AF21C34111D1050087258AAE006E7F8A Hearing Summary

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For SMART ACT PRESENTATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON JOINT SENATE AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND HOUSE AGRICULTURE, WATER & NATURAL RESOURCES
Date Jan 24, 2024
Location Old State Library

SMART Act Presentation from the Department of Agriculture - Committee Discussion Only


	01:06:57 PM	Kate Greenberg, Commissioner of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture (CDA), introduced the presentation. She began with an overview of the mission, vision, and core values of the department, its organizational structure, and their community engagement. Commissioner Greenberg highlighted successes from 2023 for the department, including investment in local food systems, new wild horse working group, and state fair attendance.
	01:18:22 PM	Commissioner Greenberg discussed equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts in the department, including the implementation of a skills-based hiring approach, launching a "Voices in Agriculture" speaker series, and a loan program prioritizing new and beginning farmers.
	01:23:59 PM	Hollis Glenn, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, CDA, discussed the status of the department's American Rescue Plan Act spending. He spoke about the total stimulus funding impact of the investments across Colorado, including in community food access, climate pollution reduction, conservation technical assistance, and the Rural Energy for America Program Grant.
	01:30:37 PM	Mr. Glenn discussed the department's wildly important goals: advancing local food access, building the next generation, expanding water-resilient agriculture, and expanding animal health and welfare.
	01:34:29 PM	Jordan Beezley, CDA, discussed the department's FY 2024-25 budget requests and their legislative agenda.
	01:46:38 PM	Mr. Beezley told the committee about information requests and program reporting that the department currently does, including the Ag Workforce Services Online Portal, Soil Health Outreach, and a Pollinator Health Study.
	01:47:35 PM	Commissioner Greenberg made final comments on the presentation.
	01:49:39 PM	Commissioner Greenberg responded to questions from the committee.
	01:52:49 PM	Mr. Beezley responded to questions from the committee.
	02:01:23 PM	Commissioner Greenberg continued to respond to questions from the committee.
	02:01:46 PM	Mr. Beezley responded to additional questions from the committee.

SMART Act Presentation from the Department of Agriculture - Committee Discussion Only

Colorado General Assembly