{"id":18755,"date":"2024-05-16T09:35:26","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T16:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calcanstaging.kinsta.cloud\/?p=18755"},"modified":"2024-05-16T10:45:51","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T17:45:51","slug":"climate-bond-for-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/calclimateag.org\/mx\/climate-bond-for-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"Calls for a Climate Bond Increase as State Budget Deficit Threatens Investments in Climate Smart Agriculture Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Governor Newsom’s latest budget proposal for 2024-25, known as the “May Revision,” lacks critical program funding for climate smart agriculture programs \u2013 amplifying the need for a climate bond to include significant investments for a climate resilient food system.<\/span><\/p>\n

The projected budget deficit of $44.9 billion has resulted in a mix of funding delays, clawbacks, and no new proposed funding for CDFA\u2019s suite of climate smart agriculture programs and several other programs centered on supporting small and mid-size farmers.<\/span><\/p>\n

This interruption in funding for popular programs among California farmers and ranchers will set back efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon on agricultural land, and slow efforts to reach the state\u2019s climate goals, including the State\u2019s <\/span>recently released <\/span>goals for the natural and working lands sector<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the proper programs and funding in place, the agricultural sector has the potential to make meaningful contributions to curbing climate change. <\/span>Well-managed grazing lands<\/span><\/a> have been shown to help reduce the spread and intensity of devastating wildfires by acting as a natural buffer. While farmers participating in <\/span>groundwater recharge<\/span><\/a> efforts play an important role in replenishing groundwater basins and reducing drought <\/span>potential. The critical scaling of these efforts is hindered by the lack of necessary resources and funding year over year. The stakes remain high for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers who are on the frontlines of climate change impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, our food system affects <\/span>all<\/span> Californians – in addition to those on the front lines.\u00a0 Food insecurity and the effects of climate change including unprecedented wildfires, catastrophic flood events, droughts, and <\/span>rising food prices<\/span><\/a> continue to affect the lives of Californians throughout the state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We call on the legislature and Governor Newsom to pass a climate bond measure that includes investments in infrastructure that we need to build a more healthy, just and resilient food and farming system, similar to the top priorities included in <\/span>AB 408<\/span><\/a> (Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To create a more equitable and resilient food and farming system, investments are essential to support:<\/span><\/p>\n