Ag Vision for the Next Decade is an ambitious plan for the future unveiled by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Every Californian, from those who value the environment and the land to those who reside in or interact with farming communities, will gain from this strategy.
Growing possibilities for farmers and ranchers, farmworkers, individuals, and communities are at the heart of Ag Vision. Moreover, it aims to show leadership in climate action. The strategy will direct the CDFA’s areas of concentration and work as a catalyst for action with farmers, ranchers, and other partners throughout California. It is being lauded as a strategy that will help every Californian, not just those involved in agriculture.
According to Karen Ross, Secretary for CDFA, “Ag Vision is a plan for every Californian, from those who care about the land and environment and making it better for the future to those who work with or live in farming communities.”
Ag Vision has several objectives, such as improving public awareness of agriculture, representing California farmers and ranchers before the government and other agencies, and encouraging participation from urban and rural audiences. In addition, it is intended to unite both public and commercial organizations, civic leaders, and a wide range of stakeholders to achieve the vision via cooperation, partnerships, and action.
Interviews with members of the State Board of Food and Agriculture and members of the Ag Vision task force, who represent the variety of geographical locations and crops farmed in California, were conducted to create Ag Vision. Also, seven virtual roundtable conversations with different agricultural sectors in California, including processors, supply chain partners, historically neglected farmers, dairy and cattle farmers, berry growers, and tree nut producers, were held.
Ag Vision is an ambitious plan that has the potential to benefit all Californians. By enhancing the understanding of agriculture, promoting engagement among urban and rural communities, and taking a leadership role in climate action, the CDFA and the California State Board of Food and Agriculture are setting the stage for a brighter future for the state’s farmers, ranchers, and all those who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
