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Farm to School Month — Palm Springs schools strengthen nutritional programs through local food connections

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food service
employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.

The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) received CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding appropriations in 2021 and 2022. Their project goals have included strengthening contractual relationships with local farmers by bringing them to campuses to cultivate and refurbish school gardens, hosting farmers’ markets, and expanding nutrition education through digital menu boards.

Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, PSUSD hosted farmers’ markets with locally grown produce at 26 of its 27 school sites. At the markets, students learned about the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and met local farmers growing produce that students eat in their cafeterias.

California farmers who have participated in PSUSD’s programming include Mark Tadros from Aziz Farms in Thermal, Anna and Bob Knight from Old Grove Orange in Redlands, and Loren Werth from Food 4 Thought LLC in Fresno.

CDFA’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is part of California’s nation-leading investment in farm to school programs to cultivate equity, nurture students, build climate resilience, and create scalable and sustainable change. The grant program has awarded nearly $87 million in funding to 163 different entities serving 1.5 million public school students.

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

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 Releases 2023 Veterinary Feed Directive Summary Report

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) Program announces the release of the 2023 Veterinary Feed Directive Summary Report.

This report presents an up-to-date illustration of Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) feed manufacturing and distribution in California. The annual VFD Summary Report has been developed to provide a transparent and thorough explanation of the AUS program’s involvement to ensure feed manufacturer / distributor compliance with state and federal VFD order mandates.

2023 Report highlights include:

  • Background, including general information, scope of reporting and processes for protecting confidential information
  • Data tables reporting VFD information by species, drug, indication type and amounts sold, as well as aggregated, informative visuals
  • Animal Health and Food Safety Services and Inspection Services Divisions’ collective, collaborative outreach and education efforts aimed at the public, distributors and veterinarians
  • Plans for the AUS program and future VFD collection and compliance

In conjunction with CDFA’s Commercial Feed Regulatory Program under Food and Agricultural Code (FAC) Section 14092.5, AUS collects VFD information on a quarterly basis from both manufacturers and distributors listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s VFD Distributor Notification list. The information collected is held confidential in accordance with FAC Section 14407.

Click here to view the 2023 Veterinary Feed Directive Summary Report.

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

Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative provides free services to growers in San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Joshua Bingham
Since NII outreach began in 2022, the program has reached over 3,500 participants, including through these events.

The Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative (NII) is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisors, and UC Davis social scientists to help growers and crop consultants improve N- and irrigation-use efficiencies through targeted outreach and education. NII farm advisors and their staff are helping San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast growers improve management practices and adopt system improvements that reduce fertilizer and irrigation costs and meet water quality requirements without compromising yield or quality.

NII activities include free, individualized, on-farm consultations by advisors and their staff, farm trials, and field days that demonstrate N and irrigation best management practices (BMPs), educational events and workshops, and resources such as fact sheets, videos, and articles.

NII farm advisors are hosting educational field days and talks, with most events held during the late fall, winter, and early spring. Topics vary by region and crop and may be sponsored by UCCE, local coalitions, commodity groups, or other collaborators. Farm advisors are also available to provide free, on-farm consultations to growers and their teams. During a consultation, NII advisors will provide individualized recommendations and assist with implementing efficient BMPs.

Click here to view a FREP blog post for more information and details on scheduling an on-farm consultation.

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

Farm to School Month — incorporating produce into school meal programs in San Luis Obispo

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

October is National Farm to School Month. CDFA encourages educators, school food service employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.

The organization Slow Money San Luis Obispo (SLO) is one of many taking part in California’s groundbreaking farm to school movement — educating students, families and the community about the benefits of farm to school programming.

A grantee in CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, Slow Money SLO recently hosted an event with local school nutrition directors at City Farm SLO to discuss the benefits of of incorporating produce into their school meal programs.

Attendees enjoyed a farm tour, picked fresh tomatoes, and ate fresh salsa created from their harvest. Local students visit City Farm SLO throughout the year to receive hands-on education regarding the science and nutrition of the farm’s produce.  

“Students try raw kale and then go home and request it for dinner,” City Farm Executive Director Kayla Rutland explained about the benefits of students visiting the farm. “Students will eat anything when they’re here on the farm and see how it’s grown.”

The Incubator Grant Program has awarded nearly $87 million in funding to 163 different entities serving 1.5 million public school students.

Click here to view this original post on CDFA’s 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

USDA official sees how CDFA increases food access through California Nutrition Incentive Program – next round of funding still accepting applications

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Joshua Bingham
(Left) USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Associate Director for Programs Dionne Toombs, Ph.D., visits with (center) CDFA California Nutrition Incentive Program Manager Sarah Hanson and (right) Davis Farmers Market Assistant Manager Debbie Ramming.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) official recently visited Certified Farmers’ Markets in Sacramento and Davis to witness how USDA funding is utilized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture California Nutrition Incentive Program (CDFA-CNIP) to increase food access.

