Climate Change

Colorado continues to fight climate change with a series of newly signed laws

Several state agencies will implement policies to slash greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, protect our natural and agricultural lands, and make the state more resilient 

Governor Polis recently signed into law a series of bills passed by the Colorado legislature that build on the state’s commitment to an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy through robust policies and targeted funding. 

Soil Health Advisory Committee Selects Local Partners to Support Soil Conservation

The Colorado STAR soil health program is expanding to an estimated 300 producers, with the addition of 21 Conservation Districts and 7 eligible entities to the list of STAR Plus administrating entities. Funding for this expansion comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Climate Smart Commodities (CSC) grant, which invested $3.1 billion in 141 projects across the country. CDA was the only state department of agriculture to be selected as a project lead on a CSC grant. 

CDA Seeking Deputy Conservation Director & Climate Resilience Specialist to Lead Development of Climate Smart Agricultural Strategies

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is recruiting qualified applicants for a new position of Deputy Director of the Conservation Division & Climate Resilience Specialist. This position will support the work of the Division and oversee several programs and strategic initiatives related to climate resilience.

$2.5 Million Available for Organizations to Implement Soil Health Program

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is now accepting applications from Colorado’s conservation districts and other eligible entities interested in administering STAR Plus grant funding to agricultural producers who expand or introduce soil health practices in their operations. Improving soil health, a key component of responding to the effects of climate change in agricultural landscapes, can improve available soil moisture, reduce agricultural runoff, decrease erosion, and support more productive, nutritious crops.

Input From Ag Producers Needed On The Natural and Working Lands Strategic Plan To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution

Colorado Department of Agriculture is seeking input from farmers and ranchers on the agricultural section of the Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Strategic Plan, which is part of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap released in early 2021 as a result of House Bill 19-1261

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Announces $3B Investment into Agriculture, Partnership Initiative for Climate Smart Agricultural, Forestry Practices

Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg issued the following statement after a visit from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Colorado. During the visit, the Secretary announced a $3 billion investment into agriculture, animal disease prevention, and nutrition, and announced a new partnership initiative for climate smart agricultural and forestry programs.