08/28/2026
CDFA hosted five Maddy Institute Agricultural Policy interns this summer, who each received an in-depth look at the policies shaping agriculture while preparing them for a career in agricultural policy and public service.
“We’re pleased to work with the Maddy Institute each summer to introduce our next generation of agricultural leaders to the scope of work at the California Department of Food and Agriculture,” CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said. “This year’s interns worked hard, received praise from their managers, and I look forward to seeing how this experience will benefit their careers.”
Intern thoughts on their experience at CDFA:
“This internship has been an incredibly fulfilling two months, filled with kind and encouraging leaders, challenging yet meaningful work, and useful learning experiences. I’ve gained such a deep understanding of CDFA’s role in the vast Californian agricultural industry, and I look forward to future interactions with the department as a fourth generation CA farmer and rancher.”
– Nico Donati
California State University, Fresno, Agricultural Business Major
Internship with CDFA Executive Office
“Throughout my time in the Legal Office, the attorneys and support staff consistently made themselves available to answer questions and to explore all divisions of CDFA. My experience has reinforced my own personal belief that as professionals advance in their careers, they assume a responsibility to develop those who follow. It is a motif I intend to carry forward in my own public service career.”
– Anthony Dula-Porter, California State University, Stanislaus, Master of Public Administration, Internship with CDFA Legal Office
“I gained a deeper understanding of California’s agricultural, animal health, and food safety systems, as well as regulatory interpretation and emergency response efforts in current, evolving situations. This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career at the intersection of agricultural regulations, food safety/animal health, and public service, and has given me valuable insight into the important work performed by CDFA staff every day.”
– Lisbeth Lopez Cedeno, California State University, Fresno, Master of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Internship with CDFA Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services / Animal Health Branch
“This internship has provided me the opportunity to gain real-life experience in the government realm of agriculture. While working on Budget Change Proposals (BCPs), I learned how funding is distributed, acquired, and utilized in a CDFA program, such as in the Pierce’s Disease Control Program. I am grateful for this opportunity to work directly with CDFA, learning about its diverse programs, resilient staff, and mission.”
– Rhiana Neri, California State University, Stanislaus, Agriculture Major, Sustainable Agriculture Concentration, Internship with CDFA Pierce’s Disease Control Program
“The internship allowed me to learn about government work from real industry professionals. I now have a much greater understanding of the field I hope to work in one day. I am very grateful to the Maddy Institute and CDFA for giving me this opportunity to grow professionally in a way I would have never thought possible.”
– Sydney Pierce, California State University, Fresno, Agricultural Communications Major, Internship with CDFA Marketing Services Division
Photo Caption: (Center) CDFA Secretary Ross and (left) CDFA Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina stand with Maddy Institute summer interns (L-R) Nico Donati, Lisbeth Lopez Cedeno, Rhiana Neri, Sydney Pierce and Anthony Dula-Porter.
https://plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov/index.php/2026/08/28/maddy-institute-summer-interns-benefit-from-exposure-to-cdfa-public-service/
