CDFA Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

08/19/2026

Across California orchard systems, especially nut orchards in the southern San Joaquin Valley, roof rat pressure has grown significantly in recent years. These long‑established invasive pests are causing more damage than ever, creating real economic and operational challenges for producers.

To support growers, CDFA’s Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program partnered with Dr. Roger Baldwin, Professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis, to develop a 20‑video YouTube course focused on practical, science‑based strategies for managing roof rats in orchard environments.

The course covers:
• Monitoring strategies
• Habitat modification
• Biological control
• Trapping
• Baiting
• Burrow fumigation

Produced in collaboration with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and CDFA, this series blends applied research, regulatory awareness, and real‑world field experience.

Designed for growers, PCAs, and agricultural professionals, the course highlights integrated management approaches to help protect orchard productivity and support long‑term sustainability.

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/ipc/vertebrates/rat_management_resources.html

📸 The image shown highlights visible roof rat damage growers are increasingly encountering in their orchards.

08/18/2026

The Department of Food and Agriculture and The Department of Pesticide Regulation explored precision aerial applications, tomato and almond harvesting, and agricultural drone technology during this informative field tour.

We extend our sincere thanks to the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) and everyone who contributed to this experience.

08/11/2026

Healthy avocados start with healthy soils 🌱.

A recent grower case study highlights how two Southern California avocado producers used practices supported through CDFA's Healthy Soils Program to improve soil health, reduce irrigation needs, increase soil organic matter, and build more resilient orchards. By applying compost and mulch, growers saw healthier trees, improved water retention, and stronger long-term productivity.
The study showcases real world results from growers in Riverside and San Diego Counties, demonstrating how investments in soil health can strengthen orchards while supporting sustainable agriculture across California.

National Avocado Day may have passed, but the benefits of healthy soils are worth celebrating year around. We are recognizing the California growers investing in healthier soils to help their orchards thrive today and for future harvests.

Learn more about the Healthy Soils Program:
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/

Case study researched and written by Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, a Technical Assistance Provider for the Healthy Soils Program Incentives Grant.
https://www.solanacenter.org/hsp-case-study

08/09/2026

On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we honor Indigenous communities whose stewardship and Traditional Ecological Knowledge have shaped California’s landscapes for generations.

These practices continue to guide resilience, biodiversity, wildfire preparedness, and soil health—core principles of the Healthy Soils program.

Our office is committed to supporting Tribal-led projects, including a dedicated set-aside of up to $4 million for Tribal governments and affiliated nonprofit organizations. A Tribal-specific Block Grant is being developed through consultation, with a separate solicitation planned for early 2027.

Tribes remain eligible to apply through the standard Healthy Soils Block Grant solicitation.

08/05/2026

This harvest season, the results speak for themselves. The Hilmar Cluster has already produced enough renewable natural gas to replace 1.8 million gallons of diesel, all while significantly reducing methane emissions.

Supported by California Climate Investments and the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program, these projects highlight how California dairy farmers are delivering real climate and community benefits.

Cleaner energy, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future.

Learn More:

Hilmar Cluster: Making a Real Difference February 2, 2026April 27, 2026Posted in Producer Success StoryTagged Methane Reduction Through the implementation of anaerobic digesters, CalBioGas Hilmar LLC (Hilmar Cluster), working with Hilmar dairy farmers, are leading the way toward a more sustainable f...

07/28/2026

Pesticide use in California isn’t one-size-fits-all.

New analysis shows how shifts in crop acreage and which products suit growers specific needs are influencing statewide pesticide use.

Curious what’s driving the data? Read more to find out.

🔗 Link in bio (OARS Blog)

https://blogs.cdfa.ca.gov/oars-blog/index.php/2026/05/05/how-opca-is-making-sense-of-californias-pesticide-use-trends/

07/14/2026

Healthy soils and water efficiency go hand in hand.

While soil health practices build organic matter, improve water retention, and strengthen resilience from the ground up, irrigation efficiency helps farmers use water more precisely and effectively.

Together, these approaches create stronger, more climate-resilient farms.

🌱 Healthy soils help the land hold onto water longer
💧 Efficient irrigation ensures every drop is used wisely
🌾 Combined, they support productivity and long-term sustainability

Across California, farmers and ranchers are using both approaches to build systems that are more resilient and prepared for the future.

Right now, both the Healthy Soils Program and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) are accepting Concept Proposals for block grants.

If your organization is interested in serving as a Block Grant Recipient, this is your opportunity to apply and help deliver these practices to your communities.

07/09/2026

While California’s pesticide use reporting sets the standard for transparency, CDFA’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is helping explain what’s behind the numbers.

Their latest report uncovers how crop trends and specific pesticide products are shaping statewide trends.

Learn more.

How OPCA Is Making Sense of California’s Pesticide Use Trends May 5, 2026May 5, 2026Posted in InformationalTagged OPCA California leads the nation in data transparency through the collection and sharing of pesticide use data, providing stakeholders, state agencies, and the public with valua...

07/02/2026

The OARS Team had a great time at the Farmland Summit at CSU Chico on July 1st. The event brought together academics, non-profits, farmers, and government officials to strategize on building a thriving, resilient, and sustainable farming sector for the future.

06/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at last week’s State of the Science Summit on reducing methane from animal agriculture. From engaging presentations to meaningful conversations, your participation helped make this event a success.

We are grateful to our speakers, panelists, partners, sponsors, and attendees for contributing their expertise, insights, and perspectives. The connections made and ideas shared throughout the event will help advance meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.

Thank you for being part of the conversation. Please enjoy these photos and candid moments from the Summit that captures the energy, collaboration and exchange of ideas that made this year so impactful!

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