The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is developing a pivotal Agricultural Climate Resilience strategy, aiming to safeguard the state's diverse agricultural sector against escalating climate challenges.
The CDFA's strategy marks a significant step in shaping California ag policy to address climate impacts. The goal is to create a unified framework that guides current and future initiatives, ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability.
The strategy's development involves seeking input from the agriculture industry; addressing issues (e.g., land use, wildfire mitigation, air quality, water resources, soil health, dairy sustainability, and energy) and; focusing on practical solutions and policy recommendations.
A core element of the strategy involves promoting sustainable ag practices to mitigate water scarcity mitigation. This includes optimizing water use, implementing cover crops, and adopting climate-smart technologies.
The strategy is currently in the drafting phase and is scheduled to be released for public comment in summer 2025. The state is seeking input from the agriculture industry as a whole. Reach out to climate@cdfa.ca.gov if you have questions or input.
