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CDFA awards $13.75 million to support community food hubs across California

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
Visit the Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program webpage to view an interactive map of awarded projects.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) is awarding $13.75 million through its new Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program to 12 nonprofits, Tribal-led organizations, farmers, and other organizations to plan for or implement and expand community food hubs throughout the state. 

A food hub is a business or organization that aggregates, distributes, and markets food products from local and regional producers to meet demand from wholesale, retail, and institutional buyers. Food hubs provide a business and logistics structure that helps small- and mid-scale farmers reach larger markets, improving healthy food access and supporting the local economy.

The grant program received one-time funding for investments in organizations to develop new and expand existing community food hubs to support local farming and indigenous food production, to accelerate climate adaptation and resilience, and to employ food system workers with fair wages and working conditions.

Five planning grants (Track 1) will support organizations to develop feasibility studies, business strategies, logistics and distribution systems, as well as plans to evaluate new food hubs while scaling up emerging operations. These projects will examine opportunities in Colusa, Fresno, Modoc, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, Sacramento, Tuolumne and Yolo counties.

Seven implementation grants (Track 2) will support food aggregation, distribution infrastructure, and operating costs for five years, kickstarting new and emerging operations and supporting the expansion of existing food hubs. All projects will strengthen market access for California food producers and prioritize public institutions and nonprofit buyers like K-12 public schools, food banks, food-is-medicine programs, and programs operated by California Native American Tribes. Track 2 award recipients are expected to partner with at least 159 California food producers, of which 98 percent use sustainable, climate-smart or regenerative practices; 97 percent operate on 500 acres or less; and 71 percent are considered socially disadvantaged. 

CDFA-F2F received 165 applications representing more than $148 million in project proposals. With $13.75 million available for grants, the program was oversubscribed by almost 11 times more than the available amount.

Awards include more than $2.2 million for Tribal-led organizations, exceeding the goal to award at least 10 percent of funding for California Native American Tribes and Tribal-led nonprofit organizations.

Visit the Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program webpage to read awarded project summaries and view an interactive awards map.

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 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA recognizes September as National Food Safety Education Month

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Joshua Bingham
CDFA Produce Safety Program staff conducts food safety education across California in 2025. 

CDFA recognizes September as National Food Safety Education Month with a continuing commitment to food safety education across California.

For example, the CDFA Produce Safety Program’s goals are to “educate before and while we regulate,” and to support California produce farmers in understanding how to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

Earlier this year, Produce Safety Program staff engaged with multiple partners, stakeholders and conferences across California to discuss food safety topics, including the new Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule.

Additional opportunities to engage with CDFA’s Produce Safety Program include:

If interested in partnering with CDFA’s Produce Safety Program on a food safety training event, please contact producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov.

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, Food Safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Apply by Sept. 30 to fill one of two vacancies on Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces two vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC).

This subcommittee provides technical and scientific advice to the Feed Inspection Advisory Board and CDFA on animal food nutrition, safety and efficacy data review of new and unapproved feed ingredients, research project oversight and other issues that will affect the Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, Livestock Drug Program and Safe Animal Feed Education (SAFE) Program.

Applicants must demonstrate technical, applied and scientific expertise in the fields of toxicology, pathology, ruminant and non-ruminant nutrition, as well as possess general knowledge of the California feed industry.

The term of office for subcommittee members is three 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 appointment should send a resume and a Feed TASC Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/FIAB-TASC_PMAQ.pdf) to SAFE@cdfa.ca.gov. The application deadline is September 30, 2025.

For further information about the Feed Inspection Advisory Board TASC, please contact CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services branch staff at (916) 900-5022 or visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/Feed_FIAB.html.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee, 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 announces vacancies on Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.

The committee advises the CDFA Secretary on matters pertaining to the Direct Marketing Program, including legislation, regulations, enforcement, and administrative policies and procedures related to the direct marketing of California-grown agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFMs). California currently has more than 2,700 certified agricultural producers participating in approximately 700 CFMs within the state.

Current vacancies include five members who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, six alternate members who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, and six alternate members who are CFM operators or representatives of operators.

The term of office for committee members is two years, with a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of applicable 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/CFM-PMAQ.pdf and submit 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 Direct Marketing Program and CFMAC vacancies, contact Jennifer Leidolf at Jennifer.Leidolf@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

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

CDFA’s Nutrition Incentive Program increases food access at Certified Farmers’ Markets

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

As the country continues to recognize this week as National Farmers’ Market Week, CDFA celebrates its California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which helps low-income Californians access nutritious California-grown fresh produce at Certified Farmers’ Markets.

