Press Release

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.

Pueblo’s Original Home & Garden Show is returning to the Colorado State Fairgrounds in 2023 after a two-year hiatus. On March 11 and 12, more than 100 vendors will showcase their products and services that focus on remodeling, rebuilding, and renovation ideas and products for homes, yards, and other living spaces. 

Winter is in full swing and though welcome, the brisk temperatures and frequent snowstorms are making us feel a little chilled. Not to worry,  CDA’s Colorado Proud has you covered to keep you warm with this classic. We present to you, “Hearty Colorado Goulash.” This comforting and easy one pot meal is a medley of carbs, protein, fats and fiber that will feed you for days.

Producers who grow specialty crops can submit their applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). CDA is accepting applications for the grant program in the form of a concept proposal through February 24, 2023.

The Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, a critical link between the citizens of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, is seeking nominations to fill six vacant positions representing the interests of agricultural producers (3), a private landowner (1), a county weed manager (1), and an at-large member (1). 

The Colorado Agricultural Commission has approved funding for four projects through the new Rural Mental Health Grant Program. The Colorado Department of Agriculture will distribute nearly $200,000 in funding to improve how mental and behavioral health services are delivered across Colorado’s rural communities.

Colorado agricultural producers are encouraged to submit their listings for the 2023 Farm Fresh Directory, published annually by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The directory, which will be released in June, promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities, wineries, and farms and ranches that sell directly to the public.

Nearly all Coloradans want to support our state’s agricultural industry, according to a new public opinion survey conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado State University (CSU). The survey shows 98 percent of respondents agreed that Colorado's food and ag industry is important to the state's future economic development; that the presence of ranches, farms, and agriculture is important to the quality of life in Colorado; and that it is important to maintain land and water in Colorado for agricultural purposes.  

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is announcing the hiring of Jo Stanko and George Whitten as Regional Assistant Commissioners of Agriculture. In their new positions, they will serve as liaisons between CDA, their communities, and agricultural communities across the state.  

In one of our best-known fairy tales, the hero of the story couldn’t get started without the help of three little items. Beans. Jack’s beans led him on a giant adventure, and while you can’t quite climb Colorado’s beans, they are no less magical. According to the Colorado Dry Beans Committee, beans are beneficial for human nutrition and environmental health.