Sacramento, Calif., (August 18, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued California Type Evaluation Program Certificates of Approval to Lyft, Inc. and Uber USA, LLC. after determining that the companies’ digital systems accurately measure distance and time in establishing costs to consumers. Uber and Lyft connect drivers and riders via smartphone apps that provide a …

Visalia, Calif., (August 18, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Alfalfa fields continue being irrigated, cut, and baled. Sorghum for silage is still being cultivated and irrigated. Corn silage is being harvested. Cotton continues to be irrigated, cultivated, and …

Monterey, Calif., (August 17, 2017) – General attendee registration is now open for the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS), slated for December 13-14 in Monterey, CA. A joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will bring together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic …

Fresno, Calif., (August 17, 2017) – The Ag One Foundation announced the creation of two Fresno State student scholarships sponsored by Rabobank N.A. in memory of Tony DeGroot, one of the area’s most respected and innovative dairy farmers. Each scholarship will provide one year’s full tuition and a $500 book stipend for a student in the Jordan College of Agricultural …

Fresno, Calif., (August 17, 2017) – Several students from throughout the San Joaquin Valley recently competed at the 69th National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) in Gillette, Wyoming, from July 16 to 22. Local competitors included Reed Neely, Andee Poole, Chance Strong and CJ Whitney.  These individuals represented District 6 of the California High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA), which encompasses …

Los Banos, Calif., (August 16, 2017) – The signing ceremony for the Water Infrastructure Authority application marks an important milestone for the water users we serve. A diverse group of stakeholders have joined together in a bold effort to advance water storage for California. As chairman of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, I am proud to be a …

Sacramento, Calif., (August 16, 2017) – Join us for the 2017 Blue Ribbon Brunch at the California State Fair Kaiser Permanente Farm on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Blue Ribbon Brunch is a three course farm-to-fork feast with the best fresh, local ingredients, plus award-winning wines, beers and desserts from the California State Fair competitions. The …

Davis, Calif., (August 16, 2017) – In today’s food system, large scale food distribution has become the standard way food moves from farm to market.  The system works well to feed a lot of people, and has allowed us to eat tomatoes in December and send produce far distances while keeping it fresh. But the system is not without its …

Fresno, Calif., (August 15, 2017) – “After decades of talk and nearly two years of a regional effort to put together a stellar application packet, Fresno County Farm Bureau celebrates the San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority’s official filing of the Temperance Flat Dam bid for state water bond funding. “Temperance Flat is an absolute must for the viability of …

Modesto, Calif., (August 15, 2017) – This week CDFA made public the edits suggested to its draft language for a stand-alone quota program. The draft was presented at the last Producer Review Board (PRB), the third in a series of meetings where the PRB diligently and passionately listened and discussed the merits of what was presented to them. Edits ranged …