CDFA seeks input on Healthy Soils Program

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Food and Agriculture has scheduled a public meeting on Aug. 23 to hear from stakeholders and the public about the Healthy Soils Program.

CDFA said it encourages farmers, ranchers, technical assistance providers, agricultural associations, university and state university partners, commodity groups, agricultural support service organizations, and other agricultural stakeholders — including the members of the public — to engage in this opportunity for dialog about the program itself and approaches for outreach and engagement.

The Healthy Soils Program is part of CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture portfolio. The goal of the program is to reduce greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration on farms and ranches. The program has received $50 million to date and funds a number of conservation management practices to sequester carbon and provide additional benefits.

“Stakeholder outreach is essential for continuous improvement of this program,” said CDFA secretary Karen Ross. “We want to hear from all those interested in the program as we continue to set a precedent for climate change mitigation and food security that other states and nations are looking to as a model.”

The meeting will cover several important topics, including feedback on developing partnerships, information sharing and engagement with socially disadvantaged farmers, conservation practices and program recommendations. Workshops to gather feedback on new changes for the next release of the Healthy Soils Program Request for Proposals will be held in September.

The meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the CDFA main auditorium, 1220 N St., Sacramento. To attend remotely through webinar, register at http://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/90528777663903091