptive and climate-resilient food systems.
  • One member must be a representative of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education Program.
  • One member must be a farmer or rancher who qualifies as one or more of the following: socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, veteran, disabled and/or operates a farm or ranch that is 500 acres or less.

To apply to serve on the Farm to Community Food Hubs Advisory Committee, please complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire located on the program webpage. Applications are due by January 19, 2024, for review and consideration. Click here to view a flyer with further details about serving on the committee.

Questions about the program? Please email cafoodhubs@cdfa.ca.gov.

Established as part of the 2020-21 state budget, CDFA’s Farm to Community Food Hubs Program will pilot investments in food aggregation and distribution infrastructure needed to increase purchasing of local, environmentally sustainable, climate smart and equitably produced food by schools and other institutions; build a better food system economy; support the local farming economy; accelerate climate adaptation and resilience; and employ food system workers with fair wages and working conditions. The program provides $15 million in one-time funds to administer a grant program that creates or expands community-serving food hubs throughout the state.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork, Farm to Community Food Hubs Program, Farm to Community Food Hubs Program Advisory Committee | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Fall Quarterly Feed Update offers regulatory updates to California commercial feed industry

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

Click here to view the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Commercial Feed Regulatory Program Fall 2023 Quarterly Feed Update.

The Commercial Feed Regulatory Program is part of the Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch of CDFA’s Inspection Services Division.

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

California Farm to School Network newsletter highlights successes, opportunities, funding and more!

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Joshua Bingham

Click here to view the CA Farm to School Network Fall 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

CDFA accepting public comment for California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program RFA

Posted on November 29, 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 2023-24 California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program’s draft request for applications (RFA). The RFA is open to public comment until 5 p.m. PST December 14, 2023.

The Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022 provide up to $60 million in one-time funding to support this grant cycle. CDFA will set aside up to 10% of awards for Tribal governments and Tribal-based non-profit organizations.

The purpose of the 2023-24 California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is to support projects that cultivate equity, nurture students, build climate resilience, and create scalable and sustainable change in the school food system.

“This program is helping us meet our goals to nourish students while fostering climate-smart, resilient food systems to meet the needs of local communities by directly connecting students, educators and farmers,” stated CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Whether they’re in the cafeteria, classroom or school garden, we’ve seen this program inspire kids to eat what they grow and expand what they know about California food and farmers.”

The program is helping to transform the school food system and nourishing students by cultivating a healthier, more equitable, climate-smart California for all.

There are four grant tracks within the 2023-24 program:
– Track 1: California Farm to School TK-12 Procurement and Education Grant
– Track 2: California Farm to School Technical Assistance Grant
– Track 3: California Farm to Early Care and Education Grant
– Track 4: California Farm to School Producer Grant

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:
– 10 a.m. PST November 30, 2023
– 4 p.m. PST December 6, 2023

The RFA and registration for the Zoom information sessions may be viewed on the CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program webpage. Stakeholders may submit comments during live information sessions or via email to cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov. Please include “F2S Grant Stakeholder Comments” in the email subject line and please specify which funding track each comment is regarding in the body of the email.

Once the public comment period is complete, CDFA will incorporate stakeholder feedback in the final RFA and the grant application period will begin in early 2024.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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