This week, State Commissioners, Directors and Secretaries of Agriculture from Western states gathered in Denver for the annual Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA) conference. Discussions included an opening youth panel, innovation in water resilience, public, private and philanthropic partnerships, and opportunities for producers using regenerative agriculture practices.
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg was in Washington D.C. this week attending the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) conference to advocate for Colorado’s interests on the national level.
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.
Water was an important focus of our trip as it is a critical resource for agriculture. Part of the purpose of our visit to the San Luis Valley was to see irrigation projects and attend the Congreso de Acequias, an annual celebration of water, land, and community that shines a light on acequias as both irrigation ditches and forms of community self-governance. Throughout our visit, we were reminded that water plays an essential role in the communities of the Valley.
Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg has issued the following statement of opposition regarding Renewable Water Resources' proposal to export water from the San Luis Valley:
In late October I had the opportunity to spend multiple days touring farms, ranches, and other ag operations across northeast Colorado. As Commissioner of Agriculture, meeting producers across our state is not only one of my favorite parts of the job, but one of the most important. It is critical for me to continue listening and learning from those whose lives revolve around agriculture, and that is precisely what this trip offered.
Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg issued the following statement in response to the news of the passing of Brian Allmer, the lead host of the Brian Allmer Radio Network and a dedicated agriculture journalist and radio host.
"I am so deeply saddened to hear the news of Brian Allmer’s passing. It is a shock to so many and an immense loss for Colorado’s agricultural community.
Broomfield, Colo. - Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg provided the following statement following the passage of the new federal omnibus spending bill:
“The prioritization of agriculture, food security and rural communities in the new federal government stimulus package underscores how essential agriculture is to Colorado and the nation,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2020
Contact: Mary Peck, 720-428-0441, mary.peck@state.co.us
Broomfield, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) Conservation Services Division is pleased to announce the signing of a five-year, $5 million agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB), housed within CDA.