CNIP provides increased funding support for shoppers using nutrition benefits for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at participating Certified Farmers’ Markets and retail outlets. For every benefit dollar spent, shoppers receive an additional CNIP dollar via programs like CNIP grantee Ecology Center’s “Market Match” – discussed in the accompanying video – that can be spent on fruits and vegetables at the market.

Market Match incentives are currently available at 253 California Certified Markets. More than $44.5 million in incentives were spent on California-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets and small retailers from 2017 into this year.

CNIP is part of CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork, committed to helping all Californians access healthy and nutritious California-grown food.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

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

‘Certified’ Farmers’ Market means CDFA verifies you’re buying from producer or producer representative

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

As the country is currently celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week, CDFA would like to remind Californians that when you visit a Certified Farmers’ Market, “Certified” means something significant.

To be certified, a farmers’ market vendor must be registered under the provisions of Section 47020 of the California Food and Agricultural Code. This means that only the producer or lawful authorized representative of the producer may sell products at these markets. It also means you’ll see a banner that states the name of the farm or ranch, the county where the farm or ranch grows the available products, and a statement that “We Grow What We Sell,” or a similar phrase.

To verify these regulations of California Certified Farmers’ Markets, CDFA Direct Marketing Program inspectors regularly visit production sites and markets. Such protections allow young farmers and ranchers to utilize Certified Farmers’ Markets for business development and provide small-scale farmers and ranchers a regular venue for sales.

It truly is something special to be able to purchase nutritious, locally grown whole foods directly from a producer. It’s an opportunity to know what’s in season in your area, support a local business, and, as noted by Blue House Farm’s Claire Pinkham in a CDFA video spotlighting the benefits of California Certified Farmers’ Markets, talk to growers about their farming methods and get tips on how to cook the produce they grow.

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

Rooted in Community: Come see what makes California Certified Farmers’ Markets special

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA joins the nation in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week August 3-9 and encourages Californians to vote by September 30 for your favorite farmers’ market in American Farmland Trust’s 2025 America’s Farmers Market Celebration.

Simply put, Certified Farmers’ Markets build healthy relationships with your local farmers and offer local food!

Click on the video to see what makes California Certified Farmers’ Markets special, and why you should view CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Locator to find and visit one in your county!

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

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

Bringing research into practice via Fertilizer Research and Education Program newsletter

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

Click here to view and subscribe to our Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) “Bringing Research into Practice” newsletter.

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

CDFA offers food safety training for Farm to School Network producers and handlers

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Produce Safety Program is partnering with the CDFA Office of Farm to Fork to provide Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Courses July 22-23 and Sept. 23-24 at no cost to California Farm to School Network produce growers and handlers. The free training also is open to all interested California produce growers and handlers.

The PSA Grower Training Course covers Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule requirements that set food safety standards for the production of fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts. It also covers good agricultural practices for the enhanced safety of fresh, nutritious and wholesome produce supplied to local schools and communities across the state. Course completion fulfills the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that “at least one supervisor or responsible party from your farm must have successfully completed food safety training equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”

Click here to view a Produce Safety Rules! blog for further details and to register for the course.

CDFA’s California Farm to School Network endeavors to source school meals from regional farms and educate students about food to ensure California students have access to fresh, nutritious, locally sourced produce. This initiative is an interagency, multi-pronged effort to reimagine school meals while benefitting students, the environment, local farmers and local economies. CDFA’s Produce Safety Program (PSP) conducts on-farm inspections on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to verify FSMA Produce Safety Rule compliance. PSP’s “educate before and while we regulate” goal helps California produce growers and handlers understand enhanced produce safety practices.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork, CDFA Produce Safety Program | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Apply by Aug. 29 to fill vacancies on Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

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

As part of the program, 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.

There are two member positions and one public member position available on the board. The term of office for 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. Member 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 by August 29, 2025. The questionnaire is available on the CDFA website at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/PMAQ_Fertilizer_IAB.pdf.

Application materials may be sent via email to Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov and Elizabeth.Moseby@cdfa.ca.gov, or by mail to:
CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch
Attn:  Brittnie Williams/Elizabeth Moseby
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

For more information, please visit the FMIP website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/fertilizer.html or contact Brittnie Williams or Elizabeth Moseby at (916) 900-5022 or the email addresses above.

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