SACRAMENTO, CA - As plans for climate action remain in the spotlight nationwide, here in the Golden State, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California State Board of Food and Agriculture have announced a bold plan for the future. Named Ag Vision for the Next Decade, the strategy centers on growing opportunities for farmers and ranchers, farmworkers, individuals, and communities.

“Ag Vision is a plan for every Californian, from those who care about the land and landscape and making it better for the future to those who work with or live around farming communities,” said Karen Ross, Secretary for CDFA. “It’s a plan for those curious about their food and health and those who care about climate action to foster more climate-smart, resilient, and restorative food systems. While the plan is intended to guide the actions of CDFA, we can’t do it alone. To bring Ag Vision to life, we need private and public entities, community leaders, and diverse stakeholders to come together to advance the vision through collaboration, partnerships, and action.” 

The plan will guide areas of focus for CDFA and serve as a catalyst for action with farmers and ranchers, as well as other California agencies and partners, according to a release. Not just a plan for agriculture; the organizations believe the plan will benefit all Californians.

Developed using a robust and inclusive process, the plan focuses on five key priority areas:

• Fostering climate-smart, resilient, and regenerative food systems
• Building healthy, local communities
• Driving next-generation talent and tools
• Enhancing understanding of agriculture
• Collaborating on smarter regulations

Ag Vision was created with inputs from a diverse set of agricultural stakeholders. One-on-one interviews were held with members of an Ag Vision task force representing the diversity of geographic regions and crops grown in the state and members of the State Board of Food and Agriculture.

“California is the fifth largest agricultural economy in the world, and with that comes the responsibility to enable a framework where farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and communities can thrive,” said Jenet DeCosta, State Board Member and Ag Vision Committee Chair. “Through Ag Vision, the farming community will further its positive impact to make an even bigger difference to people in our communities, state, and around the globe.”

To read more about this plan, click here.

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California Department of Food and Agriculture