Climate-smart agriculture

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.

USDA Under Secretary Bonnie, Agriculture Commissioner Greenberg Discuss Agency Alignment on Climate Smart Ag Programs

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg met today with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie to discuss the alignment between the state and federal agencies on climate resilience and stewardship of natural and working lands. They were joined by Colorado Farm Service Agency (FSA) state director Kent Peppler and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Clint Evans and others leading climate work for the federal government. 

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