CA Dept of Food & Agriculture

State Board of Food and Agriculture to Visit UC Merced on Agricultural Research

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hold a public meeting at UC Merced on April 7, 2026, to hear updates on the campus Agricultural Experimental Station and Secure Water Future collaborative. The Board will also receive a report from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation on the first annual status update for SprayDays California, the nation's first statewide pesticide notification system.

State Council on Food and Agriculture Visits UC Merced

The California State Council on Food and Agriculture received research updates from UC Merced researchers on the campus Agricultural Experiment Station and Secure Water Future initiative at a meeting on April 7, 2026. The Council also received a report on the first annual progress update for SprayDays California, the nation's first statewide pesticide notification system.

Four Vacancies, Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee, Sacramento, CA

The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board's Technical Advisory Subcommittee. CDFA is accepting applications from individuals with expertise in agronomy, soil science, plant science, irrigation, production agriculture, or environmental issues. The application deadline is July 31, 2026, for terms beginning January 1, 2027.

CDFA Seeks Members for Fertilizer Inspection Technical Advisory Subcommittee

The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Committee Technical Advisory Subcommittee. The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on fertilizer use and irrigation water efficiency, advising on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and recommending research priorities and proposals. Applications are due July 31, 2026, for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2027. Members serve without compensation but receive travel expense reimbursement.

CDFA Farm to School Grant Supports Yolo County Citrus Farm

CDFA announced that Karina Sparks of Sparks Ranch in Yolo County received funding through the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program in the 2023/24 grant cycle. The grant enabled the citrus farm to build a larger sorting and storage facility, hire additional crew members, and expand sales of oranges directly to local school districts.