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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 04 August 2020

The Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel, or EFA SAP, is seeking written public comments on adding an Organic Systems Plan option to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Program.

The EFA SAP is the primary public engagement body for this and other CDFA Climate Smart Agriculture programs.

The panel had requested CDFA staff develop options and recommendations to consider a proposal by stakeholders to add an Organic Systems Plan for funding through the Healthy Soils Program.

At the panel’s most recent public meeting on July 16, 2020, CDFA staff proposed three options and made two recommendations. The presentation can be found here under Documents for Public Comment.

Following deliberations after the July 16 staff presentation, the panel will now allow written public comments on the options and recommendations.

The EFA SAP was particularly interested in Option 3, which will allow the Organic Systems Plan to be considered under CDFA’s Technical Assistance Program. However, the panel would also like to hear other options that may have not been considered yet.

Public comments will be accepted Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, through Monday, August 31, 2020, at 5 p.m. PT, and can be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 03 August 2020

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear updates on actions taken by farmers and ranchers to protect farmworkers during COVID-19 at its upcoming webinar meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The board will also hear updates on food assistance programs developed to address the unprecedented need within communities.

The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via GoToWebinar.

Meeting Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8708932944842155277 .

Webinar ID: 444-407-955.

“California farmers, ranchers and farmworkers continue to work during this pandemic to bring food to our tables,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “All of us are concerned with worker safety and are taking the best precautions available to meet the unique needs that our agricultural sector faces both on and off the farm. The farm and agricultural community are in this together and are working collaboratively to ensure a safe and equitable work environment as we adapt to the changing dynamics of COVID-19.”

Invited speakers include Alexandra Allen, Main Street Produce, Inc.; Amelia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards; Bruce Rominger, Rominger Brothers Farms; Joe Del Bosque, Del Bosque Farms; Milton O’Haire, Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner; Steve Linkhart, California Association of Food Banks, Steve Brazeel, Sun Terra Produce; and Brian Kaiser, California Department of Social Services.

“From the fields to the processing plants farmers are concerned for farmworker safety during COVID-19 and are taking action,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “It’s not an easy process, given the nature of farming, but we are adapting and succeeding – following federal/state guidance, implementing social distancing, use of masks, crew rotations, dividers on harvesting equipment and more. As a community we are finding solutions that work and seeking help where we need it.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs.

The board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

Follow the board on twitter at www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard .

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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 31 July 2020

Coastal and marine fishery participants – including licensed commercial fishermen, fish buyers, aquaculture businesses, charter boat owners and guides – who have experienced a loss of income due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for federal relief funding disbursed through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The funding is part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act. This more than $2 trillion economic relief package provides direct economic assistance for American workers, families and small businesses that have been impacted COVID-19. About $18 million in CARES funding was earmarked specifically for fisheries assistance in California.

CDFW estimates that there are more than 11,500 potentially eligible applicants for this funding, including individuals who work in the offshore, shoreside, aquaculture, commercial passenger fishing vessel and guide sectors.

Eligibility will be based on, among other things, a minimum 35 percent loss of fishing-related income due to COVID-19 between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020. Applicants must also submit documentation demonstrating active involvement in a qualifying sector. The approved disbursement plan can be found here.

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is serving as fiscal agent for these funds. PSMFC will mail claim forms to all potentially eligible applicants to the address on file with CDFW. Forms and documentation must be returned within 30 days to be eligible for disbursement.

Following the close of the 30-day response period, final disbursement totals will be calculated and relief checks will be issued to qualified applicants. CDFW is requesting all potentially eligible applicants update their address on file by Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Address verification instructions are available here.

For more information, please refer to CDFW’s webpage for the CARES Act. Email inquiries can be sent to CDFW at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .