There are several policies and programs at both the state and federal level that are open for public input right now.
CalCAN is submitting comments and attending these different sessions to help scale up existing, shove-ready solutions – like the practices supported by the Climate Smart Agriculture Programs – among other agricultural strategies to address the climate crisis.
California Policies & Programs
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking public comment for Farmer- and Rancher-Led Climate Solutions Listening Sessions report. You can read the report here and submit comments to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov by April 30, 2021 at 5pm PST. The listening sessions and comments on the report will ultimately inform the implementation of both Governor Newsom’s Natural and Working Lands Executive Order and the state’s Climate Change Scoping Plan. The 2020 executive order directs state agencies focused on natural and working lands (e.g., CDFA, Natural Resources Department) to deploy strategies that mitigate climate change. The Scoping Plan is essentially a roadmap for achieving California’s ambitious climate goals, and includes a chapter on agriculture.
Many CalCAN farmer partners attended these listening sessions and provided some valuable feedback included in the report. If you are interested in learning more and getting involved in future listening sessions, email us at info@calclimateag.org.
- The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting regional virtual community meetings for community input on the state’s strategy for advancing nature-based solutions to meet the Natural and Working Lands Executive Order. Find more details here and register for the regional meetings below. All meetings are from 4-6pm PST.
- April 27 – Central Coast Region
- April 28 – Sierra Nevada Region
- April 29 – San Joaquin Valley Region
- May 4 – North Coast Region
- May 5 – Los Angeles Region
- May 6 – Inland Desert Region
- The Strategic Growth Council is hosting equity listening sessions for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program. Program staff are seeking ideas for actions and opportunities to advance racial equity in California. This session is open to the community and simultaneous Spanish translation will be offered on April 28, 5-6:15pm PST. Register here.
Federal Programs
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public comment for a federal climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. Read more here and submit your comments before April 30, 2021.
- USDA is also seeking public comment on improving the resilience, security and diversity of our supply chains, in response to weaknesses revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here and submit your comments before May 21, 2021.