CNIP is made possible through a robust public-private funding structure – including state funds and federal funding through the USDA-NIFA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which is overseen by visiting USDA-NIFA Associate Director for Programs Dionne Toombs, Ph.D.

CNIP works by providing CalFresh shoppers with a dollar-for-dollar match to purchase California-grown fruits and vegetables. For example, at the Davis Farmers Market, a shopper may use up to $15 of CalFresh benefits and receive $15 in matching CNIP coupons. These can be used that day or later to purchase California-grown fruits and vegetables at the market. This program is often known as Market Match and operates at over 300 Certified Farmers’ Markets and small businesses throughout the state.

Dr. Toombs’ visit highlighted how shoppers and vendors are increasing the sale and consumption of healthy, California-grown fruits and vegetables through CNIP. In 2017-2023, $53 million of CalFresh dollars were spent on California-grown fruits and vegetables, including $29 million in CNIP incentives.

The 2025 CNIP request for proposals is accepting applications until October 11 from qualified entities to distribute nutrition incentives to CalFresh shoppers using their benefits to purchase California-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized Certified Farmers’ Markets, farm stands and small businesses. Visit https://cafarmtofork.cdfa.ca.gov/cnip.html for more information.

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

Apply by Oct. 21 to fill vacancies on Feed Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee

Posted on October 8, 2024 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. 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 October 21, 2024.

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 Technical Advisory Subcommittee, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Leave a comment

Advancements in enteric methane reduction offer real opportunities for California agricultural producers

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an Animal and Veterinary Innovation Agenda that has helped shape future direction for innovative products. California relies on FDA’s federal review and evaluation process for these new and novel products that have demonstrated progress toward climate goals. Elanco Animal Health’s Bovaer® 10 is intended for the reduction of methane emissions in lactating dairy cattle and one of the first of these innovative products that has undergone FDA review for safety and efficacy. This provides agriculture an additional tool to be part of the overall methane reduction strategy.    

On October 3, CDFA’s Feed Inspection Advisory Board and its Technical Advisory Subcommittee met to discuss Elanco’s Bovaer 10. They reviewed information provided to CDFA’s Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch and Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, including the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine enforcement discretion letter to Elanco for 3-NOP. After conducting a review of submitted information and materials, CDFA has no current objection to the sale or use of Bovaer 10 in California, provided it adheres to California-specific labeling requirements, it is used in accordance with its labeling, and that CDFA and FDA continue to have no questions or public health concerns regarding its safety.

California’s climate goals include the reduction of methane emissions to 40% below 2013 levels by 2030, as codified in SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). CDFA’s Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Programs in the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation are assisting the department in working towards this goal. Advancements in enteric methane reduction offer real opportunities for agricultural producers to utilize while contributing toward California’s reputation as a leader in climate-smart agriculture.

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 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA invites Californians to join National Farm to School Month celebration

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

October is National Farm to School Month! This year’s theme is, “From Soil to Sea: Nourishing People and Planet,” honoring the vital role of farmers and ranchers who establish the foundation for a thriving farm to school movement.

Since 2021, CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has reached 49 percent of all California students through an investment of $86 million in 375 projects, benefitting 2.85 million students at 269 school districts.

Stay tuned to Planting Seeds during National Farm to School Month as we highlight grantee projects and regional Farm to School Program staff across the state working to connect farmers to local school districts and improve the health and wellbeing of children and families.

CDFA encourages educators, school foodservice employees, farmers and farm to school enthusiasts across California to join in the celebration. Visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/ for more information.

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

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

Produce Safety Program offers free On-Farm Readiness Reviews

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

Are you prepared for your produce safety regulatory inspection? Are you wondering how the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) apply to your farm and food safety practices?

Get answers to these questions and more by scheduling a free On-Farm Readiness Review!

Click here to view a Produce Safety Rules! Blog for more details.

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

Proven Impact: New Report Highlights Economic and Environmental Benefits of CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA’s California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program brings proven economic and environmental benefits to California food producers and communities, according to a new report authored by researchers from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Berkeley, the Food Insight Group, the Berkeley Food Institute, and the USDA.

“This independent evaluation shows that our California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is working, and that we are empowering our schools and farms to collaborate for the good of our kids and our communities” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

Since 2021, the program has reached 49% of all California students through a total of $86 million invested in 375 projects, benefitting 2,850,196 students at 269 school districts.

This report evaluates the 2021 and 2022 rounds of grant funding. Highlights include:

  • Fifty-seven percent of the program’s farmers made sales to schools between April and September 2023
  • Three producer grantees reported that grant funding likely prevented them from going out of business
  • All producers funded by the grant program use or plan to use climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations during the grant period

To read the full report, click here.

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

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