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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

CDFA announces vacancies on Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board

Posted on September 17, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

Apply by Nov. 25 to fill one of three vacancies

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has announced three vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. The board advises the CDFA Secretary on CDFA’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 licenses, product registration fees and mill assessments.

There are three board member positions available. 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. Board 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 (PMAQ). The PMAQ is available on the CDFA website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/PMAQ_Fertilizer_IAB.pdf. Both the resume and PMAQ are due by November 25, 2024.

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

For more information, contact Brittnie Williams at (916) 900-5022 Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA press 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

CA Farm to School Network newsletter highlights available funding, events, education & more

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

Click on the graphic above to view the July California Farm to School Network newsletter and subscribe to automatically receive future newsletters.

The California Farm to School Program is part of the Office of Farm to Fork in the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s 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

Groundbreaking Farm to School Program awards $52.8 million for projects across California

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

As part of California’s groundbreaking Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, CDFA today announced $52.8 million in funding for 195 projects across the state that will serve 1,650,985 students.

In total, these projects will serve 199 school districts and educational entities, 52 farms, eight food hubs and five California Native American tribes. 

“Supporting healthy food access is foundational to giving our kids the best start in life and preventing chronic disease,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Farm to School and the state’s other groundbreaking efforts in this space are making a real difference for thousands of California families every day, with countless benefits for our communities, local producers and the future of our state.”

Since 2021, CDFA’s Farm to School Incubator Grant 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.

“Through California Farm to School, the state is setting a nation-leading standard for childhood nutrition,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Together with universal school meals, we’re ensuring students have access to two delicious and nutritious meals each day, and that those meals are locally sourced, climate-smart and offered to students alongside hands-on educational opportunities in school gardens, farms and kitchens.”

For this round of funding, the Incubator Grant Program received 499 applications and $129 million in funding requests. This is almost double the number of project proposals from the previous grant cycle and six-times the number of project proposals from the inaugural year of 2021.

“These projects show the tremendous passion for farm to school in all corners of California,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We’re excited to support each awardee with resources and training to ensure these programs continue making progress toward fresh, local foods in school cafeterias and classrooms.”

This grant round offers four distinctive funding tracks and provides opportunities for K-12 school districts, technical assistance providers, early care and education centers, agricultural producers and food hubs. Visit the CA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program website to view the full list of grantees. Visit the CDFA Farm to School Program webpage to learn more about CDFA’s farm to school programs.

Farm to School projects help establish healthy eating habits that children can carry into adulthood. The state is guided in this effort by the recommendations of Planting the Seed: Farm to School Roadmap to Success, a report created through a collaboration championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. Work to broaden the initiative’s reach to more students is ongoing. 

Click here to view this original CDFA press release.

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