Just as a map or compass leads a traveler to a destination, a plan and strategic priorities can guide stakeholders in long-term planning.
That’s what the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California State Board of Food and Agriculture had in mind when releasing a multiagency agricultural vision map for the state, called Ag Vision for the Next Decade.
“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,” Jenet DeCosta, state board member and Ag Vision committee chair, said in a news release. “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.”
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The plan sets priorities and focus areas for CDFA and is a tool for farmers and ranchers and California agencies. It is intended to support not just agriculture in the state, but also all Californians, according to the release. Ag Vision addresses climate action and highlights growth opportunity for farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and communities.
Ag Vision’s plan focuses on five key priorities:
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 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,” Karen Ross, secretary for CDFA, said in the release. “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.”
Ag Vision was created with input from a diverse range of agricultural stakeholders. Interviews were held with members of an Ag Vision task force representing the diversity of geographic regions and crops grown in California, along with members of the State Board of Food and Agriculture. Seven virtual roundtable discussions occurred with various segments of California agriculture, including dairy and livestock farmers, berry growers, tree nut producers, processors, supply chain partners and historically underserved farmers.
Visit the CDFA website learn more about Ag Vision and read the plan on the future of California agriculture.
